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

Hanging up the call, Flora slipped her phone into her pocket and leaned her head on her hand, watching Connor intently.

He had just shrugged off his coat and set it aside, while a few flakes of snow lingered in his hair. As he brushed them away, he caught Flora's gaze and returned it with a curious look. "Is everything okay?" "Nothing really," Flora chuckled softly, teasingly hooking a finger under his chin. "Just wondering how you can be so handsome. It's a bit hard to resist."

Connor: ...

Moss and Beck: ...

Could Ms. Flora dial it back a bit!

***

Meanwhile, Henrik was on the phone with Cecelia, offering to take her out for dinner. Cecelia's mind was a swirl of emotions. She hadn't sent money to Liam, and knowing his fiery temper, she expected him to call and rant or show up at her doorstep. But he hadn't. Worried that Liam was plotting something, she did some sleuthing. It turned out Liam had left Maple Grove, and no one knew where he went. She knew him too well; he wouldn't leave without getting paid. Further digging revealed police cars had been spotted at Liam's place.

She wasn't naive; she quickly pieced it together. Henrik must have been the one to intervene on her behalf. Could Mr. Raul really be interested in her? Was he crazy? To actually like her?

Lost in thought, she gazed out of the car window, her mind elsewhere, while Henrik drove. He noticed her distraction. "Hold on a moment."

Stopping by a bakery, Henrik parked and stepped out, leaving Cecelia in a mix of curiosity and excitement.

Her eyes sparkled!

Whoa!

Mr. Raul went into the bakery!

Was he getting something for her? Was he finally letting her enjoy these calorie-laden delights? As a celebrity, Cecelia had always held back, even though she adored them. Growing up, she couldn't afford such treats, and now she had the means but still couldn't indulge. Henrik returned shortly, picking up on Cecelia's change in demeanor-from glum to visibly excited, her eyes glued to the cake box in his hand.

She waited eagerly, but when it seemed Henrik wasn't offering her the cake, she couldn't hold back any longer, "Uh, Mr. Raul, that cake looks really good." "Mm."

It was pretty good.

His sister loved it.

Whenever he passed by, he would grab some for her.

"Thanks, Mr. Raul," Cecelia said, rubbing her hands together as she reached out. "I really love the cakes from here!"

Henrik finally realized why Cecelia

had thrilled. His lips curved

into a

smile, like winter

swn yel

sunshine. "Thank me? For what?"

"The cake-" Cecelia assumed Henrik was being modest.

"It's for Flora; she loves it."

Cecelia: "......"

The ultimate awkward moment!

She wished the ground would swallow her up.

So it wasn't for her...

Of course, she was a celebrity, and Henrik, an executive; why would he buy her cake?

But hey, the young miss loves cakes from here?

Next time, she'd get some for the young miss. Make her happy!

Hehe, if the young miss enjoyed it, it was like she enjoyed it too.

Henrik watched her, noting how expressions shifted from joy to

irritation, to disappointment, and net

back to happiness and excitement.

IMS

Every emotion played out openly on her face, unlike most in the entertainment world.

Thanks to Henrik's protection since she joined the industry, signing with Florik Entertainment, she was

shielded from its darkvel?

sw nov