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

this, surely the rest did too. But she held back. She had a carefully crafted image to uphold.

The girl's voice dripped with sarcasm as she spoke, not loud but cutting enough to slice through the air and reach Louise's ears. Louise's knuckles turned white from clutching her lunch tray, the urge to confront the girl bubbling under her skin. If one person thought like Just as she was about to sit down and brush it off, she spotted someone walking through the cafeteria doors. Her demeanor softened instantly, her body language turning sugary sweet. She set her tray down, ready to dash to the entrance.

Her two friends, always in sync with her moods, grabbed her arm. "Louise, where are you off to? Aren't you going to eat?" they queried.

Louise couldn't keep her eyes off Nash, worried he might leave if she hesitated even a moment longer. Shaking off their hands, she played her part perfectly. "Nash is here. I'm going to have lunch with him," she declared, pointing towards the door and feigning shyness.

Her friends exchanged knowing glances, their expressions turning theatrically surprised. "Oh, that's why! Off you go then. We always say how much Nash dotes on you. Opposing you is like opposing Nash and the whole Woods family," one chimed in. The other quickly added, "Right? Let's see who dares to gossip now."

Louise lifted her chin, exuding the grace of a swan. "You're making it sound like a big deal. I'm going over," she teased, before hurrying over to Nash.

Standing next to him, she looked up with a bashful smile, her fingers twisting together in her signature show of vulnerability. "Nash... can we have lunch together?" she asked in her sweetest voice.

Normally, Nash would oblige,

showering her with the attention she relished. But today was different. He gave Louise a cool glance, barely acknowledging her before walking on as if she were a stranger.

Louise was caught off guard, her eyelashes fluttering in surprise, too stunned to gauge the onlookers' reactions. She'd spoken so grandly; letting Nash walk away now would be a hit to her pride.

His actions felt like a public humiliation. Determined, she caught up and gently tugged on his sleeve. "I ordered your favorite meal. Can I join you, please?"

Nash halted, his gaze icy, his words colder. "No need."noveldrama

Louise felt her heart drop. The crowd around them buzzed with interest, some even whispering loudly enough for her to hear. She'd never felt so belittled, her teeth clenched, body trembling with anger, fingernails pressing into her palms.

With a pale face, she bolted out of the cafeteria, choosing the fire escape to dodge further whispers. By chance, she ran into the girl who had mocked her earlier. Seeing her alone Louise, standing a step higher, felt anger surge through her veins, sparking a vengeful impulse. She took a deep breath and, with all her might, pushed the girl down.