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.

across her tongue. A soft laugh escaped

the warm, playful atmosphere of

her hands and picked up a slice of tomato to offer

couldn't hold back

offered to drive

returned, most of the family was already preparing to head to their rooms for

to disperse. "Now that you and Kieran are married, you should start staying in your room. The view and sunlight there are

to, but she couldn't think of

her reaction, Nicole's smile deepened "I already changed the sheets and duvet cover in your room Since you'll

any excuse Lila might

parted slightly, but after a brief moment of silence, she managed

to buy some supplies. Jas and Bryce will arrive in the afternoon, and

to the elders, and

a

of them disappeared into their room, Nicole glanced at Amelia. The two

the room, Kieran stepped in behind her,

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

and placed it behind her

asked,

the curve of her neck.