Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life novel Chapter 1027

Cecelia cradled her head, letting out a soft, despairing whimper. It was always like this. Every time she felt like her life was on the upswing, they’d swoop in and turn everything upside down.

Her life had been a string of challenges. Her biological parents had abandoned her, and her adoptive parents weren’t much better. Even though she aced her exams in high school, scoring top marks, she wasn’t allowed to go to college and ended up in the entertainment world.

That’s where she met Henrik. He was the first ray of sunshine in her otherwise bleak life. She knew Henrik had feelings for her. But in her situation, how could she even think about being with him? What right did she have to be by his side?

“Just leave me be for now,” Cecelia said, closing her eyes, her voice heavy with exhaustion and despair. She didn’t want Henrik and Flora to see them like this. “As for the money, I’ll figure something out.”

Without another glance, she turned and hurried away.

“That stupid girl! Such a low-life!” the middle-aged man spat, his eyes filled with malice.

“Calm down, she promised to pay. Let’s just go,” the woman said, tugging at his hand. “She’s stubborn. Push too hard, and she might not pay us at all.”

“This is all your fault!”

The man slapped the woman across the face, leaving one side swollen. But she didn’t get angry, seemingly accustomed to it, and even smiled placatingly at him.

...

Upstairs, Flora and Henrik watched the scene unfold below.

“Want me to handle it, bro?” Flora asked, casually rubbing her wrists.

“No need.” Henrik shook his head slightly. From his vantage point, he could see Cecelia’s hurried escape. His eyes, usually so gentle, now held a steely edge.

“I’ll take care of it.”

“Alright.” Flora nodded.

“No worries,” Henrik interrupted. “If you’re feeling better, let’s go grab some dinner.”

“Okay.” Cecelia nodded, smiling.

“You two go ahead.” Flora tucked her phone into her pocket. “Connor’s picking me up. I’ll skip dinner with you.”

“Huh?” Cecelia was surprised. Why was Flora bailing on them all of a sudden? That would leave just her and Mr. Raul.

But before she could say anything, Flora had already disappeared into the elevator.

“Let’s go. How about your favorite Italian place?” Henrik suggested, leading the way with an easy demeanor. Cecelia felt a bit uneasy being alone with him but couldn’t exactly say she didn’t want to go. So she followed, albeit slowly.

Once they got downstairs, Henrik opened the passenger door for Cecelia, then locked the door and rolled up the window after she got in. “Hang tight for a sec. I’ll be right back—just need to grab something.”