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

Before approaching Vince, Lila had already given Jamie a heads-up to find a way to pull Xyla aside. Sure enough, as soon as she walked over, Jamie called out to Xyla, leading her away.

Kieran stayed a few steps behind Lila, just in case she got too caught up in talking and didn't watch her step. This way, he could keep an eye on her while also giving them some space to talk.

Vince glanced at her. "Something on your mind?"

"What's your deal with Ms. Zimmerman?" she asked.

"She's from a well-off family. My uncle introduced us-he says he's getting older and wants me to settle down soon."

Lila nodded. "So... are you two dating?"

"No, we just met a few days ago. We're getting to know each other and seeing if we're compatible."

After hearing that, Lila let out a breath of relief. "Actually, after you left that night, Ame told that young man to-" Before she could finish, a sharp yelp cut through the air. Xyla had slipped and fallen on the stone steps.

"Ms. Zimmerman, are you okay?" Jamie asked, visibly concerned.

Lila had no choice but to pause their conversation as Vince hurried over, helping Xyla sit down on one of the steps. "Where does it hurt?"

"My ankle," she said apologetically. "I think it's twisted... I don't think I can keep going."

"What matters most is that you're okay," Vince reassured her. "Are you hurt anywhere else?"

"No."

Lila walked over and glanced at Amelia, who stood nearby with an unreadable expression. "How bad is it?" she asked gently.

Vince removed Xyla's shoe and pressed lightly on her ankle. She let out a small gasp. "It's probably dislocated."

Xyla bit her lip, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so sorry. I should've been more careful-I didn't mean to ruin your trip."

Vince's voice was calm. "I should've been paying more attention."noveldrama

Then, after a moment, he added, "I'll realign it. Try to bear with it."

Xyla nodded, biting down on her lower lip to keep from making a sound as he reset her ankle. Her eyes watered slightly, and she looked pitiful. Even after her ankle was adjusted, she still couldn't continue the hike.

Vince rose to his feet and turned to the group. "You guys go on ahead. We'll rest here for a bit before heading back down."

"I don't think you'll be able to manage on your own. Maybe we should-"Lila started, but Vince cut her off. "I've got it covered. Don't let this ruin your day. We were just tagging along anyway. I saw a sign earlier-there's a cable car station up ahead. We'll take our time getting there and ride it down."

He lifted his gaze and met Amelia's. For a fleeting second, his chest tightened.

Amelia gave him a small smile. "In that case, we'll keep going." Then, she patted Matthew on the shoulder. "Let's go."

Vince watched as they walked off side by side, his expression unreadable.

Lila reminded Vince to be careful before taking Kieran's hand and continuing up the trail. Despite the unexpected mishap, the rest of the hike wasn't dampened. By the time they reached the summit, it was around 2:00 pm. They found a nice, sheltered spot to rest.

Jamie settled between Lila and Soren, while Amelia pulled Teddy down beside her. "Let's wait a bit before heading back down. I want to see the sunset from up here."

No one objected. Lila pulled out a deck of cards for them and then turned to Kieran. "Come on, let's go take some pictures over there."

Amelia smacked her forehead. "I totally forgot-we've got a pro photographer here! You two go ahead and take your pictures first, but don't forget to get some of

us later. Actually, wait—I'm coming too! I'll take a couple's photo for you."

Lila chuckled. "It's alright. I brought a tripod. I'll set it up so we can take a group photo later."

"Alright, just call us when you're done."

"Got it."

Lila took Kieran's hand and led him toward a picturesque spot she had scouted earlier. He leaned casually against the railing, framed by

him. Even against such an awe-inspiring backdrop, he still stood out effortlessly.

vast, towering mounta Senet