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

Realizing he was getting a bit distracted, Dr. Shepherd cleared his throat and refocused on the matter at hand.

"Ms. Fiona," he began, standing tall with the authority of Cedarvale's top hospital behind him.

"Dr. Shepherd, nice to see you," Fiona replied with a polite nod.

"Ms. Fiona, your talent at such a young age is truly impressive. With your medical skills, high school seems like a step down," Dr. Shepherd continued, almost nervously rubbing his hands before diving into the real reason for his visit. "I'd like to offer you the position of chief physician at Cedarvale Hospital. What do you think?"

Fiona smirked, her refusal swift and unapologetic. "I'm not interested."

She had a bunch of businesses in Maple Grove waiting for her. She came to Cedarvale for a break from that chaos.

Now, why would she settle for a job in some run-of-the-mill hospital?

Plus, if Uncle Kruz and Aunt Crimson got wind of it, they'd haul her back to run the family empire.

Ah, the woes of too much wealth.

If she didn't try to dodge it, she'd end up inheriting a fortune with more zeros than she could count.

Dr. Shepherd hadn't seen that coming. The role of chief physician was one that medical students would practically fight for, and yet she turned it down?!

"Ms. Fiona, is it the position that you find lacking? I could offer you the deputy head role! Or is it something else entirely?" Dr. Shepherd was desperate not to lose such a rare talent. "If there's anything you need, just say the word, and I'll make it happen." "No special reason," Fiona shrugged casually. "I'm just lazy and don't feel like doing much."

Dr. Shepherd was at a loss for words.

An eighteen-year-old, at the peak of her youth, wanting nothing more than to lounge around!

"Ms. Fiona, you're only eighteen! It's the perfect time to build your future!"

"But I feel like I'm eighty," Fiona sighed. It wasn't boasting, just that her starting point was where many people hoped to finish.

She admired her mother's marriage, and all she wanted now was a good husband to settle down with and retire early.

Dr. Shepherd was on the verge of tears.

He had never met someone so unambitious, yet her lack of drive still put others to shame with her talent and skills. "Mr. Woods..."

He glanced at Jackson, hoping for assistance.

Fiona was someone Jackson knew well; maybe she'd listen to him.

"Don't look at me," Jackson chuckled, finding Fiona even more fascinating than he'd thought. "I stay out of her business."

"Mr. Woods, if you don't step in, who will?" Dr. Shepherd was desperate. He didn't just want Fiona to join his hospital; he wanted to change her outlook on life.

How could someone so young, with so much potential, just want to do nothing?

He was at a loss until Fiona suddenly spoke up.

"Dr. Shepherd, what did you just say?"

"Uh?" Dr. Shepherd blinked, unsure of what she meant. He hadn't said much.

"What you just said, I'll take you up on it."

Fiona tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, smiling. "I'll be your deputy head."

Not that she was thrilled about it, but Dr. Shepherd had a way with words that made her agree reluctantly.

Dr. Shepherd was over the moon!

She agreed!

He'd almost given up hope, but she'd agreed. His words must have struck a chord.

What a sensible young woman.

Dr. Shepherd was relieved andnoveldrama

already planning how to harness Fiona's potential. He'd met the famous Dr. Jules a few times and would work hard to introduce Fiona to him, ensuring she had the best resources.

With newfound motivation, Dr. Shepherd returned to his planning.

"Hey, kid," Jackson looked at Fiona with a hint of something deeper in his eyes. He swallowed hard but said nothing.

"Go take a nap. You've got class this afternoon."

He shouldn't overthink it.

The girl probably didn't mean what he feared.

And he couldn't let himself be that guy.

She was like a sister to him.

"Okay."

Fiona nodded, slowly heading back to her room.

The guest room had become her personal space, with her clothes filling the wardrobe.

Opening it, she chuckled at the sight.

Everything from pajamas to everyday wear was there.

Was Jackson really ready for her to crash at his place regularly?

She picked out a comfy cotton

nightgown, snuggled under the covers, and caught some sleep. With class at 2.30 p.m. and the clock

already at 1:00, she grabbed an hour's nap before Jackson woke her up.

He drove her to school, and Fiona yawned the whole way there.

Jackson found it amusing.

When they reached the school gates, be handed her the backpack. Half-asleep, Fiona trudged inside, looking utterly exhausted.

Jackson chuckled again.

"What a kid."

...

When Fiona walked into class nine, everyone was there, calling her name excitedly.

"Flora, you're here!"

Their curiosity was burning bright. "Flora, what's the deal with you and Uncle Jackson? Why are you two so close?" They were dying to know!

Nash, sitting at the back, couldn't help but perk up his ears, eager to hear the story.