Chapter 99
Dorian looked at Lila expectantly, hoping she could sense his sincerity. He wished she would stop putting up such a wall between them.
“Lila, even though this one is a bit different from the original, it doesn’t change how I feel about you.”
As he gazed at her with anticipation, she momentarily felt a jolt of familiarity, as if the person before her had crossed the rivers of time and merged with the man from five years ago.
But the feeling was quickly replaced by a greater sense of absurdity.
“You just admitted it’s different.”
Jamie spotted them talking through the hotel’s glass door and rushed over with her suitcase.
“What are you doing?” She stood protectively in front of Lila.
Dorian frowned. His expression was cold as he looked at the newcomer who had shown him disrespect multiple times. His dislike was palpable. Yet, considering Lila’s attitude toward Jamie, he held back from scolding her.
Patiently, he replied, “Lila, I’m still the same person. How am I any different?”
She had no intention of engaging with him further. Lila opened the car door and signaled for Jamie to get in.
Unmoved by his pleading gaze, she replied, “You’re just you now.”
Without waiting for him to say anything else, she got into the car after Jamie and drove away.
…
Knowing Lila would return today, Kieran had already reserved a table at a restaurant.
After dinner, they headed to the Morgan residence to visit the elders.
Lila hadn’t seen her adoptive mother, Nicole Robbins, in a long time, and they chatted for a while before leaving as night fell.
They made plans to go shopping together.
…
The next morning, the two spent the day shopping, with Nicole picking out clothes, shoes, and jewelry for Lila.
“Aunt Nicole,” Lila said helplessly. “We’ve already bought so much.”
Nicole looked back at her. “Is that so?” She appeared much younger than her actual age. Her fulfilling and happy life gave her an air of grace and warmth.
“How about one last dress?” Nicole suggested, holding up a light pink dress with a lovely bow at the waist.
Lila hesitated, feeling that such a cute outfit might not suit her. “Isn’t this a bit too much for me?”
“At your age, it’s the perfect time to love beauty. This pink is so pretty, and you look stunning, Lila. It’s perfect for you.”
Nicole gazed at her with affectionate eyes. “Noah was such a handful when he was young. Whenever you came to visit, I wanted to switch you with him.”
Her eyes softened as she continued, “By a twist of fate, you became my daughter too.”
Lila lowered her gaze, feeling a gentle melancholy wash over her.
“Oh dear, why am I bringing this up? Come on.” Nicole urged, handing the dress
to Lila. “Try it on for me to see if it’s as cute and pretty as I imagine. You’re just like a little princess!”
Seeing Nicole’s motherly warmth stirred something deep within Lila, reminiscent of her biological mother’s tenderness.
She opened her mouth to say something but swallowed the words, instead adopting a sweet demeanor typical of a young woman. “Okay. I’ll try it on, but this is the last one! We can’t buy so much at once. Once I’m done with my work next time, we’ll-“
“Alright, alright. I’ll listen to you. You’re young but more chatty than an old woman like me!”
Nicole laughed as she pushed Lila into the fitting room, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She thought to herself, “Mrs. Hart, I wonder if you’d feel a bit of comfort seeing how Lila has turned out.”
The pink dress was indeed beautiful, but it was also a bit too cute.