Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life novel Chapter 1003

Blake's online antics had become the talk of the town. Her behavior this time was beyond the pale. As fellow members of Maple Grove University, couldn't they have sorted things out face-to-face instead of dragging it online and nearly damaging the university's reputation? With her cheeks flaming with embarrassment and anger, Blake stormed off. The thought of having to apologize to Flora only fueled her frustration.

Later that evening, Flora and Connor returned from a shopping spree to the cozy Irving household. Henrik was lounging on the couch in the living room. As they walked in, he greeted them with a warm smile, "Back already?"

"It's chilly out there. How about some hot tea to warm you up?" he offered, rising to pour Flora a steaming cup. Since the Twitter drama had blown over, Henrik had kept his distance, assuming Flora had no interest in seeing him while she was out with Connor. He had hoped to take Cecelia out for some fresh air, but she wasn't in the mood.

Flora shrugged off her coat, gratefully accepting the tea and taking a long sip. Henrik playfully tousled her hair. "It's getting late. Try to get some rest. I got you a cake for tomorrow."

"Thanks," Flora nodded, her eyes flickering over to the laptop on the small table, where "Night of Destiny" fashion show was prominently displayed. She squinted thoughtfully.

Back in her room after a refreshing bath, Flora connected her phone to the Wi-Fi and noticed a message from Jules.

Jules: Hehe... Flora, the billion you gave me just vanished! Need a little more help here.

The message came with a pitiful image of someone holding an empty bowl. Flora blinked at the screen, utterly bewildered. A billion, gone in under a week? Was he doing some kind of high-stakes research or just throwing cash out the window?

In the quiet, cold night, Cecelia awoke from a nightmare, drenched in sweat. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and the fear from her dream still lingered in her eyes. She'd dreamt again of that awful, stomach-turning night. Automatically, she checked her phone. It was 2 a.m.

She read a message from Henrik, saying he'd pick her up tomorrow to go to the theater. Massaging her temples, tears threatened to spill as she felt a wave of vulnerability wash over her. In the darkness of night, she wasn't the strong, cheerful person she appeared to be during the day; she felt fragile. She didn't believe she deserved Henrik's kindness. Closing her eyes, she buried her face in her knees, quietly sobbing. Her phone buzzed again with a new message.