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

Kieran knew that, although Lila didn't express it, she cared about Terry as a friend.

Landon's eyes lit up as he glanced at Lila. He had a feeling she hadn't played many card games before.

She usually didn't like crowded places, so she often left early during family gatherings, such as the Morgan family's New Year celebration.

As expected, Lila shook her head. "I don't play much."

Kieran smiled faintly, subtly shifting to give her more space to hop in.

"If you win, it's yours. If you lose, I'll pay. If Landon wins, I'll give him double the amount as a return gift for his greeting," he said lazily, clearly indifferent to the outcome.

Landon's eyes brightened at his words.

"Come on, don't stop me from earning pocket money!"

Ultimately, Lila walked over. "Then I'll play a couple of rounds."

Truthfully, she hadn't played much before. She hoped she wouldn't lose too much so Kieran wouldn't have to spend as much on her.

Lila picked up the cards Kieran had just placed down. She paused momentarily, noticing that Kieran's card arrangement had no order whatsoever.

He hadn't even grouped cards of the same rank together, playing them entirely at random.

Seeing her reaction, Landon felt confident that he had the game in the bag.

He grinned. "Don't go easy on me."

Lila nodded, glancing sideways at Kieran. The corners of his eyes were slightly raised as if telling her just to have fun.

She pressed her lips together, quickly organizing her cards according to her habit.

It was now her turn to play.

Landon laid down a 6, and Lila responded with a K.

Landon scratched his chin, unsure whether she didn't know how to play or if her hand was too good.

But he didn't comment, continuing with the game for another two rounds.

Looking at the four Aces and one Jack remaining in his hand, he noticed the obvious surplus of cards in Lila and the other player's hands.

He thought this was a sure win.

"Kieran, you'd better get ready to pay up!"

Kieran's demeanor remained unchanged. He leaned closer to

his

hernoveldrama

shoulder in an affection heret

chin resting lightly on

Everyone around knew that he wasn't the type to be interested in women.

Even when they went out, no matter how the others flirted with the ladies, he always ignored them completely.

Compared to the other women around them, Lila stood out.

But beauty alone wasn't enough for a woman. She had to know how to play.

Lila clearly didn't know how to play

sense of restraint

wasgh she was beautiful, there that some might find about her

S.W

But to everyone's surprise, Kieran had genuinely fallen for her.

"No need to go easy on him," he murmured, his voice deep and magnetic.

Lila nodded and drew two cards.

"Bomb," she declared with a sweet voice. But to Landon, it felt like an actual bomb went off.

Landon froze, not realizing the gravity of the situation.

"Are you trying to help me earn some pocket money? If you keep this up, Kieran will give me double... he trailed off, then stopped when Lila laid down all her cards,

The room fell silent.

Lila smiled lightly. "Straight flush."

Landon was completely stunned.

"Is that game? Weren't you supposed not to know how to play?"

Lila nodded. Though she didn't know how to play, her good luck was undeniable.

"You were just playing with Kieran's cards. He's always lucky. Let's play again!" Landon was on the verge of tears.

It was like letting the cat out of the bag. Who could accept that?

Someone beside them laughed. "Mr. West, if you keep losing, you might go home losing everything you have on."

Kieran smiled faintly when he noticed Lila relax slightly at the comment.

He gently rubbed her waist. "Do you want to play some more?"