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

Raul felt a wave of calm wash over him when he heard Flora's name. He instinctively glanced towards the door and saw Flora looking right back at him. That snapped him back to reality. He'd just lost it with Karter and completely forgot Flora was just on the other side of the wall. How much had she overheard? Hopefully not too much...

"Who do you think you are, hitting my dad like that? You looking for trouble?" Adrian burst out when he saw his dad, Karter, with a bruised face. Anger surged through him.

Did they really think they could get away with bullying his dad in front of him? And why hadn't his dad dodged out of the way? His illness had just improved-what if he got seriously hurt again?

Adrian's anger flared, and he didn't care who Raul and Henrik were. He glared at them, "You hit someone and don't even think about apologizing? Want me to have you arrested and make you beg for forgiveness?" "They're my dad and brother," Flora's cool voice came from behind.

Adrian's knees nearly gave way. Flora's family?

...

In the hospital room, Flora looked at Raul and Henrik, both sporting bruises. "Alright, spill it. What happened?"

These two usually commanded respect, but right now, they looked like kids caught doing something wrong, heads hung low.

"Why did you start a fight?" she asked again patiently.

"If I told you we just didn't like him, would you buy that?" one of them muttered.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Flora raised an eyebrow. Did they really think she'd fall for that? She'd never seen them this out of control before. There had to be more to this with Karter.

"Dad, brother..." Flora softened her voice, sounding almost pleading. "What are you hiding from me?"

Her gentle tone was hard to resist, and both Raul and Henrik were visibly uncomfortable.

"Flora! Just remembered, I left something in the car. Be right back!" Raul said through gritted teeth, making a quick exit.

"I... I forgot something downstairs too. Gotta grab it!" Henrik stammered, not great at lying, and hurried after Raul.

Flora watched them go, sighing. Fine. If they wouldn't tell her, she'd just find out on her own.

...

Outside, Raul and Henrik leaned against the wall, catching their breath. Flora's presence was just too intimidating.

"Dad, Flora's getting suspicious. We this up," Henrik said,

can't keens

realizing

that Flora was too shel ne

be kept in the dark for long

Raul knew this but was at a loss. He just wished the medical conference would wrap up so he could take Flora back to Austenberg.

...

Back in the hospital room, Flora pulled out her phone and dialed Crimson. The call connected almost immediately.

"Flora! About time you called!"

Crimson's voice boomed through

a mix of relief and frustration. "How're you doing now? Feeling any better?"

When Crimson heard about Flora's accident, he was ready to storm Lone Island with his crew. The helicopter was already in the air when Flera messaged, saying was alright and pleaded with Crimson not to act rashly, which cooled his temper somewhat.

"I'm much better," Flora assured.

"Turn on the video, let me see you," Crimson demanded, ending the call before initiating a video chat.

Flora answered, and although her complexion had improved, she still looked a bit pale.

"I feel like tearing someone apart!" Crimson burst out again.

"I've got something more important to discuss with you," Flora replied, trying to steer the conversation.