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

"Oh, you're a real sweetheart, always know how to get to the heart of things," Mrs. Thompson chuckled, pulling Tyler closer with a warm smile. She shifted the conversation, her tone light but pointed, "They all knew you were left in the orphanage, but nobody came forward to take you in. That's a serious offense- something like three years minimum, maybe even five, without a chance of early release."

The couple sitting across from her were caught off guard, staring back in stunned silence.

What on earth was she talking about?

Three years minimum, five without parole?

"What kind of nonsense is this? You think you can scare me with that talk?" the man snapped, clearly rattled.

He'd never met anyone who could hold their ground like this, and usually, people like her would back down with a bit of pressure.

"Don't believe me? Just wait until the police get here and see who ends up behind bars," Mrs. Thompson said, her smile unfazed.

The more confidently she smiled, the more anxious the couple became.

They knew full well that as Tyler's closest family, leaving him in an orphanage after his parents passed was against the law. The mention of police had them visibly on edge.

"Listen here, young lady, you better not be pulling my leg. I wasn't born yesterday!" the man barked, his voice betraying a slight tremor.

Mrs. Thompson shrugged casually, "Well, good luck with that."noveldrama

"Tyler, call the cops! Tell them there's a case of child abandonment happening right here at the university."

As soon as she said it, panic set in. They never thought a young woman like Mrs. Thompson would actually go through with it.

The man swung a fist towards her, but in a split second, Keaton leapt in, grabbing his wrist and stopping him cold.

"What do you think you're doing?

This is a school!" Keaton's voice was firm as he signaled to a security. guard below. "We've got an attempted assault here. Hurry up and get over here."

Realizing they were in over their heads, the couple broke free from Keaton and made a quick escape from the campus. As they left, the man threw a venomous glare at Mrs. Thompson, "Pray I don't find you alone, or else!"

What a mess!

Dealing with people like that!

Keaton turned back to Mrs. Thompson and Tyler, concern etched on his face.

"You guys alright? Nothing too serious, I hope?"

Spotting the red mark on Mrs. Thompson's wrist, he instructed Tyler, "Take her to the nurse's office, tell them I sent you."

"Got it."

As they walked away, they bumped into Nash under the office building, balancing breakfast for two. He looked puzzled, wondering why everyone seemed to be skipping breakfast.

"Here you go, brought you breakfast. Got your favorite sweet latte," Nash said, a

hint of pride in his voice as he handed the breakfast to Mrs. Thompson.

He hadn't noticed her wrist was red, as she'd discreetly pulled down her sleeve when she spotted him coming.

"And yours, Tyler," Nash added, tossing a couple of breakfast sandwiches into Tyler's arms. "Better eat while it's warm, doesn't taste as good cold."

He gave Mrs. Thompson a quick glance, caught between wanting to ask and holding back.

"Thanks, Nash. Would you mind taking our breakfast to the classroom? Fiona and I need to hit the nurse's office."

"Why the nurse?" Nash asked, his brow furrowing in concern as he gave Mrs. Thompson a once-over, seeing no obvious distress.