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

Lila could see the exhaustion written all over Kieran. He had always been polished and put-together, but now his usually neat hair was a mess.

His clothes, typically dry-cleaned and impeccable, were wrinkled and misshapen -probably hand-washed due to a lack of proper facilities. A few stains even lingered here and there.

But none of that mattered. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him.noveldrama

"Kieran, next time, don't keep things from me. I was really worried."

Kieran pulled her in tightly with his arm. No one had expected that what was meant to be a short separation had nearly turned into a final goodbye.

The fear and anxiety that had weighed on Lila for days only began to fade when she breathed in his familiar scent, grounding her in the reality that he was here, safe.

Watching them, Alfredo couldn't help but smile, a rare sight after everything that had happened.

After a moment, Lila finally pulled away, only to catch Alfredo grinning at them. Her ears flushed slightly.

She quickly changed the subject. "Let's go to the hospital first and get you both checked out. Then we'll head home. Grandpa's been in good spirits today. He even called Aunt Jasmine and Bryce over for dinner."

Neither Kieran nor Alfredo had heard about Frances gathering the family.

Given Frances's declining health, they had been especially worried that news of the company's troubles might push him too far.

Hearing that he was feeling well enough to host a family dinner was a small relief. After their checkups at the hospital, they wasted no time heading home.

Only after showering and changing into fresh clothes did Kieran and Alfredo finally start looking a little more like themselves.

By six in the evening, Jasmine and Bryce arrived, only to be stunned by everything that had happened.

Both looked visibly shaken.

"How bad is it at Morgan Group right now?" Jasmine asked, her brows furrowed.

Alfredo sighed. "The financial deficit is significant. A lot of our assets are still stuck overseas. We need to fill the gap as soon as possible."

A heavy silence settled over the room.

After all, Morgan Group employed over a hundred thousand people. If the company collapsed, countless families would be affected.

Kieran was the first to speak. "Alfredo, focus on your recovery. I'll figure out a solution."

Lila's brows knitted together. Three different countries were involved in this crisis —it was clear just how massive the problem was.

This wasn't something that could be solved with just effort.

She wanted to believe in Kieran, but more than anything, she felt a deep ache in her chest.

The weight of this crisis was pressing down on him alone, and it was far too heavy.

Jasmine spoke up as well. "Nobody panic. We're family, whatever happens, we'll face it together."

The room fell into a heavy silence as if a dark cloud had settled over everyone.

It wasn't until Frances came downstairs that they forced themselves to pull it together.

He looked at his two sons, weary and battered, and after a brief pause, simply said, "It's good that you're home."

The younger generation stilled at his words. Then he let out a small hmph.

Did they think he was too old, too blind, and too out of touch to know what was going on?

Frances sighed. If only Amelie were here.

A moment later, he gave a resigned smile.

No matter. He'd be seeing her again soon enough.

But he didn't say any of that aloud. Instead, he simply told everyone to sit down

for dinner.

"I'm old now, not much use

anymore. But you've all grown up

You'll figure things out, and the

Morgans will come out of this

stronger than ever," Frances said kindly.

"Tonight, I'm happy. Even though that rascal Noah isn't here, it's fine, we'll all share a drink."

"Dad, your health isn't great. Maybe you should stick to juice instead?" Nicole urged gently.

Frances waved her off stubbornly. "Just one small cup. No more than that." Knowing there was no changing his mind, Nicole poured him a small portion.

The younger ones followed his lead, each taking a drink.

Lila pressed a hand to her chest, an unshakable unease creeping in.

But whether it was because everyone was consciously pushing aside their worries or because, fore this brief moment, they had

genuinely allowed themselves ne

forget, the atmosphere at the table remained light. sŵnovel

Not wanting to spoil the mood, she took a small sip as well.

The sharp burn of the alcohol scorched her throat, leaving behind a lingering heat.

After dinner, they sat and talked for a while before heading off to rest.

Once Lila had showered, she sat down and began checking the balances on all her accounts. Even after pooling everything together, she barely had two million.