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

As soon as they stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause and cheers, each wave louder than the last.

"Go, Ms. Flora! You're the best, Ms. Flora!" Cecelia yelled excitedly through a megaphone.

Henrik, sitting next to her, winced as the noise made his ears ring. "Your employee is quite... enthusiastic, isn't she?" Raul commented, glancing at Cecelia with carefully chosen words. It was clear she was cheering for Flora with everything she had.

"Cough, cough... Go, Ms. Flora... go!" Cecelia's voice was nearly gone after shouting for so long, and she couldn't manage another word.

Henrik handed her a bottle of water with a resigned sigh. "Thanks, boss!" she said gratefully.

Henrik, rubbing his temples, asked, "Aren't you a public figure? Aren't you worried about being recognized?"

To his surprise, Cecelia beamed, "I'd be thrilled! It means I've made it big!"

Henrik shrugged, "Alright then."

four judges were murmuring among

Maple Grove let a freshman from the medical school compete, something...

what the leadership at the University of

competitors for the University of Maple Grove. She mentioned more than once that Flora's computer

said hesitantly. She was an invited celebrity, sitting among the judges, though not actually judging—just adding some star power to

His slightly nearsighted eyes gave him a misty, almost affectionate appearance no

woman... does she have a grudge against Flora? Why does everything she says target

she had done her homework on the judges, learning that this

His constant stare...

be... he had

was confident in her looks; after all, she was the nation's sweetheart. She took