Too late for a second chance (Lila and Dorian)

Lila didn't respond right away. Amelia wasn't wrong.

No one wanted to compromise when it came to marriage.

Back when she married Kieran, she had told herself they would divorce once things settled down because she didn't want to drag him into trouble.

More importantly, she didn't want to be the reason he couldn't be with the person he truly loved.

Lila nodded. "I understand what you mean."

"Lila, Vince doesn't love me. To him, marriage is just a goal. But for me, it's not something I have to do. I won't lie, I did feel something for him. But I'm not going to marry him because of that.

"I can't trap myself in a marriage with someone who doesn't love me. Because one day, no matter how much I pretend it doesn't matter, I will resent it."

Silence settled between them. It was the first time they had ever sat through a meal together without chatting.

When lunch was over, Amelia didn't leave. Instead, she followed Lila back to her office.

After a moment, she casually swung her leg over Lila's. "Why do you look even more worried than I am? Don't overthink it. You know me, I never stay hung up on something for long.

"Give it a few days, and whatever feelings I had for Vince will be gone. I promise I won't be one of those women still pining after him when his wife is already showing."

Lila couldn't help but laugh. "You and that sharp tongue of yours."

the air

Uncle Kieran in advance that I'll be crashing at Vermilion Estate. My parents would never dare show

"Have you ever talked to them about not wanting to get

out of people. If I don't get married, our family line is done for. But that's not even the real

What they don't realize is I have money. Do you think I'd ever have trouble finding

Amelia liked to talk big, so she could only shake her

over an old flame-by letting time pass or by getting a new flame. I heard from Aunt Jasmine the other day that my brother is coming back soon. Want me to

"Bryce?"

too. No pressure about marriage—just talk, and see if you get along. If it works

tilted her head, considering it. "Let me think about it. The Morgan men except for Noah, who doesn't have a care in the world-are all

if there's a spark. You didn't think Vince was right for you

matchmaking, Amelia couldn't help but laugh. "Fine,

rush. Bryce won't be back for a little while anyway. Just take a breather these next

need a

Amelia trailed off.

Vince was because his

let herself be in

person

something with another.

came

unfair to