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

the gesture, her expression composed and

almost too harmonious, so much so

much of a talker-took it upon herself to

Amelia, but they didn't seem to mind. They simply smiled in

watched as the three of them exchanged glances, then shared a

time. These two have always looked

at Amelia, giving a small nod but saying

their arranged marriage made perfect sense-their families were a flawless

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

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

only smiled at that

that? As long as the arrangement brought

But Vince

captivated her from

graceful. He wasn't a man of many words, but in the few he spoke, his

this time, she was the one

Vince first. Started conversations, learned his interests, and

him a present,

mean he had at least a

two days later, he sent her a return gift, one even more

of course. But it made her