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

Fiona flashed a grin, thinking about all the effort she'd put in to make it to Cedarvale.

"Alright, I'm here. Let's hit the bar," she announced.

Mikey scrambled out of bed, yanking up his jeans. "I'm on my way, boss!"

"You've got twenty minutes," she said, glancing at her watch with authority before sending him her location.

"Come on, boss, twenty minutes? It takes at least half an hour from here! Hello? Boss?!"

But Fiona had already hung up, smooth as ever.

She stood in front of the Irving family mansion, feeling pretty good about herself. Her mom used to live here, and it's where she met Fiona's dad. Even after all these years, their marriage was still super sweet, leaving Fiona to witness their endless affection.

Returning to Cedarvale had a double purpose for Fiona: to carve out her own path and hopefully find a hero like her dad. Back in Maple Grove, nobody dared to mess with her, but being treated like a princess all the time was tiring. She needed to make her own mark.

...

Twenty minutes later, a red SUV pulled up in front of her. Mikey got out, looking a bit green around the gills. "Boss, I made it in time, right?" He'd raced all the way here.

Fiona nodded, somewhat impressed. "Not bad."

Mikey opened the passenger door with a bit too much eagerness, and she slid in.

"Nice ride," she commented, giving the car a once-over. "Looks like you've got an upgraded engine, the latest SV series."

Mikey was about to compliment her on her knowledge, but before he could, she said, with a casual tone, "I'll take it. Make sure to hand over the keys later." Mikey: "..."

Damn! The boss was just as ruthless as she was in those videos.

"Drive us to the bar," Fiona

instructed, pulling her jacket and hat over her head, ready for a nap. She was a bit knackered from the

journey from Maple Grove, int

needed to recharge to have a blastnovelbin

at the bar.

Mikey: "..."

So he was just the driver then! A chauffeur!

He reluctantly started the car, cranking up the heat a touch-after all, she was the boss!

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the bar. Fiona had caught a bit of sleep, but she still felt a bit groggy, her hair slightly tousled, and there was a hint of impatience about her.

...

They grabbed a corner spot, and Mikey waved over a server.

"What'll it be, boss?" he asked.

"Bring me the purest drink you've got," she said. She didn't hit bars often, so she wanted to make the most of it.

Mikey knew she'd been cooped up in Maple Grove for too long, so he didn't try to stop her.

She was wearing a white jacket and loose jeans, her hair tied up in a casual bun, her fair skin untouched by makeup-she looked just like a high schooler, completely out of sync with the bar's vibe.

After downing a few cocktails, Fiona's gaze turned dreamy, but her mind was still sharp. She crossed, her legs, squinting at the stage, and scoffed, "Mikey, what kind of nonsense are they dancing to up there?"

vels

"How about you show 'em how it's done, boss?" Mikey chuckled, finishing his drink.

"Just the thought I had!" Fiona's face lit up with a cheeky smile, which made her look downright adorable.

With that, she hopped onto the stage, exchanging a look with Mikey, who quickly dashed over to the DJ booth to chat with the staff.