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.

understanding but then rubbed her chin, her face lighting

why not stay tomorrow and hang out instead?

choked on the water

know I was

I can brag about raking in two million

her last two sentences. He raised

cheeks warming with embarrassment. Joking like this with Amelia was one thing,

"Alright, I'll stay with you tomorrow. Everything else can wait for now.

the call in a flash. Amelia stared at the blank screen for a moment, touching her

What was the rush?

finished what she was

window, where the night sky glittered over the city.

had heard the sound of

they about to...? Hmm, things seemed to be

thoughts had already spiraled off

to take a shower," Lila said, standing

any help,

went wide.

a glance at Kieran, only to catch the playful smirk tugging at his

gaze, she turned on her heel and hurried into the

he

she stepped out of the shower, her emotions had calmed, and she felt like herself

bed, his head bowed as he typed out

her slippers slipped

steady herself, but her hand landed on

novel

onto the bed,