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

As Nash strolled out of school, he unexpectedly bumped into his mom, Mrs. Ashley. She spotted Louise tagging along beside him and couldn't hide a slight frown, though she kept her demeanor amiable.

Nash was taken aback to see her. "Mom! What are you doing here?"noveldrama

"Why does it matter to you why I'm here?" she snapped.

Nash thought to himself, Why the sudden edge?

"You're causing trouble again, huh? Picking on girls, really?"

Nash muttered, "It was just a scuffle."

Mrs. Ashley, half-joking but with a serious undertone, reached over and gave his ear a quick pinch. "How many times have I told you not to mess with girls? Your uncle bailed you out this time, but I can't promise he'll always be there."

Mindful of his surroundings, Nash quickly sidestepped and rubbed his slightly red ear, grudgingly saying, "I hear you."

Louise had been standing on the sidelines, unable to squeeze a word into the conversation. Mrs. Ashley hadn't even acknowledged her presence, treating her like she was invisible.

Although Louise was a bit miffed, she kept it to herself and tried to appear charming, stepping forward to address Mrs. Ashley with a smile. "Hello, Mrs. Ashley, I'm Nash's classmate, Louise."

Mrs. Ashley barely glanced at her, offering a brief, polite smile without saying a word.

Louise could tell she was being judged and not favorably. But knowing the Ashley family's status, she figured if she could just be a bit bold and persistent, she might win them over. Impressing Nash was one thing, but winning over Mrs. Ashley was the real prize. Determined, she tugged on Nash's sleeve and sweetly said, "Nash, aren't you going to introduce me to your mom?"

Before Nash could reply, Mrs. Ashley adjusted her clothes with a look of disdain. "No need, you're just classmates. I get it."

Louise found herself at a loss for words.

"Son, you haven't eaten yet, have you? Let's go to the Golden Hotel for dinner," Mrs. Ashley said, rather nonchalantly.

The mention of "Golden Hotel" made

Louise's eyes light up. Not only was

was

it an exclusive place, but Fiona supposed to be there today. If Fiona saw Nash skipping out on her gathering to dine with Louise and Mrs. Ashley, it would certainly ruffle

her feathers.

Fiona was all about appearances, after all.

Louise was eager to see Fiona's reaction when she couldn't flaunt her usual bravado.

But to her surprise, Nash declined. He looked troubled as he switched his gaze between his mom and Louise. "I can't. Louise isn't feeling well, and I promised to take her to the hospital."

Mrs. Ashley frowned immediately.

Louise felt a wave of panic. She wasn't sick at all; she had only pretended to be unwell to keep Nash from attending Fiona's event. Now it seemed like her plan was backfiring.

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Desperate, she waved her hands, saying, "I'm fine, really. I'm all better now."

Nash gave her a skeptical look. "But just a minute ago, you seemed in pain. How are you suddenly okay?"