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

Some things just aren't meant for kids to see.

"Alright," Fiona replied with a lazy nod, standing up slowly and giving her school uniform pants a casual dust-off. She headed for the door with confidence.

As she passed Louise, she paused for a second and let out a mocking whistle, her disdain almost tangible. "Can't keep up the innocent act anymore, can you?"

"You!" Louise's eyes flared with anger as she glared at Fiona, who met her gaze unflinchingly, as if Louise were nothing more than a joke. Then, with a leisurely air, Fiona strolled out.

Adam was right on her heels, and Nash and the rest followed closely behind. Just as they stepped out, a squad of police officers marched in.

The lead officer, stern-faced, addressed them with authority. "Ms. Kaylee, please come with us."

Outside, Adam caught up with Fiona. "Hey, you got class later? If not, let's grab some food and maybe track down Jackson."

"Jackson gave me this video," he added. Jackson was too swamped to come himself, so Adam had stepped in. Jackson really had a knack for this stuff. Even while away, he knew Fiona would confront Louise. "I've got class later," Fiona said. "You head on back. I'll grab some food after class."

She still had someone to find, and having Adam around wouldn't help. Adam, picking up on her vibe, didn't push further. "Nash, she's in your class. You better-"noveldrama

"Don't worry, big bro, I'll look out for her," Nash promised, though there was a hint of forced bravado in his voice. "For your sake and uncle's."

Kid, you've got it all wrong. Adam sighed. "Who said anything about protecting her? Just don't make things harder for her. Besides, a word of advice: don't mess with her. She could take you down without breaking a sweat." He'd seen Fiona in action, kicking a big guy to the ground at the bar.

Nash was speechless. Did he have to be so blunt? Couldn't he leave him a shred of dignity? Although, since Fiona joined their class, he had been on the receiving end more than once.

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"Alright, I'm off. Call me if anything comes up," Adam said, striding away.

Robert and the others, who had been watching eagerly, closed in on Fiona as soon as Adam left.

"Flora!"

"No way, it was really Louise who kidnapped you? We couldn't believe it!"

"But Louise's uncle works at the police station. Think they'll try to cover this up?"

Everyone was buzzing with speculation, clearly siding with Fiona over Louise. They were worried the police might protect Louise.

Fiona leaned against the railing, her

gaze following the scene below, catching sight of the police leading Louise away. She never set out to make enemies, but if someone crossed her, they couldn't expect to walk away unscathed.

"Alright, let's get back to class," she said calmly, turning to head back to her classroom.

News of Louise's arrest spread like wildfire across the school, sparking endless chatter. Even the teachers, seemed a bit distracted. Fiona, a

however, got through her class with cool indifference. As soon as the bell rang, she grabbed her backpack and slipped out, not giving anyone the chance to treat her like a sideshow.

She moved so swiftly that by the time Nash and the others realized and tried to catch up, she was already out of sight.