Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

"Connor." She called out, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Connor didn't respond, just stared at her.

She promised she would never leave him again.

Always.

To be good to him forever.

He tried to calm his racing heart, took a deep breath, and walked towards Flora.

With his tall frame and long strides, he quickly closed the gap, wrapped his arms around Flora's waist, and lifted her from the couch. "Bro, you're here!"

Kruz felt a wave of relief wash over him at the sight of Connor.

Thank God he's here, he thought. Otherwise, he was genuinely worried about what his mom might do to Flora.

Oh, wait.

He was actually worried about what Flora might do to his mom.

He still remembered how Flora had knocked down a burly guy with a single punch.

"Let's go."

Connor didn't acknowledge Kruz or Amanda; his eyes were locked on Flora the whole time.

After speaking softly, he held Flora's waist and started to leave.

Amanda, who had been quietly observing, couldn't stay silent any longer. "Stop right there!"

Her tone was sharp. "You finally come over, and you can't even say hello?"

She had just called Flora over, and he showed up right after. What, was he afraid she would bully Flora?

Typical, she thought. A son who forgets his mother the moment he has a wife!

Connor didn't reply but turned to Flora, speaking gently. "Flora, could you wait for me outside for a bit? Just a little while, I'll be right out." "Okay."

Flora understood he needed to talk to Amanda and nodded before stepping outside.

Once she was gone, the softness in Connor's eyes vanished.

He turned to Amanda, his dark eyes cold and unfeeling.

...

Connor's car was parked outside. Flora walked over and got into the back seat.

Moss and Beck, sitting in the front, greeted her respectfully.

"Ms. Flora."

Flora nodded slightly and began texting on her phone.

Just as she finished, Connor slid into the car.

Flora put her phone away and leaned against him.

Neither said a word, and Flora didn't ask any questions.

"Drive," he commanded.

"Yes, sir."

...

The Falcone family.

Amanda was seething, but more than that, she felt powerless.

Connor had turned against her for Flora, even saying she had no right to control him.

Her son, always so aloof and distant, rarely spoke harshly to her.

He said she had no right to control him.

Years ago, when he was just a baby, she had left him, abandoning him to his father.

That monster.

Amanda, born into a prestigious family, had fallen for a man of questionable character-Connor's father, a controlling, paranoid man.

Being strong-willed herself, she

couldn't stand his domineering ways. He forbade her from seeing other men, and when Connor was three, she finally broke. She divorced

him and returned to her family alone.

The child was awarded to the man.

During those years, her mental state was fragile, and the man wouldn't let her see Connor, preventing her from taking proper care of him.

Later, she found out that after she left, the man lost his mind, subjecting Connor to abuse.

She hastily took Connor back, but by then, he was no longer affectionate towards her.

Over twenty years had passed, and Connor only occasionally visited her, showing more affection towards Kruz and Ethan than to her.

"Oh dear, my precious." Kruz walked

over, draping an arm overa's shoulders. "You know how brois. DonDtake what he says to heart."

"And, you know, bro's all grown up.

Whoever he likes, just let him beet

Don't interfere; it's not worth the effort. Our precious just needs to be adorable, that's all."

Amanda shot him a blank look. "Went racing again today?"

The smile on Kruz's face froze, and he withdrew his hand from Amanda's shoulder.

"Old man, smash his race car," Amanda ordered coldly.