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

Fiona nodded, giving a simple "Alright."

She'd never stayed at the Royal Manor before. The last time she visited for dinner, she couldn't help but admire how plush the sofas were. Just a quick peek told her the beds must be even cozier.

"Jackson, can I stay over at the Royal Manor tonight?" Nash asked, his eyes sparkling with hope. Clearly, he wasn't keen on being dragged out of bed by Jackson the next morning to do homework-he found that more annoying than school itself.

Jackson shot him a glance sharp enough to silence any further protest. Nash quickly turned away, not daring to push his luck.

Tyler had been quiet the whole time. Wherever Fiona decided to go, he followed without a fuss.

The drive was smooth and quick, and before they knew it, they arrived at the Royal Manor.

Nestled in a wealthy neighborhood, Fiona yawned as she stepped out of the car, with Jackson holding her hand firmly.

"The room has a bathroom. Make sure to get ready for bed early," Jackson advised.

He headed to the study to tackle some urgent work. Meanwhile, Fiona freshened up, then sank into the soft, inviting bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

In the middle of the night, she woke up feeling thirsty and noticed the study light still on. Her footsteps slowed at the door.

She knocked gently and heard a voice from inside. Pushing the door open, she walked in.

"Jackson, why are you still up?" she asked.noveldrama

She stepped in, her small frame wrapped in an oversized white fleece pajama with a cartoon print, which made her look even more adorable.

"Almost done," Jackson replied, setting down his black pen and walking over to her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Are you cold?"

A strange sensation stirred in his heart, especially when he touched Fiona. That odd feeling seemed to grow stronger.

He figured he might be coming down with something and thought a check-up was in order.

"I'll walk you back to your room," Jackson said.

Fiona, holding a cup of hot water, nodded at Jackson.

She slept soundly that night.

The next morning, she woke up late, roused by Nash's voice.

"Jackson, these questions are way too easy, Nash grumbled, trying to shake off Jackson's hold. But Jackson's grip only tightened as he calmly retorted, "If you're not the dummy, then who is?"

Fiona stretched and walked out, catching Nash's sideways look. The implication was clear: in his eyes, Fiona, who often dozed off in class, was the real dummy.

"Morning, Jackson!" Fiona greeted with a smile.

"There's hot milk on the table. Don't forget to drink it," Jackson reminded her before turning back to Nash. "If you get one question wrong today, no lunch for you."

Fiona, holding her milk, strolled out of the villa. She'd never really taken a proper look around the Royal Manor.

Beyond the villa's front door was a sprawling garden with rows of vibrant flowers, all neatly arranged Behind them was a quaint picket fence Past the garden, not far off, was a stone table with benches, a swing, and a daybed nearby.

The swing and daybed looked new, probably recent additions.

Fiona sat on the swing, pushed off with her legs, and started swaying.

She remembered her previous visit to the Royal Manor for dinner. Although she hadn't explored much then, she got a good sense of its layout Now, with these delightful additions, she knew she'd have to find more time to visit the Royal Manor in the future.