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

Jane brushed off the idea with a dismissive snort. "So what if Fiona's tight with

them? What does that even matter? In New York, it's all about who you know and the power you wield. Someone from New York without any real pull, just a fancy 'valedictorian' title, is worthless. If she's truly from the Stonnell family, I'll eat my

hat!"

Jane couldn't believe Fiona had such strong backing, much less stronger than her own. As she dwelled on it more, her frustration simmered. She shot a glance at the girl who had just dared to disagree with her, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. "Scared, are you?"

Jane was seething, and this girl had the misfortune of getting in her way at the worst possible time. "If you're scared, then maybe it's best you stop hanging with us. Spare yourself the embarrassment. And if you get into trouble, don't come running to me. I'm not running a shelter."

The girl shivered but kept her mouth shut, enduring Jane's taunts. Truth be told, her family couldn't hold a candle to the Kidds, let alone the Larkins or Bryants. She had been part of Jane's antics for years, causing harm to others, but now she was too scared to continue.

In the past, her family could smooth over her missteps, but crossing families like the Bryant, Larkin, Woods, or Stonnell was a whole different ball game. If things went south, her family couldn't cover the damages, no matter the cost.

"Don't bother coming to me for anything in the future," Jane sneered before strutting off with her clique, leaving the girl standing there, not even bothering to buy a meal. Trading a single lunch to secure her family's future was an easy decision.

Meanwhile, Fiona and Jackson strolled down the road together, enjoying a rare moment of solitude since their friends had driven off. It had been a while since they had time alone.

They swapped stories about theirnoveldrama

dealings with the Stonnell and Woods families, though Fiona conveniently left out the part where she had to get physical. It wasn't something she wanted, it just happened. Jackson also kept mum about his wager with Grandpa Woods. Neither wanted the other to fret too much, but they both

understood the tight spots they were in.

Their silent understanding was what they valued most.

They wandered into a nearby park, home to a large lake adorned with twinkling

lights. Across the water, a TV station glowed brightly.

Couples lined the benches, whispering sweet nothings. Fiona and Jackson exchanged a bashful glance.

"How are they not embarrassed at all?" Fiona's cheeks flushed.

As a bystander, she could stay composed, but in the moment, it was a different story. She couldn't focus on the park's beauty, even though it was a popular spot near Center College.

"Maybe they're just used to it.

Feeling shy, Fiona?" Jackson teased,

playfully, ruffling her hair before

planting a gentle kiss on her

forehead. "I love it when you're like this."

Fiona nestled into his arms, her smile broadening. She was so bashful, like a ripe apple ready to be picked.