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

The previous wonder drug was already a hot commodity, enough to make anyone green with envy. Now, with this new advanced drug on the scene, it's sure to ignite a fierce scramble among various factions. Jules had been snatched once by the medical organization, and

it was Flora who had swooped in to rescue him. Staying here wasn't safe; moving to the secret lab at Club 257 would be a safer bet.

"Alright," Jules agreed with a nod.

Without another word, Flora grabbed the medicine and began dissecting it under the equipment, her patience and focus unwavering. By the time she wrapped up and stepped out of the lab, three hours had flown by. Outside, snow was falling heavily, blanketing everything in sight.

With the snow making the mountain roads treacherous, Jules worried about Flora heading down on her own and offered to have someone accompany her.

"No need," Flora said, shaking her head and flashing her phone. "Connor's on his way to pick me up; he'll be here soon."

Just as she finished speaking, a man in a black coat, clutching a black umbrella, slowly emerged through the snow towards them. Connor approached Flora, his pants were damp, and snowflakes clung to his hair and lashes. His face, usually devoid of emotion, seemed even more frosty, giving off a distinctly unapproachable vibe. But the moment he laid eyes on Flora, all that iciness melted away, leaving only a warm glow behind.

He gave a polite nod to Jules, then passed the umbrella to Flora and bent down slightly. "The snow's made the paths slick; let me carry you down."

Flora met his gaze. "I can manage on my own."

"Hop on."

"Alright then," Flora conceded, not one to fuss, and climbed onto his back. In an instant, Connor's strong hands supported her thighs, and he turned to Dr. Jules. "We'll be off, then."

"Go on, go on," Jules said, waving them off with a grin. Even though he felt a bit like a third wheel, he was genuinely happy for them.

With Flora on his back, Connor carefully descended the mountain, each step steady and sure. Flora, holding the umbrella, said, "Connor, Christmas is coming up."

"Yeah," Connor replied.

Christmas was approaching, and the girl's birthday was on February 17th. After the holidays, she would turn twenty. Twenty... the age when they could get officially engaged. Connor pondered this, his lips curling into a thoughtful smile.

"I've got a Christmas gift for you," Flora said, one hand holding the umbrella, the other wrapped around his neck, grinning.

"You are my best gift," Connor replied without missing a beat.

This year, the greatest gift he

received from above was Flora. His

girl. From the days she couldn't stand him, even pushed him down

the stairs, breaking things off, to

now, when she was his fiancet

resting gently on his back. Every time he thought about it felt like a dream. Flora chuckled softly, tightening her embrace around his neck, her lips close to his ear. "You're my best gift too," she whispered.

né

Connor's heart fluttered, and he couldn't help but smile. Despite the steep incline of the mountain path Connor moved with ease, not jostling Flora in the slightest. Ten minutes later, they reached the main road, where Moss and Beck quickly opened the car door.

As soon as Flora settled into the car, her phone rang. It was Mr. Richard on the line.

"Flora! Mr. Richard's voice buzzed with excitement. "The team from the medical base is arriving tomorrow afternoon! And this time, Kruiz

himself is coming! You absolutenet

must make time to be there, understand? Don't be late; Kruiz is pretty strict and serious, and he

really values first impressions."

Mr. Richard was clearly on edge, a bit worried that Kruiz might not take to Flora. But he couldn't fathom how anyone wouldn't like her; she was just that wonderful.

Flora sighed lightly. She didn't really see Kruiz as the stern type Mr. Richard made him out to be, but she couldn't convince him otherwise. "Got it," she replied, her voice calm and assured.