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

Waking up too early left me feeling groggy.

The other contestants, all first-timers to Lone Island, were buzzing with excitement, chatting away non-stop. It was pretty loud.

Flora took out her headphones and popped them on. Selene glanced at Flora and quieted down.

Mr. Tanner stared at the back of Flora's head, looking worried. In the past, just the thought of Flora entering a competition could make him smile. But now, Flora hadn't attended any of the training sessions. Could she really handle it?

...

At exactly ten o'clock, the plane touched down. For all the contestants, it was their first time on Lone Island. Once they got off, everything seemed new to them, like country folks visiting the city for the first time.

Flora, carrying her luggage, walked at the back of the group. Her laid-back and casual attitude made her stand out.

"Is this the Austenberg team?" a staff member waiting outside the airport asked politely as they approached.

"Yes," Mr. Tanner nodded.

far right. Someone will take you

nearly a hundred buses parked. Contestants from various countries had arrived one after another, dressed in their national outfits with their country's emblems proudly displayed. They all followed the staff's instructions in an orderly

full, and more

and his team were about to board their bus, a group of people in grey suits walked over. They seemed pretty important, as the staff member's demeanor instantly became more respectful upon

you're here? Does

leading the group gave a nonchalant grunt and glanced over at Mr.

be me," Joy stepped forward, having guessed these were Abbey's people as soon as the staff member

and your friends

top-of-the-line stretch limousines not far away. The commotion drew attention from contestants of other countries, who couldn't help but wonder since when did Austenberg have such connections on Lone Island? To receive such treatment!

you know people on Lone Island? This treatment

pleasantly surprised. While contestants from other

squeeze into buses, they got to ride in

Ms. Abbey thought highly of you! And now

looked on with envy. Being so highly regarded

a bit higher. This was more like it. She was meant to