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

Backstage was a hive of activity. Every contestant had to turn in their design sketches before heading to the rooms assigned by the organizers to create their garments. The finished pieces, all hidden under red cloth, awaited their grand reveal on stage. It was a race against the clock, testing the designers' skills to the limit, and everyone was feeling the pressure.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Out in the audience, the competition hadn't started yet. Flora was lounging in her seat, munching on snacks. After polishing off a bag of chips, she held out her hands to Connor. With a gentle care that was almost surreal, Connor pulled out a wet wipe and cleaned her hands.

They tried to stay under the radar, tucked away in a corner, but with their striking looks, they were impossible to miss.

"Wow, he's so handsome!"

"Look at him cleaning her hands! What a dreamboat! So sweet and caring, and good-looking too!"

"Who says they're a couple? They could be siblings!"

All the attractive people seem to end up together, leaving the rest of us to muddle through. Life's too cruel sometimes.

Feeling the eyes from all around, Flora lifted an eyebrow, a mix of pride and smugness bubbling up inside her. Jealous much? But hey, this is my man, not yours.

"It really is you two. Thought I might've been seeing things," Louie said as he walked over. "Here to support Kaylee?"

Louie had spotted them earlier but had been busy with the judges. Now, with a moment free, he joined them.

"Yup," Flora replied nonchalantly.

"Kaylee's got serious talent. The judges are all impressed. If she keeps it up in the finals, the win is pretty much in the bag." Flora's smile was subtle, showing no surprise at the news.

Louie eyed the snack bag in Connor's hand and nodded towards it. "Mind sharing? I missed breakfast and I'm starving."

Connor handed him two sandwiches and a bottle of milk.

Flora blinked. "Connor, I'm thirsty too."

Her voice was soft and syrupy. Louie, mid-sip of milk, choked and nearly spat it out.

"Cough, cough, cough..."

He stared at Flora in disbelief. How could she say that so sweetly? But Connor calmly opened a thermos, poured water into the cap, and handed it to Flora. Once she finished, he screwed the cap back on with all the care in the world.

Louie swallowed his sandwich, looking from Flora to Connor with a twitching mouth. "Are you raising a daughter here?"

Connor really did treat Flora like his own child, attending to her every need. And Flora, in his presence, seemed to grow more child-like by the minute.

"The competition's about to start. I should head down," Louie said, feeling that any more of this would be too much for his single heart to handle.

At eleven sharp, the competition kicked off. Backstage, the yet-to-perform contestants were chatting.

"Kaylee, you look super confident. Think you've got this in the bag?"

Kaylee was well-liked, making everyone eager to talk to her. Her talent in fashion design was undeniable, having aced both the prelims and semis. Even Louie had sung her praises, suggesting she could very well take home the championship.

Kaylee's future in the fashion world seemed limitless, so naturally, everyone wanted to be on her good side.

"I'll give it my best shot," Kaylee said with a shy smile.

"Come on, we know you. When you say that, it means you've got this. Congrats in advance!"

"If you win, you owe us a meal!"

The group laughed and chatted merrily when a girl passing by heard their conversation and sneered.