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.

to the car on the far right.

Contestants from various countries had arrived one after another, dressed in their national outfits with their country's emblems proudly

were full, and more teams kept

of people in grey suits

you're here? Does Ms.

group gave a nonchalant grunt and glanced over at Mr. Tanner and the others before asking, "Which one of you is

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

Abbey sent us to pick you and your friends up. Please, come with us to

countries, who couldn't help but wonder since when did Austenberg have such connections on Lone

on Lone Island? This

were pleasantly surprised. While contestants from other

got to

could tell during training that Ms. Abbey thought highly of you! And now she's even sent people to pick you up; she

on with envy. Being so highly regarded by Abbey was something many could only

envious gazes, lifting her chin a bit higher. This was more like it. She was meant to be looked