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

As Fiona turned to go, Jackson caught her wrist, his eyes filled with a longing he couldn't hide.

"Mr. Woods, do you need something?" she asked, her voice cool.

That formal "Mr. Woods" hit him like a punch.

"Fiona, don't you have anything to say to your brother?" he pressed, just hoping for even a simple, "Why?"

Fiona paused, eyes lowered, then looked up—her usually warm gaze now sharp as glass. "What exactly does Mr. Woods want me to say?" She let out a dry, almost mocking laugh. "Should I admit how much I miss you, how hard this has been? Or tell you how deep my feelings go? Or maybe you want me to ask why you disappeared without even saying goodbye?"

She glanced at her wrist, then slowly pried his fingers away, one by one. Red marks bloomed where he'd held her, but she stayed calm, her face unreadable.

"Fiona, it's not what you think. It's just—” Jackson almost blurted out the truth about her being in danger, but he swallowed the words.

"Fiona."

"Mr. Woods, let go."

excuse he might have. They were both strong enough to protect themselves now, so what reason could possibly justify keeping them apart? Maybe,

your brother would never hurt

know." She suddenly laughed, the sound cold. She met his eyes, chin tilted

the competition,

that, Fiona turned and walked

up the next morning, her head was spinning and she felt groggy and weak,

The contest started at ten and would run for two hours, followed by a two hour break.

had already arrived, everyone tense and getting

stuff. Just do your best," Fiona told the team's first contestant, giving her a reassuring pat on

worked so hard for this-don't let it go

"You can do it."

first contestant's performance would set the tone for

the stage, her steps

some of the biggest names in the industry. High