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

Chapter 1399

Leaving Jackson's place, Fiona couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She always had a knack for picking up on changes around her, and today was no different. Trying to push away the unease, she quickly glanced around and ducked into a nearby alley. The sky was a dull gray, and the alley was cluttered with random construction debris, making it tricky to navigate. Fiona moved forward quietly, but the sudden clatter of hurried footsteps behind her made her freeze. It wasn't just one person-it sounded like a whole group, and they were closing in fast. Spinning around, Fiona found herself face-to-face with a gang of burly, tattooed men. The leader stood out with a thick metal pipe in his hand and a nasty scar slicing across his face. He grinned, showing off his yellow teeth, and taunted, "Well, well, look who's waltzed right into our little trap. Don't blame us if things get rough, sweetheart."

Feigning fear, Fiona widened her almond-shaped eyes, letting them fill with mock terror. Her voice, dripping with sugar, sounded so forced it gave her chills. "Who are you? Why are you following me?"

The men burst into laughter as if she'd told the funniest joke. "You don't need to know who we are. Just do what you're told, and maybe we won't have to get nasty," the leader sneered, licking his lips and stepping closer.

The group ogled her like wolves eyeing fresh prey, their gazes disgusting and hungry, practically drooling.

...

Back at school, Fiona's friends were getting worried. With only a minute until class started, her absence was glaring. Calls and texts went unanswered, sending her close friends into a panic.

we do if we can't reach Fiona?" a boy who usually stuck by Fiona asked, unable to

students whispered ideas, their brows knitted in concern. "Maybe we should tell a teacher;

just skipping class, telling a

will this! What's the plan, then?" The debate

as Nash walked in. He ignored the curious stares and headed straight for Fiona's

for a while. We've tried calling

out his

dialed Fiona's number.

Unsurprisingly, it went straight

automated voice

was the last time anyone heard from her?"

lunch. Since then,