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

"Cousin, cousin!"

Adrian popped his head out, decked in a floral jacket with a quirky little braid sticking upright on his head, bubbling with excitement. "I've got a surprise for you! Are you thrilled?!"

He had skipped picking up Flora today just to put this plan in motion!

Flora was speechless, "......"

"HAHAHA! I can't stop laughing! Adrian! HAHAHA, are you off to perform in a play? You look like one of those old-fashioned Christmas card characters!" Kruz was doubled over, clutching his belly in laughter. "Find it funny, do you?"

Adrian's eyes narrowed dangerously, his gaze sharp enough to cut, as if Kruz's laughter was asking for trouble.

"I won't laugh, I promise, I..."

Kruz tried to hold back for Adrian's sake, but one glance at Adrian's face and he lost it again, bursting into laughter: "I can't, I just can't stop, HAHAHA, someone help me!"

Adrian always called him foolish, but he was the real genius here, coming up with such an idea!

"Cousin..."

Adrian looked at Flora with a pout.

"Well..." Flora caught his eager eyes and, after a pause, said, "It's actually pretty fun."

"Let's head inside," Connor said, taking her hand. Flora nodded quickly, picking up her pace toward the house.

Raul and Henrik were right behind them.

The Reyes household was decked out to the nines, inside and out, with red ribbons even tied around the flowerpots. It was a sweet gesture, but... undeniably a bit over the top. Adrian was certainly one of a kind.

Karter was sitting in the living room, a bit on edge, asking Ryan, "Do I look alright? Do you think Flora will mind?"

"Sir, you look great," Ryan replied, trying to be patient for the twenty-first time.

"Okay." Karter nodded, but then quickly continued, "How's my skin today? I even used a face mask last night. Notice any difference?"

Ryan was starting to feel a

headache coming on, but just then, Flora and the others walked in, and his face lit up like he'd just spotted an old friend. "Miss, you're here!"

en

Finally!

Karter quickly straightened himself out and put on a more serious face, wanting to appear proper for the younger folks. But feeling too stiff, he awkwardly managed a smile.

"Flora."

"Karter." Connor greeted first.

Flora nodded slightly, acknowledging him. Raul and Henrik also said their hellos.

"Wow, Karter, you look ten years younger today! Quite dashing!" Kruz exaggerated, giving Karter a once-over.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

"Heh, you're always the clown. Dinner's still a bit away; why don't you all sit down for now."

The coffee table was covered in

snacks and desserts, many of Flora's favorites. She casually picked up a piece of rosemary cake and took a nibble.

Karter watched her from the corner of his eye, relieved to see she seemed to enjoy it.

Great, she likes it. I'll make sure to have more next time.

Karter and Raul, who used to be close back in the day, were now chatting up a storm, having patched things up.

Flora listened quietly, munching on snacks here and there.

Kruz was itching to play some racing games, but with Connor keeping a close watch, he didn't dare move.

So, the group sat around chatting, the vibe friendly and relaxed.

That is, until someone came along to shake things up.

A bodyguard rushed in, looking anxious. "Sir, someone from the Jones family is here!"

Hearing this, Karter's smile vanished in an instant.