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.

her movements, an inexplicable frustration boiling within him. He tugged at his tie, his brows

worried about these

with a sharp crack before falling back to the ground, bouncing a few times. With

clenched the three beads in her hand. It was better this way, with nothing left. There was nothing to

He reached out to pull her up, but

this how your actors behave?" The

sarcasm.

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

suit. Yet his expression

miss?"

relief. Thank goodness Kieran had anticipated this and arrived just in time. Otherwise, Lila might've been humiliated even

slowly stood up with his help, avoiding the

she said softly, polite

public. When she looked up, Cole noticed the red marks around her neck and frowned sharply. He had

different from your public image," Cole said with a light smile, although

world described Dorian as a cold yet warm-hearted gentleman

stepped in. "Dorian,

Lila, what happened to your

and the blunt mockery darkened his expression. But noticing Samuel's respect toward Cole and the number

just resolving

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

Yet Cole just ignored him. He pulled a clean

was somewhat dazed, unsure why he was even here. Had Kieran come as

there are no issues

was recommended by Mr. Foster and went through the usual audition process. But that role has basically been

her?" Cole's gaze shifted to Zara, who was still weeping softly

an odd glint. 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

pitiful demeanor. "She is not