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

Henrik chuckled, smoothing down a stray lock of Flora's hair. "Our Flora looks so beautiful, all grown up now." Clutching her small pearl purse, Flora walked out the door, beaming with joy. Connor's car was already waiting.

She opened the rear door and slid inside. Connor's eyes traveled from her slender, fair legs up to her face. He tilted his head slightly, as if admiring her.

Flora flirtatiously flicked her hair and tugged down the collar of her chiffon blouse a bit, revealing the white straps underneath. "Do I look good?" she asked, her voice laced with a seductive charm that was utterly captivating.

Connor's eyes darkened as he raised his hand to the back of Flora's head, applying a bit of pressure to bring her closer. The fresh scent of her makeup filled the small space between them. Flora instinctively closed her eyes, thinking he was about to kiss her.

"Are you cold?" Connor's question broke the moment. He adjusted her collar, securing it snugly.

Flora opened her eyes in surprise, meeting his amused gaze. "..."

Moss and Beck, in the driver and passenger seats, couldn't suppress their snorts of laughter.

"Turn up the heat," Connor instructed.

"Sure thing," Moss replied, trying to suppress his laughter as he adjusted the air conditioning. Flora: ". "

She had never felt so speechless! Sure, it was autumn and the weather was cooling, and maybe she was dressed a bit lightly, but now was not the time for this!

Flora was both angry and annoyed, but she couldn't lash out at Connor. Her eyes darkened as she glanced at Moss and Beck. They felt a chill down their spines and quickly looked away, stifling their amusement.

"I don't want to talk to you anymore," Flora huffed, turning her face away.

Connor's dark eyes sparkled with amusement as he spoke to Moss. "Back to Bayview."Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

"Got it."

...

Half an hour later, the car slowly stopped at Bayview. Connor got out first and opened the door for Flora. Still sulking, she refused to get out.

"Lift me, or I won't come out," she demanded.

Connor chuckled. "Alright."

He bent down, placing one hand on Flora's back and the other on her waist, and lifted her out in a princess carry. Flora wrapped her arms around his neck and, in a bit of playful retaliation, bit his neck gently. Connor's eyes instantly grew more intense.

At the doorstep, Moss went to open the door, but it swung open from the inside.

"You've finally come back," Ray said, standing at the entrance, looking dispirited and forlorn.

"Do you realize you're like a third wheel?" Flora teased. Every time she and Connor were alone, Ray would show up!

In the past, Ray would have had a witty retort, but this time he didn't argue back. "What brings you here?" Connor frowned.

"I'm just not feeling well," Ray replied, a gloom enveloping him.

Flora noticed he was off too. She patted Connor's shoulder, signaling him to put her down. Connor whispered, "Go wait for me in the room."

"Okay." Flora nodded and headed upstairs to her room.

Connor took a few bottles of liquor from the cabinet and placed them on the table. Then he sat down opposite Ray. "You talk, I'm listening."

...

Meanwhile, at Gale Corporation, Aisha was bent over her desk, sorting through documents. A knock sounded, and shareholder Nathaniel pushed the door open and entered.