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

From the get-go, Fiona had no clue that Jackson was digging into his parents' mysterious past. She had Jasmine to thank for spilling the beans.

If Jasmine hadn't uncovered Fiona's own hidden feelings, she might have remained oblivious to the fact that Jackson and Zoe's engagement party was just a big charade.

Zoe had managed to jump the gun; Fiona never even got engaged to Jackson, and Zoe had already swooped in.

Counting down the days, tomorrow she'd finally hit the big one-eight!

After seeing Jasmine's dad off, Fiona leaned against her motorcycle, lost in thoughts about whether Jackson would swing by tomorrow.

**Woods Corporation**

Jackson had received the files Fiona sent him. It was a short video, just a few minutes long, but he spent half the day glued to it, so engrossed that he didn't even notice Kimberly walk in.

"What's up? What's got you so hooked?" Kimberly asked, carrying a food hamper and a gift box with a big, girly bow.

"The truth," Jackson murmured.

"Scent'? Are you talking about the BBQ ribs I whipped up?" Kimberly joked as she walked over, placing the goodies on the coffee table and plopping down on the couch. Her face was all smiles until her eyes landed on the computer screen, and she froze.

"Where did you get this? Did Zoe give it to you early? Are you still going through with the engagement?" Kimberly tightened her grip on Jackson's arm.

"Of course, I am. Since the Larkin family is mixed up in this, they can't just wash their hands of it. They think they can send a woman over and clear their name, acting like they're royalty," Jackson said, his voice growing more determined as he realized the Larkin family's role in the attack on his parents years ago.

But Fiona... How did she find out?

"In three days, I'm going to use the Woods family's connections to take down every Larkin-owned business in the Capital," Jackson shook his head. No, it still wasn't enough.

If it weren't for the Larkin family, his

parents wouldn't have been

separated from him for all these

years, and worse, they were still missing. They could have perished in some forgotten corner of

world. ,ished

"What are you planning to do?" Kimberly asked.

"After midnight tonight, it'll be Fiona's 18th birthday. Set up a meeting with Zoe at the Grand Hotel tonight at seven," Jackson instructed.

Kimberly nodded, catching on to his plan. As his sister, she knew exactly what Jackson had in mind.

"Oh, and this is my gift for Fiona. Make sure she gets it tonight," Kimberly handed him the gift box. "Got any surprises lined up for Fiona's big day?"noveldrama

"Looks like things are slow at the company; you're starting to poke your nose into personal stuff."

"How can this be called meddling? It's called taking an interest in your future."

Jackson casually placed the laptop on Kimberly's lap and left the office.

...

When Fiona got back to school, the whole classroom was decked out with balloons, ribbons, and flowers all covered in messages of good wishes Tyler had even organized a banner that read, "Happy 18th Birthday, Flora!"

She hesitated at the door, taken aback by the extravagant

decorations. Students from

neighboring classes had gathered to watch and even Keaton didn't

object; he was all for a bit of

celebration as long as Class 19

didn't cause any trouble.

"Flora, this is my gift for you."

"And mine, too!"

"Here's mine, don't even think about dismissing it."

Fiona was pulled into the classroom, her desk already piled high with various gift

boxes, each containing a thoughtfully chosen present from her classmates.