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

Esther was on the verge of tears, fear tightening around her chest with every second that passed. Seeing the way Fiona's eyes flickered—stormy one moment, soft the next—only made her anxiety worse.

If Fiona turned her back on her now, everything would be over. This was it. Fiona was the only lifeline she had left.

She felt like she was drifting in the middle of a vast, dark ocean, clinging to anything that might keep her afloat.

“Okay,” Fiona said, her lips curling into a gentle smile, her eyes suddenly warm and reassuring. “I'll take your side."

The words washed over Esther like sunlight breaking through clouds. As long as Fiona agreed to help, there was still hope. She was a real person, flesh and blood—she refused to let herself be replaced.

“I'll head back and get the contract ready right now," Esther said, her voice trembling with a small, desperate hope. “Once we sign, I'll have the team start preparations immediately. This contract is my chance I can use it to make sure they don't replace me."

Fiona just watched her, a hint of pity in her eyes. Esther was so naive—so blind to the way things really worked. Even if she managed to survive this time, it wouldn't last forever. Someone as trusting as Esther was always an easy target. No wonder the research institute back home treated her the way they did.

"Didn't you bring a really big trunk with you on this trip?” Fiona asked, her tone casual.

blinked, then nodded. "Yeah, I

asked about it, but everyone told her it

just design samples—a bunch of different styles to show International

pride flicker over Esther's face. She cared so much about her country, but there were always people

“Why don't you go back and see what's actually in that trunk?

already said it was just samples. What else could it possibly

then, like a sudden crash of thunder, it hit

with horror. "You

"That's impossible!"

"There's no way!"

deny it, but she could tell Fiona wasn't making this up.

“As long as nothing's signed,

swept through Esther, making her knees weak. She let out