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

Fiona had just walked back into the dorm when she noticed Yvenne had moved in too. It was clearly Yvenne's first day, and she was busy making friends with their roommates, who were gathered around a rectangular table, chatting away.

The moment the door creaked open, the chatter died down, and all eyes zeroed in on Fiona. Their unfriendly stares seemed to scream that Fiona had picked the worst possible time to show up.noveldrama

But Fiona didn't seem bothered by their silent judgment. With a cool detachment, she strolled straight to her bed. She placed her tote bag down, a hint of a midnight blue evening gown peeking out, looking particularly stunning.

Yvenne had been itching to lay eyes on that gown. She'd just been telling the others that Jackson had given Fiona a gorgeous evening dress, and it was clear everyone was dying to see it.

Suddenly, an idea popped into Yvenne's head. "Fiona, could you show us your evening gown?" she asked, not an ounce of shame, as if this gave her some moral high ground to critique Fiona.

The other roommates joined in, grinning as they looked at Fiona expectantly. "We all come from modest backgrounds and have never really seen an evening gown. Could you let us have a look and broaden our horizons?"

"Yeah, and we're all classmates. It wouldn't hurt to let us see it. Who knows, maybe we could help you decide if it suits you."

Fiona didn't respond immediately. She just kept tidying her bed and getting ready to freshen up, leaving the others feeling a bit miffed.

Already not fond of Fiona, they now felt even more annoyed, like they wanted to tear her apart.

"Hey, we're talking to you. Can you at least say something? Acting like a mute is really off-putting."

"Fiona, if you don't answer, we'll take it as a yes."

With that, they moved toward Fiona's bed, reaching for the tote with the gown. Fiona swiftly blocked their hands, turning to face them with a chilly look.

"What do you think you're doing?" Fiona asked sharply, clutching the tote. "Are you students or thieves?"

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That hit a nerve, and the group immediately protested, hurling disdainful looks at Fiona and ping, "Who's a thief? Who are calling a thief?"

"You were about to grab my stuff without asking, weren't you?"

"We just wanted a peek. It's not like it would hurt anything. Do you really have to be like this?"

"Yeah, so stingy and then you call us names, honestly!"

Fiona el like arguing. She didn't

secured gown by her bed.

gathered her toiletries and clothes, and headed for the bathroom.

There was no point in dragging this on. She didn't have the patience for their

nonsense.

They all seemed a bit unhinged.

Only Yvenne stayed put at the table. As Fiona went to freshen up, Yvenne approached the group with a bright smile, taking their hands and saying, "Come on, don't be upset. She fakes forever in the shower. Why don't we sneak a peek?"

"Well... isn't that a bit much?"

They hesitated, their brows furrowing in uncertainty.

But Yvenne had been hyping up Fiona's gown so much, like a tantalizing lure, that

the temptation was hard to resist.