Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

Chapter 11

Dorian cast a cold glance at Darcy, and his annoyance was evident. "What are you making a fuss about? What's going on?"

After the initial shock of his harsh tone, she felt unjustly treated. "You just had a fight with Lila, and now Ms. Parker won't teach me anymore. You know I'm about to graduate, and without her guidance, I might not have any chance of getting into the Northridge Opera House!"

Alex Parker was a renowned figure in stage acting, having revitalized the nearly defunct Northridge Opera House during her long career. Although retired, the opera house couldn't bear to let her go and had rehired her.

Although Dorian wasn't particularly fond of Darcy, she was one of the few remaining family ties, and he cared about her situation.

Lila, understanding his struggles, had been helping to ease this burden. Despite not liking the bossy and spoiled Darcy, she had never neglected her.

When Darcy refused to live on campus, Lila arranged for her to rent the best apartment nearby. When she needed help with her skills, Lila hired the best etiquette teacher and even used connections from the Morgan family to bring in Alex, who hadn't taken on students in years.

In a way, Darcy had inherited Alex's guidance. As long as her skills were up to par, the opera house would reluctantly accept her, especially because of Alex's reputation. Now, with graduation approaching and the opera house's assessments looming, Darcy was devastated to hear that Alex would no longer teach her.

Feeling indignant, she had come to complain to Dorian that morning, unexpectedly running into the source of her grievances. She pointed an accusatory finger at Lila and sneered. "You think you can use my future to force Dorian to apologize and win you back?

"Didn't you have the guts to break up first? What are you trying to play at now?" Dorian's gaze turned even colder. "This is between us; why drag Darcy into it?" Lila regarded them silently for a moment before laughing softly. She lowered her eyes, then raised them to meet Dorian's. Despite the early summer heat, her expression was icy enough to send a chill through him. In that instant, he felt as if he had lost something significant.

But before he could dwell on it, Lila said calmly, "I'm not aware of the situation with Ms. Parker."

"You're lying! How could you not know? She's the one you hired, and now that you and Dorian have broken up, she's stopped teaching me. Who else could be behind this?" Darcy was growing frantic.

"You're really calculating and malicious, aren't you? Dorian, don't consider reconciling with her! Look at her true colors!" Darcy shouted.

"Darcy Blake!"

Lila addressed Darcy by name. Her tone was sharp, which frightened Darcy a

"You-"

replied, "I had nothing to do with Alex's decision not to teach you. Even if I did, what

it! It was her all along!" Darcy smirked disdainfully. "Do you think Dorian won't be able to bring

the day you confessed your feelings? You said you only loved me and trusted me,

scoffed. "Someone like you

deeply into her eyes. "What I said that day still stands; I've never considered breaking that promise. You hold a special place in my heart that no one can replace. But your recent actions have

Parker back so she can continue teaching Darcy. This is about her future, not a bargaining chip to

"

the situation utterly absurd. How could he still

Darcy was confused. Given the circumstances, why was he still considering being with Lila? "What do you expect Zara to do if you don't

more about this topic. She didn't want to say anything further, so she turned to

to let go. "You owe me

turned back. Her expression was calm, but her voice was icy. "Who do you think you are? Why

chill run down her spine, experiencing a

just trying to save your skin now that Dorian is done with you, right? Not only do you want to ruin my chances at the Northridge Opera House, but you

this accusation. "Lila, when will you stop this? Are you trying to stir trouble everywhere? First, it was at Mr. Foster's place, and now it's at the company. Is it your

further. "What? Do you want an explanation from me as well?" She let out a bitter laugh. "You think you can ask me for an

could finish, Dorian slapped her. He was

face instantly bore the mark of his hand, swelling in response.

out a mocking laugh and raised her gaze. Her cold gaze sent