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

Howell wrapped up the task Flora had given him and headed out of the competition venue.

Flora, looking totally at ease, rested her head on Connor's shoulder, fiddling with her phone with one hand. Earlier, when Kaylee had just finished her design draft, she had sent it to Flora for feedback. Flora had suggested adding two patterns, which turned out to be a game-changer.

Kaylee won the championship, just as everyone expected. She stepped up to give her acceptance speech.

"I want to thank someone without whom I wouldn't be standing here today. She encouraged me to chase my dreams fearlessly and has always been my rock. Every time I hit a roadblock, she was there like an angel, helping me through..."

"...The luckiest thing in my life is becoming friends with her."

By the end of her speech, Kaylee was so choked up she could barely speak. In the audience, Flora watched Kaylee, who was now a mess of tears, and clicked her tongue.

"Oh, come on. Why the waterworks? Crying on camera, how embarrassing."

After Kaylee's emotional speech, there was a group photo session, signaling the end of the competition. The audience began to leave in an orderly fashion.

"Flora!"

Kaylee, clutching her trophy, made her way to Flora. Her eyes were still puffy from crying, but her face was glowing with excitement and joy.

"I won the championship!"

"Uh-huh," Flora replied casually.

"This is my first trophy, and I want you to have it!"

Kaylee squatted down to meet Flora's eyes and handed her the trophy.

"Why give it to me? You should keep it," Flora said.

Kaylee shook her head firmly. "I decided before the competition that if I won, I'd give it to you! This trophy means the world to me, and I want my best friend to have it!"

"Alright, I'll take it. But mark my words, you'll win so many awards in the future, you won't know what to do with them."

Taking the trophy from Kaylee, Flora added, "I sent Howell's contact to you. Once you're done here, add him. He'll set you up to report to the Rose team."Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

The Rose team?! Kaylee was floored, a mix of shock and elation flooding her senses, followed by a tinge of nervousness. "Can I really join the Rose design team?" Her voice was tinged with uncertainty. She had thought Howell was just throwing her a bone...

Joining the Rose design team was a dream, where every member was a top-tier designer from around the world. And she, just a freshman...

Flora pulled her up to sit beside her, draping an arm over her shoulder. "Normally, you wouldn't have enough experience. But hey, you've got me! You have the talent, you just need time and experience. Once you're there, ask questions, learn as much as you can. Don't be shy, got it?"

"Got it! I'll work really hard!" Kaylee nodded vigorously.

She was determined not to let Flora down!

"Flora, hang tight for a bit. I'll talk to our coach, and then I'll take you out for dinner!" With that, Kaylee rushed backstage.

The team coach was already waiting for her. When she arrived, the other participants from the University of Maple Grove greeted her warmly, their attitudes even a bit sycophantic.

Kaylee flashed a polite smile. "Coach, I'll head back to the university on my own later. I want to have dinner with my friend first."

"We were planning a celebration dinner for you. Why don't you invite your friend to join us?" suggested a senior from her third year.