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

Flora hesitated for a moment mid-step. Then, she felt Connor's hand settle gently but firmly on her shoulder.

"Don't look back. It's a mess," he said.

"Okay," Flora replied with a soft chuckle, continuing her walk with a calm demeanor.

Outside the Reyes household, the scene was gruesome. Riley was clutching his blood-soaked right hand, whimpering in despair. His hand was utterly ruined! The bullet had shattered his hand bone completely. Beck holstered his gun, looking down at Riley with a smirk. "A sharp tongue has its consequences," he said.

Inside...

"So, what did you get me?" Flora asked, resting her chin in her hand as she looked at Connor.

"I stumbled upon some top-notch herbs at the black market. Thought you might need them," Connor said, pulling out a pouch from his coat and handing it over.

He wasn't entirely sure if Flora needed them, but he couldn't resist the urge to buy them when he thought of her. Flora opened the pouch and found exactly what she had been searching for: some of the finest herbs, including a few she'd been hunting for a while.

With Raul's birthday around the corner, she had planned to craft a special incense to protect his heart and extend his life. The missing ingredients had held her back, but now Connor had brought them to her.

"Connor, we are so in sync!" Flora exclaimed, giving him a light kiss on the cheek.

"As long as you're happy," he replied.

"There's more than enough here; I could make a batch for you too!"

"No need," Connor said with a gentle shake of his head. "You're already swamped with the Reyes family's issues. You need to rest."

The young lady really did need some downtime.

Suddenly, Flora's phone buzzed in her pocket. It was a text from Mr. Tanner. They were heading back to Austenberg and wanted to knowi she was coming along. Unlike Flora, they couldn't linger on Lone Istand forever since the organizers had asked them to leave.

Flora texted back: Go ahead without me; I've still got some things to finish up. I'll join you later.

Right after she sent the message, there was a knock on the door. "Sis, Mr. Youth wants to know when you can start training." Over at the hotel...

Mr. Tanner sighed softly after reading Flora's message, having expected her response. He put his phone away and turned to Felene and the others as they packed. Let's get moving, folks. We're heading back to Austenberg in half an hour."

"Flora's not coming?" Felene asked, with the others glancing over curiously.

"She's got some loose ends to tie up. She'll catch up with us later."

"Oh, that's a bummer."

"Don't worry, we'll see her in Austenberg. Plus, we're heading to the medical base together!"

The mention of this got everyone buzzing with excitement. Flora had led the Austenberg team to victory, and after the New Year, they were set to enter the medical base-a dream come true for all of them!

In the midst of all this joy, the girl in the wheelchair, exuding a somber aura, seemed out of place. She was filled with regret. If only she hadn't gone after, Flora, she wouldn't be i this condition, and she could have been part of the group heading to the medical base, anticipating a promising future. Everyone thought her accident was just bad luck, but she knew better. It was Flora's doing. Joy closed her eyes, tears of regret spilling over.

Meanwhile...

Flora and Connor arrived at the training field together. Youth walked over eagerly. "Flora!" "Hey," Flora replied coolly.

Youth's eyes darted to their interlocked fingers, lingering there for a moment.