too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 19

Zara gripped Lila's arm tightly, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Lila, what did I ever do to you? Why are you treating me like this? Why are you targeting me?

"You like Dorian, and I never tried to take him from you. We may have grown up together, but I've always known he cares about you.

"I even kept telling him to explain things to you, that there's nothing between us. Why won't you believe me? What do you gain from coming after me like this? Haven't Dorian and I already tried to keep our distance?

"If you don't like me and you want me gone, just let me know. I'll stay away from him. But why mess with my career over it?"

Zara looked as if she were bearing the weight of countless grievances. Strands of her messy hair clung to her tear-streaked face, making her appear even more delicate and pitiful.

Dorian's heart twisted with her every sob, and he supported her tenderly. Lila jerked her hand away in disgust, rubbing her neck. Her fair skin showed glaring red marks from where he had grabbed her.

Yet Dorian showed no sympathy. He watched as she winced in pain, only thinking she deserved it. After all, compared to the injustice Zara was feeling, Lila's little scratches seemed trivial.

"What exactly do you want, Lila?" Dorian's anger flared, his jaw clenched in frustration.

Zara's eyes were red and swollen, tears flowing freely as she clung to him like he was her lifeline. "Why? Lila, why are you doing this to me?"

The more Dorian ached for Zara, the more his resentment toward Lila grew. He was so furious he nearly wanted to grab her by the neck and force her to apologize.

Lila gave a mocking laugh and slapped him across the face. "I've had it with both of you!"

Dorian was stunned for a moment. Zara let out a shriek, anxiously asking if he was okay as tears continued to fall.

Ignoring them, Lila bent her aching knees and slowly crouched down, carefully picking up the scattered sandalwood beads. Each bead had a different primrose pattern. Some were rough and crooked, while others were smooth, showing the carver's gradual improvement in skill.

A faint scar remained on her left index finger, a mark that hadn't faded even after all these years. Perhaps their fates had been sealed from the beginning—filled with scars and destined for a painful end.

Dorian watched her movements, an inexplicable frustration boiling within him. He tugged at his tie, his brows knitted tightly.

"You're actually worried about these worthless beads?"

He kicked away the next bead she was about to pick up. It struck the nearby wall with a sharp crack before falling back to the ground, bouncing a few times. With each impact, it felt as though her heart was being pounded into pieces.

Lila clenched the three beads in her hand. It was better this way, with nothing left. There was nothing to hold onto anymore.

Seeing her still and silent, Dorian grew increasingly angry. He reached out to pull her up, but before he could touch her, someone seized his wrist and flung it aside.

"Mr. Grant, is this how your actors behave?" The man's voice dripped with sarcasm.

Lila felt a spark of familiarity in the voice and looked up. Cole was there, extending a hand to help her up.

He was dressed in his usual suit. Yet his expression was unusually calm, lacking his usual warmth.

"Are you alright, miss?" he asked politely.

Inwardly, Cole breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness Kieran had anticipated this and arrived just in time. Otherwise, Lila might've been humiliated even worse.

Lila slowly stood up with his help, avoiding the dizziness that often followed crouching for too long.

"Thank you," she said softly, polite yet reserved.