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

The woman was so charmed by those few words, she practically wanted to take her home right then and there. But when she caught a glimpse of Fiona's youthful face, she hesitated and pulled Jackson aside. "What's the deal here? She looks so innocent, what have you done to her? And why bring her home?"

Jackson, feeling a bit cornered, rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I haven't done anything."

"Really? Nothing at all? You're not pulling my leg?"

She pointed at him, eyebrows raised in disbelief. "If you haven't done anything, what do you see her as?"

Jackson mulled over the question, his eyes drifting to Fiona. Seeing her frail, slender frame, he realized he shouldn't entertain any other notions about her. He shook his head. "She's like a sister to me." Though it seemed he was talking to her, it was more a reminder to himself. Fiona had been listening all along, but with Jackson being so sharp, she couldn't make it too obvious. So, she just caught bits and pieces. Once they wrapped up their chat, Jackson turned to her and said, "After breakfast, I'll take you to school."

The mention of school made Fiona's heart sink. She pulled Jackson aside, away from his sister, and with a hint of playfulness, asked, "Big brother, can I skip school today?"

Jackson didn't say no right away. He chuckled softly and asked, "Why?"

Fiona couldn't just admit she disliked school. After a moment's thought, she said, "If I go, I won't get to see you."

Though Jackson knew she was just playing along, the words brought a smile to his face. But he kept his demeanor in check, clearing his throat lightly. "No can do." Then he added, "But I'll pick you up after school for dinner."

His tone was as gentle as if he was soothing a child. Fiona knew she couldn't stall any longer and reluctantly agreed. As they left, she waved goodbye to the woman with a sweet, obedient smile. Nina waved back.

Nina felt even more convinced that her son and Fiona were just taking advantage of the girl. Maybe the teachers at school, wary of the Woods family's power, didn't dare cross them, which is why they claimed Nash got into a fight. It might well be that the girl was the one who got hurt.

Nash could never have imagined how low his reputation had sunk in his mom's eyes.

...

After breakfast, Jackson drove Fiona back to school. She sat quietly, her mood as low as her head, with a

Watching her through the rearview

rebellious tuft of hair sticking up et

mirror, Jackson couldn't help but chuckle.

She was like a bright, cheerful sunflower, but just the mention of school turned her into a droopy wildflower. "Is school really that dreadful?" he teased.

Giving him a quick glance, she nodded vigorously. "But you've got no choice," he added with a smirk.

Those words turned Fiona from a sad little wildflower into a feisty one. "If Nash gives you any trouble, let me know. I'll set him straight."

Hearing Nash's name, Fiona couldn't help but scoff. To her, he wasn't even worth worrying about.