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

Getting a free meal at The Emerald Lounge is like hitting the jackpot-it's far superior to any dining experience outside. The food here is notoriously pricey. Even when they're together, they wouldn't dare order anything extravagant— maybe just some scrambled eggs or a simple salad, the only things that don't break the bank. Everything else on the menu is a triple-digit splurge, way out of their budget.

"We know her; we're classmates," Patricia quickly chimed in.

Fiona, however, shrugged off their intense stares and coolly replied, "We're not that close. No need for a freebie. Let's head out."

As Fiona walked away, Patricia was practically steaming with frustration.

Dang it! They had the chance for a fancy meal on the house, and it just slipped through their fingers. She was fuming.

Janet stood nearby, shaking with anger. Why was it that she could only afford the basics at The Emerald Lounge, while Fiona, with a little help from a guy, got the whole meal for free?

"Janet, why don't we try buttering up Fiona? Maybe we can score a free meal too," Patricia suggested, practically drooling at the thought of those tempting dishes she couldn't afford.

Janet shot her a furious glance and snapped, "If you want to go, be my guest. Just don't stick around with me afterwards. Go hang out with Fiona!"

With a stomp, she headed back to her modest dining room, while Fiona was living it up in the best suite.

Sure, there was a bit of envy, but when she thought about the SD card in her hand, a smug smile appeared on her face.

"I hope the person on this card goes viral," Janet sneered, passing a stack of cash

to the man across from her. "Here's your cut. Do a good job, and we might have more business together."

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I always deliver," the man assured, taking the cash and weighing it in his hand, clearly pleased with the amount.

Janet's heart ached. This was her hard-earned pocket money, now all handed over to this guy. It infuriated her, thinking about how far she was willing to go to take Fiona down.

But the thought of Fiona soon being dumped by Mr. Fitzgerald and losing all ties with Nash filled her with joy.

After all, Fiona only had her looks. Let her enjoy her brief moment of freedom; the rest would be her misfortune.

...

Back in the suite, Fiona found

Jackson waiting, with a bowlnoveldrama

half-filled with peeledel

Fiona's eyes sparkled with delight,

her face lighting up with a grin.

"Thanks, bro." Fiona took a bite of the shrimp, savoring its fresh sweetness. She picked up another piece, dipped it in some sweet chili sauce, and offered it to Jackson with a smile. "Try some, bro."

Without hesitation, Jackson leaned in and took a bite.

"How is it, bro?" Fiona asked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “It's amazing,” Jackson replied, his lips curling into a warm smile.

Fiona beamed like a child who just got a treat, her happiness contagious.