too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 82

Dorian's heart felt as if it had been pierced by Lila's indifference. A deep panic from the fear of losing something irreplaceable overwhelmed him.

He fumbled and wiped his trembling hands on his pants before pulling out the shattered charm from his pocket. It was broken into pieces.

Dorian's eyes flickered. His expression was like a child caught doing something wrong, and he said with uncertainty, "I know… I know you're disappointed in me, but I've never wanted to break up with you. It doesn't matter that the charm is shattered. Let's get a new one, okay?"

His voice was low as if holding back an overwhelming depth of emotion. He was clearly trying to contain his desperation so that he wouldn't frighten her.

When he noticed her frowning, he hurriedly explained in an anxious tone, "I-I'm not telling you to go up Mount Shasta again. I'll do it. Let me do it, alright?"

He raised his left wrist. "Look, I even got a new sandalwood bracelet."

Lila's gaze fell on the plain, simple bracelet devoid of the primrose patterns she'd carved herself. Unlike the one she'd painstakingly gotten him, it was just an ordinary piece.

"I know it's not the same as the old bracelet, but I couldn't get it done today. I'll learn to carve the primrose patterns tomorrow, and I promise it'll look exactly the same."

He pulled out the bead he'd picked up from the hospital room and carefully held it up to her. "I promise it'll be exactly the same."

He stood there like a pitiful and helpless child who'd done something unforgivable. There was a desperate look in his eyes.

Lila's hands hung by her side and clenched slightly. She wanted to tell him that it'd never be the same.

"And this…" Dorian's anxious gaze darted over her face to read her expression. His nervousness only made him clumsier as he fumbled a few times before managing to pull out a ring box.

His hands were shaking so badly that he dropped it.

His eyes reddened with frustration as he bent down to pick it up, but his movements were stiff and awkward due to the pain in his legs.

He stepped forward before stopping again. "You like cleanliness, and I'm not exactly clean right now."

His hands cradled the box, and his shoulders were hunched as if bearing a weight too heavy to bear.

"Dorian, I've made it clear that you don't need to do this," Lila said with a frown.