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

"Hey, don't just stand there, go grab some forks." Jackson called out warmly as he emerged with a plate of spaghetti, glancing at Fiona lingering in the doorway.

"Oh, okay," she replied quickly, nodding as she fetched a couple of forks.

Jackson had already set the pasta on the table by the time she returned. She slid into the chair across from him.

"Give my cooking a shot," Jackson grinned, nudging the plate towards her.

"Brother, what made you decide to whip up some pasta for me?" Fiona asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Not a fan?" he teased.

"No, it's not that," Fiona chuckled, grabbing a fork and diving in. The taste took her by surprise-it was light yet packed with a distinct flavor. Normally, she leaned towards spicy dishes and avoided anything too bland, but this was downright delicious. She dug in for several more bites.

Jackson watched her with a soft gaze, the overhead light casting a faint glow on his long lashes, yet his eyes were full of warmth.

"When I was a kid and feeling down, my mom would always make me pasta," he said suddenly, his voice carrying a hint of huskiness. Fiona paused, her fork hovering in mid-air.

"After she passed away, there was no one left to make it for me, so I taught myself," he continued. The taste might have remained, but the person behind it had changed. Fiona pursed her lips, sensing the weight of Jackson's memories. She spoke gently, "Hey, I can make pasta for you from now on. Whatever you want, just say the word, okay?" Jackson glanced down, a flicker of a smile in his eyes, "Nah."

Why not? Was she being kept at arm's length? Fiona felt a pang of annoyance until Jackson added softly, "I like making it for you."

"You're the one who should be looked after."

She wasn't a kid anymore! The thought crossed Fiona's mind as she bit gently on her fork. But seeing Jackson's spirits lift, she felt a quiet relief.

Once Fiona finished her meal,

Jackson gathered the dishes and

met

headed to the kitchen, his voice smooth and gentle, "You've had long day; head upstairs and get some rest. Don't worry about school. I've already taken care of it."

"I'm not really tired. How about I keep you company for a bit?" Fiona suggested, not eager to part ways just yet, She genuinely felt awake, and with Jackson having mentioned his mother, she was concerned about how he was handling things.

"Company?" Jackson raised an eyebrow, his gaze intense, "But I'm feeling sleepy. Be good and get some rest."

There it was again-that tone he used when coaxing a child. Fiona arched an eyebrow but didn't argue, trotting obediently upstairs.

At the top of the stairs, she turned back, catching a glimpse of Jackson still tidying up in the kitchen. A small smile tugged at her lips.

Suddenly, she thought of her

parents. Her father was the samenoveldrama

always concocting new dishes for her mother. It seemed she had

stumbled upon a similar kind of guy.

Humming a cheerful tune, she stepped into her room.

Once the door clicked shut, the faint smile that had lingered on Jackson's face vanished.

"How's the investigation going?" he asked coldly into his phone. The nerve of those kidnappers targeting Fiona; they had to be out of their minds.

"Sir, we've got it figured out. It was a girl named Louise who hired them," came the reply.

Louise? Jackson frowned, recalling she seemed to be chummy with Nash. He'd even spotted her once near the office.

A young girl resorting to something as vile as kidnapping.

"Sir, what's our move? Should I bring her in?" the voice on the other end asked, stiffly.