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

The evening gown Jackson gave was no small gift, and Yvenne knew she couldn't risk it getting damaged. If it did, there was no way she could afford to cover it.

When Fiona didn't give her the time of day, Yvenne turned up the theatrics, tugging on Fiona's sleeve with a look that could melt ice. "Oh, Fiona, please let me take a peek. I've never even seen a real evening gown before."

She tried to mimic Jackson's way of saying Fiona's name, hoping it would get under her skin.

"Nope," Fiona said flatly, pulling her hand away and calmly finishing her last shrimp. "Playing the helpless act won't work on me."

Yvenne's face fell, not expecting Fiona to be so unyielding.

"Alright then."

Her eyes filled with unshed tears, the kind that usually got her some sympathy. But in a room with only four people left, not a soul stepped in to comfort her.

Nash, not missing a beat, threw in a sarcastic comment, "Fiona, you've got the looks and the figure. I'm sure that gown would look amazing on you. How about you try it on tonight and give Jackson and me a fashion show?"

"Couldn't agree more," Jackson chimed in, nodding with a grin.noveldrama

Finally, something agreeable came out of his mouth.

Every fiber of Fiona's being wanted to refuse.

"Fine," she finally relented.

"Fiona, can I snap a photo tonight?" Yvenne pushed her luck further.

Tyler had enough, dropping his chopsticks with a thud, his expression icy as he locked eyes with Yvenne.

"Haven't you caused enough

trouble?" he asked, struggling to keep his frustration in check, nearly losing his cool but managing to stay composed. Turning to Jackson and the others, he added, "Sorry, Jackson, but we're done here. Thanks for dinner, but we're heading out."

With that, Tyler grabbed Yvenne's arm and stormed out of the restaurant.

"Tyler, what are you doing? That hurts!" Yvenne cried, tears spilling over from the pain. Normally, her tears would soften Tyler, but not this time.

She looked at him with tearful eyes and burst into sobs. "Tyler, how can you treat me like this? What did I do wrong? You weren't like this before. What changed?"

Ignoring her, Tyler kept walking until they were far from the restaurant, finally letting go of her arm and glaring at her darkly.

"I don't know what you're up to, but you better leave Fiona out of it.

II

Otherwise, I won't go easy on you," he warned before turning on his heel to head back to school.

If it weren't for the old man from the Reynolds family insisting he take Yvenne atong, Tyler wouldn't have wanted the hassle. He could have ignored Yvenne's antics altogether, but her parents had gone as far as to kneel and beg him to take care of her-a plea he hadn't anticipated.

In the end, he agreed, and now here they were.

Yvenne could mess around all she wanted in front of him, but when it came to Fiona, that was crossing the line.

...

Back at the restaurant, the remaining trio wore sour expressions.

What started as a cheerful meal had quickly turned sour.

"Ugh, what a drag, having to deal with that clueless idiot," Nash grumbled, puffing

in annoyance. "Once we're back at school, Tyler's gonna hear it from me!"

"Fighting every day?" Jackson drawled, taking another bite of his salad. "Is that how you're planning to ace your classes?"