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

Fiona stared at her phone, the call already disconnected, looking a bit shell-shocked.

Seriously...

Is Uncle actually coming over?

Just as she was nursing a pounding headache, her phone buzzed again. It was a message from Henrik.

[I've been mulling it over, and I'm sure I heard a man's voice in your room calling you, Fiona. I hope you have a good explanation for this when I get back tonight.]

Fiona: ....

Why does he have ears like a hawk at his age?

"Fiona?"

A knock sounded on her door, Jackson's voice tentative.

"Everything alright? Need me to come in?"

"It's nothing."

Fiona replied, heading to the door to open it.

"Just had a call to take care of."

Jackson nodded.

"Adam's invited us out for dinner tonight, you coming?"

"Can't make it tonight." Fiona scratched her head. "Got some stuff to sort out."

Just the thought of Henrik's visit made her head spin.

Jackson raised an eyebrow, curiosity flashing in his eyes. Ever since he'd known Fiona, she was always the first to jump at a dinner invite. Now she was turning one down. "Anything I can help with?" he asked gently.

"Um..." Fiona felt a twinge of guilt. "It's a bit private."

Yeah, not exactly something she could share. She'd told Jackson her uncle bullied her and that her parents were gone. If Jackson saw Henrik, her stories would unravel. And if her uncle found out she was spreading those stories, she worried she might not make it through the night.

Really, lying was never a good idea!

Seeing she didn't want to talk, Jackson respected her privacy, not pushing further.

"Alright, just let me know if you need help."

Jackson's tone remained calm and supportive: "I've tidied up downstairs, and I need to get going."

"Okay."noveldrama

Fiona nodded, walking him out with a smile. But as soon as he left, her smile vanished, replaced by a look of deep concern. She needed to figure out how to handle her uncle. Jackson, catching her worried expression in the rearview mirror, furrowed his brows. What's troubling her?

...

Seven in the evening.

At the airport.

The plane landed right on time. Fiona, clutching a large sign, stood on tiptoes, scanning the crowd until she spotted him. "Uncle!" she shouted, sprinting towards Henrik. "I've missed you so much!"

She launched herself into his arms. A sweet moment, if only the sign hadn't whacked Henrik in the face. "Ow..."

Henrik rubbed his nose, "Fiona..."

"Oops, my bad!"

Fiona giggled, flashing a cheeky little grin. She looped her arm through Henrik's, pushing his luggage cart along: "Uncle, I've already booked us a table at the restaurant with all your favorite dishes!"

"Here, have a candy."

Henrik pulled out a fruit candy from his pocket and handed it to her. Flora loved candy, and Henrik and Raul had gotten used to carrying it around With Flora away so much, Fiona ended up getting all the sweets.

on

The car was parked outside. As Henrik loaded the luggage, Fiona was right there beside him, showering him with compliments.