Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

Lila returned to Vermilion Estate and informed Kieran that she'd be heading back to Mapleford tomorrow.

Their relationship had only just begun to deepen, and though Kieran was reluctant to see her leave, he understood he couldn't stand in the way of what she loved.

As for Lila, while she wanted to spend a few more days with him, her eagerness to check on the progress of the elementary school project far outweighed seeing Kieran.

She hadn't even booked her plane tickets yet when Amelia's video call popped up on her screen.

"Wanna hang out tomorrow?" Amelia asked casually.

Lila hesitated for a moment.

"Are you busy? I was thinking of calling Noah and Ruby to join too," Amelia added.

Though Amelie hadn't been gone for long, the family couldn't stay gloomy forever.

She had practically assigned herself the role of the Morgans' mood manager, determined to lift their collective spirits.

"I was planning to head back to the show tomorrow," Lila said carefully.

"To see that celebrity of yours? I saw the teaser for the show. Doesn't seem like you need to stick with them as a manager, right?"

Amelia sounded puzzled. The show revolved around growing vegetables, fruits, and crops a process as slow and patient as the plants themselves.

The crew just filmed the participants working and the gradual progress of the greenery.

It was interesting in its own way-calm and soothing, like a slow-burn reality show.

"It's not about the show. I need to check on the elementary project, see if they've made progress," Lila explained.

chin, her face lighting up

under control. But if you're worried about funding, why not stay tomorrow and hang out instead? I'll pitch in two million from my secret

choked on the water

didn't even know I was worth that much!" she sputtered,

"Does this mean I can brag

creaked open, and Kieran stepped in, catching her last two

this with Amelia was one thing, but

phone, "Alright, I'll stay with you tomorrow. Everything else can

Amelia stared at the blank screen for

What was the rush?

what she was going

window, where the night sky glittered over the city. Her eyes lit

sound of Kieran

to...? Hmm, things seemed to be moving along

thoughts had already spiraled off into outer

to take a

help,

eyes went wide. "Absolutely

playful smirk tugging at his lips. He was teasing

gaze, she turned on her heel and hurried into the

had he gotten so

stepped out of the shower, her emotions had calmed, and

sitting on the edge of the bed, his head bowed as

her slippers slipped suddenly on the floor. Losing her balance,

to steady herself, but her hand

novel

the bed,