Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

Chapter 1

At the Spectra Awards ceremony, rising star Zara Hayes received her first Best Actress award. When the host asked how she felt and planned to reward herself, she turned to the award presenter beside her, Dorian Blake-the screen legend.

"Can I have your sandalwood bracelet, Mr. Blake?"

Her words stunned the audience. Everyone in the entertainment industry knew that the sandalwood bracelet was Dorian's most treasured possession and never left his side since his debut.

There had long been rumors in the industry that Dorian was offered a luxury watch endorsement. At that time, the brand wanted him to wear their watch exclusively, without his sandalwood bracelet. However, Dorian flatly refused, stating he would rather forgo the endorsement than take off his beloved bracelet.

To salvage the situation, the brand specifically designed a Zen-inspired watch to go with his sandalwood bracelet. So, had Zara gone nuts? Why would she ask for Dorian's bracelet?

The host froze on stage and found himself in a quandary. Just as everyone awaited a rejection from Dorian, he surprisingly let out a chuckle and slowly removed his bracelet from his wrist to put it onto Zara's.

In the audience, Lila Hart witnessed the scene in silence. Unbeknownst to the world, the well-respected screen legend on stage was her boyfriend of five years. Similarly, rarely anyone knew that she acquired the sandalwood bracelet after painstakingly climbing a thousand stairs up to Mount Shasta.

Of course, nobody knew she carved the primrose patterns on the sandalwood beads themselves.

Onstage, Zara excitedly showed off the bracelet. "Thank you, Mr. Blake, for all the encouragement and knowledge you've generously shared with me. I'll continue to work hard and look forward to seeing you all in the next project."

Her voice was as sweet as her appearance. A faint smile lit up Dorian's face, but it quickly vanished when he turned toward Lila and noticed her empty seat.

On her way back to the company, Lila could hear discussions about Dorian and Zara's interaction at the awards ceremony. Sourness formed tears that welled up in her eyes, and she hurried into the washroom.

After the cold water hit her face, she lifted her head to look at herself in the mirror. Her eyes reddened at the sight of her pathetic state after a frantic escape.

She and Dorian had known each other for seven years and dated for five. She had stood by him as he transformed from a nobody into a screen legend. Despite all the blood, sweat, and tears, she enjoyed the whole journey because she wholeheartedly did it for him.

once. He earnestly explained that she was the girl next door

three years, she willingly sacrificed her passion for directing and put all her effort into building Dorian. He wasn't well-known then and couldn't land good roles, so she scampered around, begging for opportunities. That was on top

Lila took on many jobs at once. She became Dorian's manager, assistant, photographer... anything but

yearn for the future together. "Lila, once I win Best

affirming, "I'd love that," while she drowned in anticipation. To realize their wish, she gave her everything to assist him while he similarly

won Best Actor and became a screen legend. Before Lila could receive his proposal, the girl he grew up with returned to

felt a responsibility to take care of Zara and honor their years of friendship, especially since she was alone in

to cry. To honor their years of friendship, huh? What about her,

years, Dorian had been supportive of Zara at every step of the way, including giving her screenplay and endorsement

yet all she got in return was for him to give away that sandalwood bracelet.

it because he jumped into the water to save me? But so many other people share the

him-sacrificing my career, giving my everything so he

again. The last two years had worn out all

Blake's Enduring Gift: The Sandalwood Bracelet He Gave Zara Hayes" was the trending news article, gaining traction

other related posts, the first one that came up was a fan-edited video of

back was facing Lila. It wasn't until then that she saw the look on his face. The man, who was typically serious and

in the replies section. Within just half a day, the

of Dorian casually removing the bracelet flashed across Lila's eyes, she suddenly recalled the endearing and surprised look he wore when

realization. She tossed her phone to the

the entire room. At that moment, someone opened the door and switched on the lights. Lila instinctively covered her eyes, and her phone happened to run out

sight of her exhausted state. "Why did you leave early? I searched the whole venue before finding out you

his touch and propped herself up to her feet. She looked up at him, her eyes devoid of any decipherable