too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 11

Dorian cast a cold glance at Darcy, and his annoyance was evident. "What are you making a fuss about? What's going on?"

After the initial shock of his harsh tone, she felt unjustly treated. "You just had a fight with Lila, and now Ms. Parker won't teach me anymore. You know I'm about to graduate, and without her guidance, I might not have any chance of getting into the Northridge Opera House!"

Alex Parker was a renowned figure in stage acting, having revitalized the nearly defunct Northridge Opera House during her long career. Although retired, the opera house couldn't bear to let her go and had rehired her.

Although Dorian wasn't particularly fond of Darcy, she was one of the few remaining family ties, and he cared about her situation.

Lila, understanding his struggles, had been helping to ease this burden. Despite not liking the bossy and spoiled Darcy, she had never neglected her.

When Darcy refused to live on campus, Lila arranged for her to rent the best apartment nearby. When she needed help with her skills, Lila hired the best etiquette teacher and even used connections from the Morgan family to bring in Alex, who hadn't taken on students in years.

In a way, Darcy had inherited Alex's guidance. As long as her skills were up to par, the opera house would reluctantly accept her, especially because of Alex's reputation. Now, with graduation approaching and the opera house's assessments looming, Darcy was devastated to hear that Alex would no longer teach her.

Feeling indignant, she had come to complain to Dorian that morning, unexpectedly running into the source of her grievances. She pointed an accusatory finger at Lila and sneered. "You think you can use my future to force Dorian to apologize and win you back?

"Didn't you have the guts to break up first? What are you trying to play at now?"

Dorian's gaze turned even colder. "This is between us; why drag Darcy into it?"

Lila regarded them silently for a moment before laughing softly. She lowered her eyes, then raised them to meet Dorian's. Despite the early summer heat, her expression was icy enough to send a chill through him. In that instant, he felt as if he had lost something significant.

But before he could dwell on it, Lila said calmly, "I'm not aware of the situation with Ms. Parker."

"You're lying! How could you not know? She's the one you hired, and now that you and Dorian have broken up, she's stopped teaching me. Who else could be behind this?" Darcy was growing frantic.

"You're really calculating and malicious, aren't you? Dorian, don't consider reconciling with her! Look at her true colors!" Darcy shouted.

"Darcy Blake!"

This was the first time Lila addressed Darcy by name. Her tone was sharp, which frightened Darcy a little.

"You—"

With unwavering intensity, Lila replied, "I had nothing to do with Alex's decision not to teach you. Even if I did, what can you do?"

"See? She admits it! It was her all along!" Darcy smirked disdainfully. "Do you think Dorian won't be able to bring Ms. Parker back just because you made her leave?"

Lila ignored her, focusing on Dorian instead. "Do you remember what you said the day you confessed your feelings? You said you only loved me and trusted me, right? What about now?"

Darcy scoffed. "Someone like you doesn't deserve Dorian's affection."

Dorian looked deeply into her eyes. "What I said that day still stands; I've never considered breaking that promise. You hold a special place in my heart that no one can replace. But your recent actions have been so disappointing.

"Regardless, I'm willing to give you a chance. Bring Ms. Parker back so she can continue teaching Darcy. This is about her future, not a bargaining chip to manipulate me."