Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

By the time the florist finished wrapping the bouquet, Lila stepped out of the shop, looking a bit down. "I just realized... I don't even know what kind of flowers Kieran likes. So, I just picked something I liked."

Her voice softened with self-reproach. "Do you think maybe I haven't paid enough attention to him? When I get home, I'm going to make an effort to learn more about what he likes!"

Amelia smiled. "Honestly? I don't think it's you. Uncle Kieran never really shows his preferences. Well, except when it comes to you."

The last part made Lila pause, eyes widening slightly before a soft, glowing smile spread across her face. she glanced down at the bouquet in her arms, and the tenderness in her expression deepened.

...

By evening, she had parted ways with Amelia and returned to Hilltop Heights. On the way, she texted Cole to ask when Kieran might be home.

Cole replied almost instantly, "Mr. Morgan left the office this afternoon and hasn't returned since."

Lila: "You're not with him?"

Cole: "No, he went out alone today. Didn't take me with him."

she was wondering where he could be, another message popped up. "Want me to call and

"No. I'll ask him

but no one picked up. In all their time together, this was the

unease, she called again. The phone rang almost to the brink of voicemail before

recognized it was Landon, and the background was a little

bit too much to drink. I was about

If you're

can

pick

was still a little puzzled. "Hold on, I'll be

Michael, who was

Michael was surprised to see her-and alone

here to pick someone up," she responded.

then, she noticed Landon helping Kieran out the door. He even waved at her with his free hand. Before Lila could respond,

on! I'll find a

Michael? You're dragging him into your bad habits now?" With a quick sigh, she pulled a small pack of wet wipes from Ker bag and handed them to him "I