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

"Fiona, there's some food over there. You should grab a bite first; later there'll be your favorite seafood cocktails and fish fillets."

Jackson pointed to a nearby table piled high with an array of pastries, cakes, and drinks, all looking incredibly tempting. Fiona picked up a small plate and helped herself to some treats, planning to enjoy them on a nearby sofa. As she was walking over, a flash of a familiar figure caught her eye.

It was...

Yvenne!

No wonder she seemed so familiar.

Fiona immediately headed in the opposite direction, wanting to steer clear of Yvenne.

But as luck would have it, just as she was settling into the sofa to enjoy her food, a duet dance on stage wrapped up. Yvenne, tottering on sky-high heels, was making her way towards the toasting area with a man in tow.

Yvenne soon spotted Jackson and his group. Jackson had made quite the entrance with Fiona, making it hard for anyone to miss them.

What a shame, Fiona had caught Jackson's eye like that. Yvenne's eyes narrowed slightly as she tugged at the man's arm beside her. "Sweetheart, I see a friend of mine. I'm going to say hello."

The man looked in the direction Yvenne pointed and saw the woman Jackson had brought. His expression shifted instantly.

All the women at the event were in glamorous gowns, except for Fiona, who stood out in her unique outfit, impossible to forget.

"You know the woman Mr. Jackson brought?" The man's voice was laced with tension, his arm tightening around Yvenne's waist. "What's your relationship like?"

Yvenne picked up on his meaning and chuckled softly. She wrapped her hand around his neck, whispering in his ear, "We were classmates, very close. Like sisters back in school."

Hearing this, the man visibly relaxed.

"Then go catch up. You must have plenty to chat about as old friends."

Yvenne swayed her way over, and soon she was standing in front of Fiona.

At that moment, Fiona was savoring the last bite of her cherry cake. It was deliciously sweet, the creamy flavor lifting her spirits, until Yvenne plopped down beside her, changing the vibe instantly.

"Eating so much might make you gain weight," Yvenne remarked, her tone light but her eyes darting toward the man who still wore a smile. "Fiona, I can't believe you showed up dressed like that. It's quite... quaint."

Her own evening gown cost a fortune, a luxury she'd managed thanks to the well- off man by her side, allowing her to take pleasure in Fiona's supposed fashion faux pas.

When Fiona arrived at the party, everyone had mocked her outfit, saying she looked like she was wearing something from a market stall, probably costing less than a hundred bucks.

"Pay up," Fiona said casually, popping a strawberry into her mouth. "You've got quite the knack for scheming."

"Right back at you," Yvenne laughed, clearly pleased with herself.

But the moment the man turned away, her expression soured, and she sneered, "Compared to your schemes, mine are nothing, aren't they?"noveldrama

Fiona didn't bother responding. She refused to engage in such petty squabbles, confident in her own integrity. For those who doubted her, explanations were a waste of time.