Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

Chapter 404

Lila's grip on Kieran's shirt tightened slightly.

Kieran straightened his back, his gaze dropping to her half-lowered eyes. "Can you trust me?" he asked.

"No matter what role the Morgans might have played in all of this, I'll ensure you get the truth. But until we figure everything out, can you try to be a little happier?"

Lila suddenly lifted her head, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Years of missing her parents, the frustration and pain she had bottled up after meeting Gordon today, all seemed to find an outlet in that single moment.

In the blink of an eye, her eyes reddened.

She didn't want to cry in front of Kieran.

"Uncle Kieran, I miss them," she said, her voice trembling as she quickly looked away.

But the moment the words left her lips, the tears came, spilling over and rolling silently down her cheeks.

She raised a hand to wipe them away, but Kieran was faster. He reached out, brushing the tears from her face.

"I know. Our Lila is a good, loving daughter. She misses her parents but doesn't want to upset the family, so she keeps all the pain to herself. I know everything you've been holding in.

"But from now on, can you try to trust me? With me, you can say whatever's on your mind. Laugh when you want to laugh. Cry when you need to cry. Just be yourself. Okay?"

first time, Lila realized

don't want to..." She paused, her voice breaking. She

Lila," Kieran murmured, lowering his head to press a light, comforting kiss near her

stiffened slightly, the streaks of tears still visible

murmured, taking a shaky breath as her emotions swirled in turmoil. Then, she asked, "Uncle Kieran, do you

thought, "If there's even the slightest chance, then I'll be brave one more

for far too long, but running away never solved

didn't feel anything for her, she'd step back, return to her original place, and give up

gaze, studying her carefully. Then, after a moment of silence, he

parted

herself, realizing she was being

was already more than

down slightly, his hand finding hers, and his fingers laced

Lila stood on her tiptoes just as Kieran straightened

couldn't catch up

reached for the slightly open

him down as

against the corner of his,

skimming the surface of a still

his lips made Kieran, always so composed and in control, freeze for

"Lila, if I return the favor, that wouldn't be asking