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.

head

gesture, her

was almost too harmonious, so much so that it felt strangely

of a talker-took it upon herself to start a

somewhat apologetic glance at Lila and Amelia, but they didn't seem to mind. They simply smiled in return, after

exchanged glances, then shared a

have always looked out for me, they're really great. Once you get to know them, you'll like them

at Amelia, giving a small nod

rumors about Vince and Amelia before. On paper, their arranged marriage

had even asked a friend to look into it. But there

"Maybe they just don't like each

only smiled

care about that? As long as

But Vince

so-called arranged fiancé had captivated her from the

wasn't a man of many words, but in the few

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

out to Vince first. Started conversations, learned his interests, and carefully picked out gifts that matched

him a present, he

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

her a return gift,

But it made her hesitate. Maybe she was