too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 325

Lila looked up, her once bright eyes filled with a much more subdued emotion.

For convenience, she wore a light-colored sweater and wide-legged pants with a long black coat. The energetic her now looked somewhat listless, her mood weighing her down.

"Michael came to ask me for help. He hoped I could beg you to let Shannon go. I agreed, but now I regret it.

"Shannon hurt me. I can choose not to hold a grudge, but why should I forgive her for all the others she's hurt?

"Yes, I went back on my word. I'm despicable—I don't want to help Shannon." She took a step back, her voice growing more frantic as she spoke, becoming more agitated.

Lila gave him a bitter smile. "Kieran, you must think I'm a bad person, too."

She could have refused, but she agreed and failed to follow through. She lowered her eyes, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. She understood her bond with Michael but couldn't bring herself to plead for Shannon.

Kieran would not act without principle, nor would he bend the law for personal reasons. Whatever punishment Shannon deserved, she had earned it.

"I was wrong." His deep voice reached her ears, and she looked up in shock and confusion.

He continued, "I've always seen you as a child, but I've overlooked that you have long become an adult who knows right from wrong."

How could she be despicable? Kieran looked down at her beautiful and delicate face. He had been so focused on wanting her to voice her needs that he hadn't realized that, sometimes, it was right for her to remain silent.

She had no right to forgive the one who had hurt others on behalf of those affected.

The law existed to provide fair protection and punishment for everyone.

Lila looked at him, her gaze flickering with a hint of grievance. In the afternoon, she had been distracted, overwhelmed by guilt and self-loathing.

She had broken her promise and felt despicable. The weight of it almost made it hard for her to breathe.

Kieran raised his hand and pulled her into his embrace, gently patting her back. "How could you be despicable? You did the right thing."

She slowly calmed herself in his embrace. The two continued walking side by side, and as they reached the door, Lila's phone rang.