Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

Chapter 19

Zara gripped Lila's arm tightly, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Lila, what did I ever do to you? Why are you treating me like this? Why are you targeting me?

"You like Dorian, and I never tried to take him from you. We may have grown up together, but I've always known he cares about you.

"I even kept telling him to explain things to you, that there's nothing between us. Why won't you believe me? What do you gain from coming after me like this? Haven't Dorian and I already tried to keep our distance?

"If you don't like me and you want me gone, just let me know. I'll stay away from him. But why mess with my career over it?"

Zara looked as if she were bearing the weight of countless grievances. Strands of her messy hair clung to her tear-streaked face, making her appear even more delicate and pitiful.

Dorian's heart twisted with her every sob, and he supported her tenderly. Lila jerked her hand away in disgust, rubbing her neck. Her fair skin showed glaring red marks from where he had grabbed her.

Yet Dorian showed no sympathy. He watched as she winced in pain, only thinking she deserved it. After all, compared to the injustice Zara was feeling, Lila's little scratches seemed trivial.

"What exactly do you want, Lila?" Dorian's anger flared, his jaw clenched in frustration.

Zara's eyes were red and swollen, tears flowing freely as she clung to him like he was her lifeline. "Why? Lila, why are you doing this to me?"

The more Dorian ached for Zara, the more his resentment toward Lila grew. He was so furious he nearly wanted to grab her by the neck and force her to apologize.

Lila gave a mocking laugh and slapped him across the face. "I've had it with both of you!"

Dorian was stunned for a moment. Zara let out a shriek, anxiously asking if he was okay as tears continued to fall.

Ignoring them, Lila bent her aching knees and slowly crouched down, carefully picking up the scattered sandalwood beads. Each bead had a different primrose pattern. Some were rough and crooked, while others were smooth, showing the carver's gradual improvement in skill.

A faint scar remained on her left index finger, a mark that hadn't faded even after all these years. Perhaps their fates had been sealed from the beginning-filled with scars and destined for a painful end.

an inexplicable frustration boiling within him. He tugged at his

worried about

away the next bead she was about to pick up. It struck the nearby wall with a sharp crack before falling back to the

beads in her hand. It was better this way, with nothing

her still and silent, Dorian grew increasingly angry. He reached out to pull her up, but before he could touch her, someone seized his wrist and flung it

your actors behave?" The

sarcasm.

of familiarity in the voice and looked up. Cole was there,

Yet his expression

alright, miss?"

had anticipated this and arrived just in time. Otherwise, Lila might've been humiliated

stood up with his help, avoiding the dizziness

she said softly, polite

instructed Cole to avoid exposing her identity in public. When she looked up, Cole noticed

public image," Cole said with a light smile, although his tone held an

world described Dorian as a cold yet warm-hearted gentleman who

Samuel stepped

happened to your

Samuel's respect toward Cole and the number of eyes on them, he held back

just resolving some

implication was clear. This was a private issue, and everyone else should mind their

gaze turned icy as it fell on Cole. Yet Cole just ignored him.

it. However, her expression was somewhat dazed, unsure why he was

yet distant smile, Cole turned to Samuel. "Mr. Grant, Mr. Morgan said as long as there are no issues on set, the investment discussions

by Mr. Foster and went through the usual audition process. But that role has

Cole's gaze shifted to Zara, who was still weeping softly in Dorian's

Dorian didn't have Kieran's looks or status, yet his behavior was questionable. If only Kieran and Lila weren't uncles and nieces, they would actually be a more fitting couple based solely

Zara's pitiful demeanor. "She is not part of