Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

Chapter 403

Nicole and the family chef acted as though they hadn't noticed the quiet exchange between Kieran and Lila, but listening to their playful banter, they couldn't help the smiles that crept onto their faces.

Out of the corner of her eye, Nicole saw Lila standing at the sink, holding a tomato in each hand, her head lowered as she rinsed them under the running water.

Her face was flushed, a shade redder than the tomatoes she held.

The water flowed over her slender, pale hand, gliding like a stream over polished jade at the bottom of a clear spring, radiant after years of refinement.

"Is the water too cold?" Kieran asked, stepping closer behind her.

His long, defined fingers reached into the stream of water. For just a second, Lila felt as though she were enclosed in his arms.

Realizing Nicole was still nearby, Lila quickly stepped to the side, putting space between them as she shoved the tomatoes into his hands.

"I used warm water. It's not cold," she said hurriedly.

Before she could process it, she felt a cool, wet sensation on her cheek. It took her a moment to realize Kieran had tapped her face with his damp fingers.

"My Lila is so smart," he remarked, his voice laced with amusement, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Lila didn't respond. Was that something worth praising?

Kieran didn't push her further. Instead, he turned back to the counter, calmly sliced the tomatoes, and handed her a slice.

sweetness spreading across her tongue. A soft laugh escaped her lips. "It's

room filled with the warm, playful atmosphere of

of tomato to offer him. "What do you think?

observing, couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. "Sugared tomatoes

offered to drive

of the family was already

Kieran are married, you should start staying in your

to, but she couldn't think of a

and duvet cover in your room Since you'll

single sentence completely blocked any excuse Lila might

brief moment of silence, she managed to squeeze out a

get some rest early tonight. Tomorrow morning, we'll head out to buy some supplies. Jas and Bryce will arrive in the afternoon, and then we can all

elders,

a

room, Nicole glanced at Amelia. The two women exchanged a knowing look, satisfaction

Kieran stepped in behind her, closing the

gently taking her hand. With a firm but careful pull, he backed her up against the

behind her head, cushioning her from the hard surface

Kieran?" she asked, her voice

in slightly, his chin resting against the curve of her neck. "Why do