too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 549

Teddy pressed his lips together and looked at Jamie. She opened her mouth slightly as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she remained silent. Soren's jacket was already draped over her shoulders, and she hadn't taken it off.

Teddy stood rooted to the spot for a moment, his grip tightening around his own jacket. Just then, Amelia came up behind him, patting him on the shoulder. "Come on, let's go. It'll be dark soon, and the mountain paths aren't safe at night."

Without waiting for his response, she pulled him away, leaving Jamie and Soren behind.

Jamie pursed her lips before looking at Soren. "Let's get going too." She kept his jacket on. Meanwhile, Teddy didn't put his back on.

Lila could feel the tension in the air, and she wanted to ease it, but she had no idea what to say. Michael and Matthew caught up to them, completely oblivious to the awkward atmosphere.

"We just bought some water," Matthew said, handing Lila two bottles. "The warm one's for you, and the other is for Mr. Morgan."

Lila raised her brow, her expression brightening. This kid was so thoughtful. "Thanks. Don't walk too fast and watch your step!"

Matthew nodded. "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Michael."

Kieran glanced at Lila's smiling face and casually wrapped an arm around her waist, as if quietly staking his claim. "You're the one who needs to be careful," he said, his deep voice calm but laced with quiet concern.

Matthew looked at him and couldn't shake the feeling that something about Kieran's tone and gesture felt a little off. But since the two were always affectionate, he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he simply nodded and continued down the trail with Michael.

Lila watched them go, then tightened her fingers around Kieran's warm hand and continued down the mountain with him.

The couple strolled slowly, taking their time as they descended. Lila chatted with him idly, but after a few minutes, she noticed he was quieter than usual. "Are you tired?" As soon as her words fell, a thought clicked into place.

By the end of this year, the projects she had worked on would finally start airing. Jamie and Teddy were also gaining traction in their careers, and their films would be eligible for major awards. She wanted to rise to the next level, so when she stood beside Kieran, no one would look at her and wonder, "Why would the president of Morgan Group marry someone so insignificant?"

After a long pause, she finally asked in a quiet voice, "Can we wait a little longer?"

Kieran had already expected her to say that. But hearing it out loud still made his chest tighten. "What are you waiting for, Lila?" he wondered.

His gaze shifted to the mountains in the distance, slowly being swallowed by the night. The view was like a painting. Yet, he wasn't in the mood to admire it. After a long while, he asked, "Lila, are you happy with me?"

She had been the one to suggest taking things slow. But he had seen her when she was in love before. He had seen the way she once gave her whole heart to someone—how she had been so full of joy when talking about the future, about marriage, about having a family.

He had seen what she was like when she truly loved someone. But since they had been together, she had never once mentioned those things. Why? Was it because she didn't love him enough? Or was it because she wasn't part of her future? Or… was it because now that she had a fresh start, she wanted the freedom to choose someone else—someone she really wanted to be with?