Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

The outfit wasn't flashy-its appeal lay in its simplicity and comfort.

Lila then wore a plain down jacket over it.

After changing, she looked at Kieran and said softly, "Thank you, Uncle Kieran."

Kieran lowered his gaze, his expression serious. "Mrs. Morgan, don't you think it's time to call me something else?"

Lila froze. Calling her legal husband "Uncle" did feel awkward.

But after years of addressing him that way, switching to something else wasn't easy.

Kieran took her scarf from the coat rack and carefully wrapped it around her neck. She blinked, her bright, dewy eyes filled with a mix of confusion and vulnerability as if silently protesting.

He covered her eyes with his warm hand. "You're not playing fair," he said, his voice slightly hoarse.

Lila didn't understand what he meant. She gently moved his hand aside and looked at him again.

Kieran had masked the dark flicker in his eyes with a helpless smile. "Lila, can you call me by my name?"

Seeing her ears flush red, the affection in his eyes deepened. But he hadn't pushed her too hard.

cool hand in his.

feeling her responses had

wasn't until they were halfway to their destination that something occurred to her. She asked, "Uncle Kieran, is the Clemence family's young lady the same girl who delivered the invitation the

eyes on the road,

at her. She was looking out the window,

girl in the white dress that day, the one from the

wrong?" he

did you

was

velet

we were very young, shortly after her father

Northridge. That was about 20 years

slowly. So they were

know her because she left to study abroad seven years ago, Kieran added.

hasn't returned

his explanation only reinforced the idea that the girl held a special place

she left and knew she hadn't come

Lila

a surprised glance, amused by

school, went against her family's wishes, and