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

Henrik's live streams were a huge hit, drawing in a slew of famous faces eager to collaborate and give their popularity a boost. Opportunities like this didn't come around often.

Besides, after already offending Rafael, the last thing anyone needed was to get on Henrik's bad side too. How would they survive in the industry then?

Aisha thought she might be overthinking it. With an air of absolute confidence, she declared, "I'm the nation's sweetheart. Working with Henrik's company is a massive win for him. Do you really think Henrik would pick a fight with me over some nobody?"

Lindsey had to admit she had a point and let the topic drop.

In the green room.

Rafael and Flora were all smiles. "Flora, why didn't you give me a heads-up you were coming? If Henrik hadn't mentioned it, I'd be in the dark," Rafael said.

"Rafael, what are you doing here?"

Tony, the assistant, had just come back from the restroom and was surprised to see Rafael and Flora looking so chummy. He didn't know the depth of Rafael and Flora's relationship and just assumed Rafael was being nice because Flora was Henrik's sister.

"Feeling better?" Rafael glanced at him briefly.

Tony was flattered that Rafael seemed to care about his well-being. "Actually, yes, I'm feeling much better. Thanks for asking, Rafael."

Rafael could only shake his head, amused that Tony took his remark so seriously.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

Just then, Rafael's phone buzzed with a text from Devin. Tucking his phone away, he stood up, somewhat reluctantly. "Flora, the competition is about to start. I should head over. I'll come find you after it's over."

Flora just waved him off. "Go ahead."

"Take good care of your lady."

As Rafael passed Tony, he coolly reminded him, then left.

Tony scratched his head. "Ms. Flora, did I miss something after I left?"

Flora glanced at him. "No, nothing."

...

The competition was niche and not very large in scale.

For someone of Aisha's caliber, attending such an event wasn't necessary. She was there mainly as a star attraction and wouldn't be part of the final judging, making a grand entrance at the end. Her fans crowded the venue, cheering excitedly.

"Sister! I really love you! Ahhh! I've been a fan for five years!"

"Sister! Can we shake hands? This is my gift to you! Two thousand origami cranes, wishing you a dazzling and triumphant career!"

"Sister! ..."

"Thank you all for your love. I'll keep working hard to not let you down."

Aisha smiled gently, humbly shaking hands with her fans and accepting their gifts.

She considerately said, "It's too hot out here. Lindsey, go buy everyone a bottle of water."

The fans were even more touched by her kindness.

She really was as caring as they thought, even looking out for them.

Once out of sight, Aisha's smile faded, replaced by disgust. She pulled out a sanitizing wipe from her bag and vigorously cleaned her hands.

Her team behind her acted as if this were normal, clearly used to her behavior.

"Keep the expensive gifts. Throw the rest away."

The staff nodded, selecting a few luxury items from the pile of gifts and discarding the rest into the trash can.

The bottle filled with two thousand colorful origami cranes lay lonely amidst the garbage.

Devin happened to walk by and see this scene but said nothing. Such behavior was all too common in the industry.

Spotting Devin, Aisha's eyes lit up. She called out to him, "Devin!"

She wanted to have a word with him about Rafael, who she believed was enchanted by that woman.