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

Tyler was completely caught off guard when Fiona suddenly pulled him close. His body went all stiff, just letting her lead him to sit beside her without putting up any resistance. Even after sitting down, he still felt like a statue.

Fiona didn't let go of his hand. Instead, she placed it gently on her leg and picked up a cotton swab to dress his wounds. Her touch was soft, radiating a warmth that made Tyler's heart race like crazy. He felt like he was burning up all over. Fiona, not noticing his flustered state, kept her eyes down as she tended to his injuries. They were pretty bad, stretching from the palm of his hand all the way up his arm, some old and some still bleeding fresh.

"Tyler," she said suddenly, dabbing the wounds with antiseptic. "Do you hate your brother?"

The question hit him like a splash of cold water, chilling him to the bone. Did he hate his brother? Hate him for throwing away a good life and ending up in prison? He had warned him, begged him to stay away from danger. But he didn't listen, got mixed up with the wrong crowd, and landed himself behind bars.

"Do you hate him for making you the target of gossip, pointed at and whispered about because your brother's a criminal?" Fiona continued, unfazed by his silence, as she kept applying the medicine.

"I hate myself." Her voice was calm and soothing, with no trace of judgment or pity, like an old friend just chatting. Tyler didn't know why, but he found himself opening up to her, his voice rough around the edges.noveldrama

He felt he had no right to hate his brother. Their parents had passed away early, and his brother had been the one to raise him. He knew all the risks his brother took were for his sake. Where was the room for hatred in that?

"Tyler, no matter how you see

yourself, are you really okay with spending your life here in this rehab

center?" Eiona asked as she wrapped a bandage around his hand. "Being here, you've seen it for

yourself. Your future might just stall

out."

"I don't believe you're someone who lacks ambition, willing to settle for a mediocre life. If you come with me, I promise I can offer you the best resources to make your ambitions and talents shine." Nobody lends a hand without a reason. Tyler looked at his bandaged hand, lost in thought, and finally asked, "Is it because of my brother?"

"Not entirely." Fiona admitted

truthfully, "Besides your brother's

situation, genuinely admire you.

You've got a grit about you, a toughness that doesn't back down. With the right support, your potential is fimitless."

"I'm considering this an investment. Someday, when you've made it, you'll pay it back. And I trust you won't let me down."

Her straightforwardness about her motives was refreshing, more so than those who only tried to tug at the heartstrings. Every word Fiona spoke struck a chord with Tyler.

He wasn't content, wasn't ready to

let life pass by in a rehab center. And

he didn't want to ride on his

brother's coat-tails any longer. If Fiona had said she was helping him just because of his brother, he probably wouldn't have listened to anything else she had to say.

"Think it over," Fiona said as she packed up the medical kit and got to her feet. "I'll leave you my number. Call anytime, and I'll arrange for someone to pick you up."