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

Flora stepped out of the competition venue and immediately spotted Connor waiting outside. She dashed over, calling out, "Connor!" "Hey," he replied, his voice steady, though his eyes lingered on Flora's left hand, a storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.

"Hop in," he instructed, gently guiding her into the car with a firm hand on her arm.

Once inside, he buckled her seatbelt with a hint of coolness in his tone, "We're heading to the hospital."

"You got it, boss," Moss replied, steering the car in that direction.

Connor turned to Flora, "Let me see your hand."

His authoritative presence made Flora shrink back slightly, but she reluctantly offered her left hand. Connor carefully rolled up her sleeve, revealing a blood-soaked bandage.

His face turned serious. "It's just a little blood, nothing major. I know my limits," Flora insisted. "See? I wrapped up the match so fast, like a pro."

Flora wasn't reckless; every step she took was carefully planned. At worst, she'd lose a bit of blood, nothing that would harm her tendons.

"You don't know," Connor interrupted, his voice low and intense, barely masking a deeper emotion. She looked up to find him gazing back at her. "Flora, it tears me up inside."

smallest injury to her pained

...

hospital, Connor accompanied Flora for a

Just take good care, and be careful from now on-no more heavy lifting," the doctor

so he could change

they left the hospital, Flora followed Connor to the car, reaching for the

on a

gave him a curious look as he opened the trunk and pulled out a bouquet of flowers he'd prepared earlier. Handing them

and delight. "Connor,

been beside himself with worry, which came

her on

scolding her.

her hair. "Is there anything you want as a reward?" "Anything?" Flora asked, tilting her

heaven and earth to get it. "Well..." Flora's

a blush slowly crept over his

at the villa, Connor's face was still a bit flushed.