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."

the four judges were murmuring

that this year, the University of Maple Grove let a freshman from the medical school compete, something... oh right, this year's

the leadership at the

the inside scoop. My cousin Brianna is one of the main competitors for the University of Maple Grove. She mentioned more than once that Flora's computer skills are pretty weak and often drag them down. She's only in the competition because she's

invited celebrity, sitting among the judges, though not actually judging—just adding some star power

who had been quiet until now, slowly turned to look at her. His slightly nearsighted eyes gave him a misty, almost affectionate appearance no matter who he looked at. At that moment,

have a grudge against Flora? Why does everything she

thoughts, felt her heart race as he continued to 'affectionately' stare at her. Before coming, she had done her homework on the judges, learning that this man, named Jules, was a top figure in the computer science world and the most formidable

His constant stare...

he had fallen

after all, she was the nation's sweetheart. She took a deep breath and