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

Alexa had spent the day watching Dr. Ray perform surgery, and she was still buzzing with excitement. She couldn't wait to get back and jot down her notes. When Libby asked her something, Alexa responded offhandedly, "What do you need?"

"Cousin, how was your first day at the lab?" Libby asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It was incredible! I got lucky and saw Dr. Ray operate up close on my first day!" Alexa's eyes sparkled. "Watching that surgery taught me more than a year of studying ever could." Libby felt a pang of jealousy, especially thinking about Flora, who had also seen the surgery. "Did you see Flora there today?" she asked, her tone tinged with bitterness.

"Flora? You know her?" Alexa gave her a sideways glance. "Dr. Ray isn't a fan of hers. He had everyone in the lab watch the surgery, except Flora."

"I found out later Flora's just a freshman and probably got into the lab through connections. No one likes her; they think she's a burden," Alexa added with a smug tone. Who cares how pretty she is? Without skills, no one respects you.

Libby hadn't realized Flora was having such a rough time in the lab. She felt a mix of satisfaction and schadenfreude.

The next day, Flora rushed to the lab.

performance yesterday

the steadiness to pull that off. I

the previous day's amazing surgery. They quieted down as Flora walked

She got

proofread

her seat, a female voice chimed in from above. Looking up, she saw a woman with a medical mask, her skin dark and forehead shiny. "Sorry, I'm swamped. But you seem free, so maybe you could handle it," Alexa said, her tone assertive

polite, not knowing Flora's background. But now, knowing Flora was a freshman and disliked, she felt free to boss her around. Even though they were both newcomers, Alexa felt she could delegate tasks to Flora. After all, Flora was

at Alexa without a

gaze but quickly

you don't want to do it? That's what you get

you asking Flora to do it? Let me see," Shawn

"Shawn...?"