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

The ninety-minute countdown started ticking away.

Up on the stage, the host kicked off the final countdown with the crowd.

"Ten, nine, eight, seven... three, two, one."

As the last number echoed, every contestant dropped their pens and set aside their sketches. Some had only gotten halfway, forced to stop by the clock. Others had just managed the opening lines. But Jane? She finished her design right on the dot, adding the final touch to a flowing skirt-the whole look complete, down to the last detail.

Country M's contestant finished at the same instant.

Their scores were impossibly close-two rising stars, both at the top of their game.

They might be young, but their work was anything but amateur. The confidence and polish in their designs would outshine many seasoned pros.

"Today's design challenge has been a showstopper!" the host announced, his voice full of energy. "I know everyone here and watching online is dying to find out who took the win." He lifted his arm, drawing every eye to the huge screen behind him. "Let's check the results!"

whole room held its breath. Even Amy, who'd spent half the afternoon flirting with Jackson, couldn't look away from the screen. If

out the suspense, before

Jane from International Glam.

the contestant

Country M's contestant by a single vote! That's unbelievable!” The host's excitement was almost over the top as he pointed to the rankings.

actually overtaken

team got a bit distracted, turning in

on. "They've been holding their stomachs all day. Let's get a closer look at Woods

She looked pale, sweat beading on her forehead. You could tell she was

1.n

not feeling well," she admitted, her voice shaky. "Maybe it's just not agreeing with me here Our team, and the International Glam team too, have all been dealing with food poisoning

own abilities. If we lost, it's fair and square.

would've made a big deal about Woods Corporation falling behind. But

just to compete-it wasn't