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

In Austenberg, folks practically treated Flora like a goddess, waiting eagerly for the Austenberg team to come back victorious so they could party in their honor!

"Flora, don't pull any more risky stunts like that, okay? We'd all be a wreck if something happened to you," someone said, their concern showing.

"Exactly," Raul chimed in, trying to keep a straight face but eventually cracking a smile. "You're brave for competing while hurt, but it's not something we want to encourage. Our Flora is a champ! Here, a little something for my precious girl!" He handed Flora a beautifully wrapped gift box.

"Congrats on snagging first place, sis," Henrik said, offering his gift.

"Flora, congrats! I wasn't sure what you'd like, so forgive me if it's not perfect," Ethan mumbled, looking a bit shy as he handed over his gift.

"Flora, Flora, I'm skipping the traditional gift," Kruz said with a cheeky grin. "Gifts are so old-school. I sent you a million bucks! Buy whatever your heart desires!"

Even Amanda and the butler joined in with their gifts. They weren't your average folks, and their presents were anything but ordinary, adding up to a jaw-dropping nine-figure sum. But, of course, it wasn't about the money-it was all about the thought behind it. "Hey, bro, what did you get for Flora?" Kruz asked Connor, itching to know since he hadn't seen it yet.

Connor looked a bit flustered, clearing his throat. "Uh..."

But Kruz, clueless as ever to Connor's discomfort, kept pestering, "Come on, spill the beans! Indulge my curiosity-"

Connor shut him down with a quick, "Zip it."

Kruz blinked in confusion, "Huh? Why the hush? I'm just asking!"

While Connor was in the kitchen whipping up a victory feast for Flora, Kruz sneaked up to her. "Hey, my dear Flora! C'mon, tell me, what did my brother give you? You gotta satisfy your little brother-in-law's curiosity!"

At first, he wasn't that interested, but Connor's secrecy only made him more determined to find out.

"Flora, Flora, I just-Whoa! Who's yanking my chain?"

Before he could finish, his collar got tugged.

Connor hauled him into the kitchen with one hand. "Since you seem so free, why not lend a hand?" Kruz whimpered, "Busted."

"Flora," Raul sidled up to her, "the competition's wrapped up, right? Are you guys heading back soon?" "Yeah, Mr. Tanner said our flight's the day after tomorrow."

"You're leaving so soon?" Amanda sounded genuinely bummed. "Why not hang out a bit longer? I can arrange a private jet for you when you decide to head

e.

"No, that's okay," Raul jumped in quickly. "Flora should head back with the team since she came for the competition."

He thought even waiting three more days was too long and wished they could leave that very night. "Dad," Henrik softly nudged him, trying to tone down the urgency that was almost too obvious.

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Raul realized his slip and glanced at Flora, who was looking down, seemingly unaware of his anxiety. He let out a quiet sigh of relief.

He suspected Flora might already have

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After dinner, Flora headed back to her room. Fresh from the shower, she checked her phone and saw a message from Felene. Something had happened to Joy.