too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 403

Nicole and the family chef acted as though they hadn't noticed the quiet exchange between Kieran and Lila, but listening to their playful banter, they couldn't help the smiles that crept onto their faces.

Out of the corner of her eye, Nicole saw Lila standing at the sink, holding a tomato in each hand, her head lowered as she rinsed them under the running water.

Her face was flushed, a shade redder than the tomatoes she held.

The water flowed over her slender, pale hand, gliding like a stream over polished jade at the bottom of a clear spring, radiant after years of refinement.

"Is the water too cold?" Kieran asked, stepping closer behind her.

His long, defined fingers reached into the stream of water. For just a second, Lila felt as though she were enclosed in his arms.

Realizing Nicole was still nearby, Lila quickly stepped to the side, putting space between them as she shoved the tomatoes into his hands.

"I used warm water. It's not cold," she said hurriedly.

Before she could process it, she felt a cool, wet sensation on her cheek. It took her a moment to realize Kieran had tapped her face with his damp fingers.

"My Lila is so smart," he remarked, his voice laced with amusement, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Lila didn't respond. Was that something worth praising?

Kieran didn't push her further. Instead, he turned back to the counter, calmly sliced the tomatoes, and handed her a slice.

She bit into it, the tangy sweetness spreading across her tongue. A soft laugh escaped her lips. "It's a little cold."

For a moment, the room filled with the warm, playful atmosphere of a newlywed couple.

Lowering her gaze, Lila washed her hands and picked up a slice of tomato to offer him. "What do you think? Is it sweet? Should we make sugared tomatoes?"

Nicole, who had been quietly observing, couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. "Sugared tomatoes sound great."

After dinner, Noah offered to drive Ruby home.

By the time he returned, most of the family was already preparing to head to their rooms for the night.

"Lila," Nicole called out as the others began to disperse. "Now that you and Kieran are married, you should start staying in your room. The view and sunlight there are much better."

Lila's eyes widened slightly without meaning to, but she couldn't think of a valid reason to object.