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

No sooner had the words left her mouth than a chubby little dumpling crawled out from under the table, looking up at her with wide, timid eyes, as if genuinely afraid she'd throw her into the sea. Flora was used to her sudden appearances by now and remained calm. Noticing the needle marks on her hand, she squinted, "What happened to your hand?"

The little girl's delicate hand was dotted with several puncture marks.

"Daddy found a really good doctor who said he could cure me. These marks are from the injections he gave me," Nina sighed with a maturity that belied her age. "But what's the point?"

Even at five, she wasn't completely naive. Over the years, Elio had taken her to countless doctors, and she had a vague understanding that she must be seriously ill. Otherwise, why would the treatments stretch on for years without success?Content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

So, could this new doctor really cure her now? And if not, why continue the treatments?

Seeing her sad expression, Flora felt a pang of sympathy. So young and already burdened with such a harsh fate.

"Help yourself to anything on the table," Flora offered.

"You're not going to throw me into the sea, right?" Nina asked anxiously.

Flora was baffled. Why was this little girl so afraid of being thrown into the sea? She wasn't that mean! When had she ever given her that impression?

She shook her head firmly. "No."

Nina looked at her nervously. "I can really eat anything? And it's okay if I finish it all?"

"Yes," Flora nodded.

Nina's face lit up, and she eagerly started eating from the table.

Connor walked in and paused at the sight of the little girl sprawled on the table.

Nina, thinking it was Colton who had previously threatened to interrogate her, instinctively wanted to hide but froze upon seeing Connor.

Such a handsome big brother... So gentle...

Women, no matter their age, all have a soft spot for charm.

"Big brother, you're so handsome!" Nina giggled, her big, grape-like eyes sparkling with admiration. "Do you have a wife? Can I be your wife?"

Playing house was always like this. Being someone's wife meant you could be with them forever! And if big brother cooked so well, she'd get to eat delicious food for life! Plus, she wouldn't have to worry about that scary woman throwing her into the sea!

Flora: "..."

Little girl, you're only five, what are you even talking about?

"Connor, come here!" She called him over, and when he approached, she kissed him on the lips. "See? This is my man, my husband."

Husband...

Connor's throat bobbed.

Nina pouted, looking slightly miffed.

Watching the two of them, Connor found it amusing. He picked up the bowl of soup he had just brought in and said softly, "Have some soup. It's just the right temperature; it'll get cold if you don't drink it now." Flora cooperated by opening her mouth, and with every spoonful Connor offered, she took a bite.

Nina, wide-eyed, after a few seconds, put her hands on her hips and exclaimed loudly, "Embarrassing, embarrassing! Only babies need to be fed! I don't need to be fed at all! You still need someone to feed you, embarrassing!"

Flora: "..."

A knock sounded, and Colton's voice came through, "Boss, Mr. Elio is here."

"Let him in."

"Okay."

The door opened, and Elio strode in. Seeing Nina, the tension he had been carrying finally eased.

"I knew it; this little troublemaker would be here."

"Daddy!" Nina ran to him, her small body plunging into Elio's embrace, clinging to his legs with a mix of affection and mischief.

"Didn't I tell you not to run off? Not listening again." Elio tried to keep a stern face to properly scold her, but one look at Nina and his heart softened, his tone gentle and utterly without any real reprimand.