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.

said, "I'm sorry, but you can't go upstairs anymore," his tone far

Why? They

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

the staff member replied, his

What did they know?

"Did Ms. Abbey say something? Let me

about how they were going to eat upstairs, thanks to her. And now, they were barred, with

Mr. Kruz invited you

Kruz? Who was

Joy and the

the staff member

"To be

Miss Flora."

vanished

come from

she then? She

others fell silent, their faces marked

invitation

you to come upstairs," said the

settling on Selene. He walked

her, why wouldn't she go? She held her head high, climbing the stairs