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?"

tears wouldn't stop. For the first time, Lila realized just

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

to press

of tears still visible on her

taking a shaky breath as her emotions swirled in turmoil. Then, she asked,

there's even the slightest chance, then I'll be brave one

things for far too long, but

step back, return to her

studying her carefully. Then, after a moment of silence, he asked, "Mrs. Morgan, have I not made it obvious

parted as

realizing she was

was already

leaned down slightly, his hand finding hers, and

Lila stood on her tiptoes just

thoughts couldn't catch

reached for the slightly

down as she rose to

brushed against the corner of his, a kiss so light it was barely

dragonfly skimming the surface of

made Kieran, always so composed

chuckle escaped his throat, low and amused. "Lila, if I return the