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

Mr. Trevor was catching on to the situation, and it took him by surprise. Fiona's records just showed her as an orphan, no notable background to speak of, and she hadn't been in Cedarvale long. Yet, here she was, acquainted with Jackson. This girl was something else. "Hey there, kiddo, let me apologize on behalf of my no-good nephew," Jackson said warmly. "Feeling hungry? Let's grab a bite."

"Sure," Fiona replied with a nod. "I could eat."

"Hang tight outside for a bit. I'll wrap things up here and then we'll head out for some food. In the meantime, think about what you're in the mood for."

Jackson gave her a gentle pat on the head, noting her exceptionally nice hair that felt quite soft to the touch. Fiona's eyes crinkled with a slight smile; she didn't mind his friendly gesture at all. "Alright, I'll go along with you, big brother."

...

Fiona made her way outside, leaning casually against the wall. One hand was tucked into her school uniform pocket, her gaze slightly downcast as if she found the whole scenario a bit mundane. Her striking looks drew plenty of attention. Everyone at Westbrook High School knew why Fiona was there. She'd gotten into it with Nash. Mr. Trevor had called her in for a "chat."

"Poor thing, such a beauty, and she's already in hot water," the murmurs of sympathy floated around. Folks speculated that this might be the last they'd see of such a captivating girl at school.

"Hey, Louise, check it out, it's that new girl," Carla said, balancing a stack of books while nodding toward Fiona. The girl next to her quickly pointed Fiona out.

Louise turned to look. Her eyes narrowed slightly. It was her first time seeing the new transfer in person, and she was even more stunning than her pictures on the forum.

"Louise, Nash's folks are already

here. They're probably gunning for Fiona. She's in deep now," Willow

chimed in her tone dripping with t

disdain. "She's got no family, no

backing, and she still had the guts to hit Nash. Where does she get thenovelbin

nerve?"

Louise's lips curled into a slight smirk, but she didn't say a word. She headed straight for Mr. Trevor's

linet

2

office, brushing right past Fiona.. Knowing Louise wasn't fond of Fiona, Willow deliberately bumped her shoulder into Fiona as she walked by.

Fiona, who had been looking down, now lifted her eyes, a look of irritation on her face. In such a wide space, and yet she was the target?

"What are you staring at?" Willow snapped. "So what if I bumped you? You've crossed Nash, and you think you can still hang around Westbrook High School? Do you even know who she is? Nash's darling."

She lifted her chin toward Louise,

clearly trying to curry favor.

Otherwise, she had no real reason to

go after Fiona. It was just that

Fiona's beauty had stolen the

spotlight on her very first day, which didn't sit well with Louise.

"Let's move," Louise said, not even bothering to look back. She didn't think it was worth her time to deal with Fiona, who was likely about to be expelled anyway.

Just as she reached the office door, holding her books close, it swung open from the inside. Out came a dejected-looking Nash, clearly upset.

"Nash!" Louise called out as soon as she saw him.

"Louise," he replied.