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

But Noah wasn't exaggerating. Everyone in his family spoiled Lila. His older brother, Nathan, and his dad, who lived abroad most of the time, would come home with gifts they specially selected for Lila. But they never did that for him.

Just like Lila, Noah had nothing to show, but he was the target of the family's criticisms. At the same time, they would celebrate all of Lila's little wins, such as receiving a minor award for her movie. Such celebrations were usually reserved for huge occasions, such as the major holidays.

Ruby immediately got it. She sounded envious. "Well, she's quite lucky, then."

"Not really." With a frown, Noah said, "You have no idea how difficult her life used to be."noveldrama

After a brief pause, he waved. "Forget about it. I shouldn't bring it up.'

He turned to her. "Ms. Clemence."

"Just Ruby, please," she replied, looking up with clear eyes.

He hesitated. "Whatever happened in the past, Lila is now part of our family. No one can hurt her. Got it?"

He watched her from the corner of his eyes. It wasn't until she nodded that he looked away.

But Ruby felt a little puzzled by his choice of words. "But hasn't Ms. Hart always been part of your family?"

He snapped speechlessly, "Glad you're aware." He couldn't believe she had been pedantic with him for no reason.

He thought, "My entire family will not forgive you if you eye anything that belongs to Lila!"

After their conversation, they arrived at the table Lila had sat down at. Kieran was speaking with the waiter.

Ruby immediately tried to sit beside Lila, but Noah pulled her away. "Sit here." Noah was annoyed at her. Did she forget about his warning just now? Was she trying to come between Lila and Kieran, and break up their relationship?

Like a guardian of Lila and Kieran's relationship, Noah made Ruby sit in the innermost corner so that she was neither seated between the couple nor across from Kieran.

Ruby did not look displeased when Noah puffed her over to sit beside him. With a smile, she took a cup and asked Noah, "Can you get me some water?"

She turned to the cup before Lila. "Ms. Hart, do you want some water too?"

Lila nodded. Ruby picked up her cup and handed it to Noah, saying, "Sorry for the trouble."

While pouring the two cups of water,

Noah stole a glance at Ruby. Ruby seemed like a young lady from a reputable family who had seen it all. She carried herself with poise without betraying any emotion; she even expressed care to her love rival.

The faint smile on Lila's face annoyed Noah. He silently clicked his tongue. Why

did the Morgan family raise such a silly, gullible girl?

Kieran took his seat and set the

utensils for Lila. He said, "The food

but

here might not be to your taste, b you can give it a try later. When we're back at the hotel, I'll whip something up for you."

Lila nodded. The conversation unfolded leisurely.

Ruby piped up, "How long have you been here? Do you plan to visit other places?"

Noah gave her a side-eye, thinking, "You already knew everything, so why did you ask? Look at you, prodding around for their itinerary."

Noah cut her off flatly. "After this competition, another one will be hosted back in the country. Do you want to attend?"

Ruby gave him a slightly surprised look. Amused, she said, "This is the first time you invited me to watch your competition."

"Are you going alone or with friends? I can get two of the best seats for you." Noah treated it like a business.

"Alone, I guess." She looked at Lila. "Will your trip end by then? Would you like to join me?"

Noah shot Ruby a bewildered look, shocked that she could guide the

conversation back to Lila somehow.

Why was Ruby so obsessed with Kieran?

Noticing Lila's confusion, Ruby clarified, "Would you like to join me and watch

Noah compete?"