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

"Hehehe, Flora, how about sharing some of that miracle medicine with me too?" Kruz sidled up, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"What do you need it for, huh?" Adrian snapped, not holding back. "We risked our necks to get that stuff. I'm still aching all over, so why should you get any?"

"If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't even be talking to Flora right now!" Kruz shot back with a smirk. "Besides, she's my Flora! I'm asking her, not you. I'm her brother-in-law, isn't that reason enough?"

"Well, she's my cousin! Blood relative through and through!"

Adrian was practically puffing out his chest with pride! Finally, he had a solid reason to flaunt his connection with Flora in front of Kruz. They were bona fide cousins!

That declaration hit hard, leaving Kruz momentarily speechless before he loudly fired back, "She's my Flora too!"

"My cousin!"

"My Flora!"

Flora just stood there, rolling her eyes. "Arguing with you two is like talking to a couple of brick walls." With a deadpan expression, she tossed a packet toward Kruz. "Keep it up, and I'll snip out your tongue." Kruz caught the packet, his face lighting up like it was Christmas morning. "Thanks, Flora, you're the best!"

Adrian stood there, dumbfounded and feeling a bit frosty inside. Why did Flora hand it to Kruz and not him? He suspected it all along; Flora had a soft spot for Kruz. Even though he'd brushed against death's door, he was the last to get the miracle cure. His spirits sank, shoulders slumping as sadness washed over him. Despite their blood ties, Flora seemed to favor Kruz!

Unbeknownst to Adrian, Flora was unaware of his inner turmoil. She only had one packet on her, and besides, more medicine for the Johnson family would be arriving in just a few days. She just wanted Kruz to pipe down, so she gave it to him. Deep down, she did have a bit of a soft spot for Kruz.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Meanwhile, Connor sat off to the

side, looking like a thundercloud. Flora had been downstairs for ages and hadn't even thrown him a glance... like he was invisible

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He cleared his throat loudly, hoping to catch her attention. What started as a ruse turned real when the cough worsened, tugging painfully at his wound.

"Connor!" Flora rushed over, crouching down to check his face. "Are you okay? Does it hurt a lot?"

Connor sulked, keeping his lips sealed.

Flora gave him a once-over; the issue stemmed from the potent sleeping potion she'd given him. It was strong stuff, and waking up too soon had taken a toll on his body: She knew just how powerful her concoction was, and the fact that Connor managed to rouse himself was impressive.

Flora felt a twinge of guilt, took a deep breath, and offered him a pill. "Here, Connor, take this. It'll help."

He was sitting, and she was kneeling, so Connor had to look down at her. Seeing the worry in her eyes, he finally opened his mouth. "Feed it to me."

Flora, a bit exasperated but amused, called Mike over with a glass of water, slipped the pill into Connor's mouth, and helped him drink.

"Feeling any better?" she asked, hopeful.

Connor gazed at her, "Still hurts."

Mike and Jack exchanged glances, barely able to watch. Their boss was laying it on thick...

"In that case, let me give you some acupuncture," Flora offered, thinking his pain was genuine. Her face was all business as she called for silver needles.

"No need, I'm much better now, no needles required," Connor said, not wanting her to tire herself. He gently pulled her up, from kneeling to sitting on his lap.

"Have your legs gone numb from kneeling so long?"