Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

Lila noticed Amelia hesitate for a moment, a flicker of frustration flashing through her eyes before she finally turned to look behind her.

Before they could exchange greetings, Xyla approached from behind. "Vince, have you been to this restaurant before? They have a signature dish that—"

She stopped mid-sentence when she spotted the group, momentarily surprised to see them.

"What a coincidence."

Lila nudged Amelia, and the two of them stood, offering a polite nod. "Ms. Zimmerman, we meet again."

Jamie smoothly picked up the conversation. "Since we've encountered each other, why don't you join us?"

Seeing that everyone had already composed themselves with casual ease, Soren signaled the waiter to arrange a different table.

Vince's gaze flickered toward Amelia, but she kept her eyes forward, never sparing him a glance.

Xyla noticed his reaction, pressing her lips together slightly, though she chose to stay silent.

The two of them walked side by side, yet a noticeable distance remained between them.

Lila glanced back, sensing an odd atmosphere-one that reminded her of Jamie and Soren.

They should have been close. After all, they were engaged. Yet something about them felt distant as if they were still learning how to exist in each other's orbit.

The group was moved to a small round table. Amelia pulled Lila to sit beside her, while the two men sat together, leaving Xyla on Victor's other side-right next to Amelia.

her head slightly and

her expression

the table was almost too harmonious, so much so that

tension, Jamie-usually not much of a talker-took it

they didn't seem to mind. They simply smiled

of them exchanged glances, then shared a knowing smile. "You three are

a long time. These two have always looked out for

glance at Amelia, giving

their arranged marriage made perfect sense-their families

look into it.

had said was, "Maybe they just don't like

had only smiled at

about that? As long as the arrangement brought benefits, that was

But Vince

her from

a man of many words, but in the

countless suitors who had pursued her before, this time, she

Started conversations, learned his interests,

she gave him a

leaped. If he took it, did that mean he had at least a little interest in

a return gift, one even more expensive than

But it made her hesitate.