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

Debra lowered her voice, clearly annoyed by Selene always sticking up for Flora.

Selene shot her a frosty glance. "Seriously, it's just a meal on the third floor. Not a big deal."

Like she cared.

"Mr. Tanner, you go ahead. I'm fine eating here," she said, her tone icy as she continued to queue, eyes downcast. The mere idea of looking at them again was irritating. Unbeknownst to them, Kruz was leaning against the staircase, eavesdropping on their entire conversation.

He had stepped out to make a call and ended up catching their exchange. It was almost laughable how angry it made him.

Flora had kindly invited them upstairs, and this was their response?

He hadn't even eaten yet, and he was already feeling queasy.

Picking up his phone, he called a staff member.

"Let's head upstairs," he said.

Joy smiled graciously at the staff member, basking in the admiring and envious glances from the crowd.

The staff member was about to nod when his phone rang. He excused himself with an apologetic gesture and stepped aside to take the call.

Afterwards, Joy and the others watched as the staff member's expression changed.

sorry, but you can't go

upstairs? Why? They

Joy's smile froze. "Wh-why?"

member replied, his

What did they know?

say something? Let me talk to her. Maybe I

ago, Debra and the others had been bragging about how they were going to eat upstairs, thanks to her. And now, they were

invited you upstairs," the staff member

Kruz? Who

Joy and the others grew

the staff member

be precise,

Miss Flora."

vanished

invitation had come

She felt like a

and the others fell silent, their faces

hadn't expected the invitation to

for you to

gaze finally settling on Selene. He walked over and spoke

didn't refuse this time. If Flora was inviting her, why wouldn't she go? She held