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

Backstage was a hive of activity. Every contestant had to turn in their design sketches before heading to the rooms assigned by the organizers to create their garments. The finished pieces, all hidden under red cloth, awaited their grand reveal on stage. It was a race against the clock, testing the designers' skills to the limit, and everyone was feeling the pressure.

Out in the audience, the competition hadn't started yet. Flora was lounging in her seat, munching on snacks. After polishing off a bag of chips, she held out her hands to Connor. With a gentle care that was almost surreal, Connor pulled out a wet wipe and cleaned her hands.

They tried to stay under the radar, tucked away in a corner, but with their striking looks, they were impossible to miss.

"Wow, he's so handsome!"

"Look at him cleaning her hands! What a dreamboat! So sweet and caring, and good-looking too!"

"Who says they're a couple? They could be siblings!"

All the attractive people seem to end up together, leaving the rest of us to muddle through. Life's too cruel sometimes.

Feeling the eyes from all around, Flora lifted an eyebrow, a mix of pride and smugness bubbling up inside her. Jealous much? But hey, this is my man, not yours.

really is you two. Thought I might've been seeing things," Louie

them earlier but had been busy with

"Yup," Flora replied nonchalantly.

the win is pretty much in the bag." Flora's smile was subtle, showing no surprise at

bag in Connor's hand and nodded towards it. "Mind sharing?

him two sandwiches and

"Connor, I'm

syrupy. Louie, mid-sip of milk,

"Cough, cough, cough..."

a thermos, poured water into the cap, and handed it to Flora. Once she

with a twitching mouth. "Are you raising a

every need. And Flora, in his presence, seemed to grow more child-like

said, feeling that any more of this would be too much for his

eleven sharp, the competition kicked off. Backstage, the yet-to-perform contestants were