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

her expression composed and

the table was almost too harmonious, so much so that it felt

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

and Amelia, but they didn't seem to mind.

as the three of them exchanged glances, then shared a

time. These two have always looked out for me, they're really great. Once you get to

sideways glance at Amelia, giving a small nod but saying

had heard rumors about Vince and Amelia before. On paper, their arranged marriage made perfect sense-their families were a flawless match

asked a friend to look into it. But there wasn't

friend had said was, "Maybe

only smiled at

Since when did high-society marriages care about that? As

But Vince

had captivated her from the very

of many words,

countless suitors who had pursued her before, this time,

his interests, and carefully picked out

him a

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

he sent her a return gift, one

liked it, of course. But it made her hesitate. Maybe she