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. Someone will

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

the buses were full, and more teams kept emerging from

board their bus, a group of people in grey suits walked over. They

you're here?

glanced over at Mr. Tanner

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

you and

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

on Lone Island? This treatment

Austenberg contestants were pleasantly surprised. While contestants

got to ride

Abbey thought highly

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

as she basked in the envious gazes, lifting her chin a bit higher.