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

"Wow, Jake, I didn't know you could cook!" Fiona exclaimed, hopping off the chair and wandering over to where Jackson was busy in the kitchen. "Need a hand with anything?"

"Nah, I've got it covered," Jackson replied, reaching out to ruffle her hair before realizing his hands were wet. He paused, then asked, "Do you want your fish raw or cooked?"

"I'm good with either. I love whatever you make," Fiona said with a big smile.

The idea of Jackson cooking was more astonishing to her than any horror movie she'd ever seen.

About half an hour later, Jackson had laid out a feast on the table.

There was sushi, king crab, and lobster, all spiced up just the way she liked. Fiona couldn't wait to dig in.

Her mouth watered as she shouted to Nash, who was engrossed in his video game, then eagerly grabbed a piece of sushi. The blend of crunchy and tender was just perfect.

"Jake, your cooking is amazing!" Fiona said, barely managing to swallow a piece of crab meat before holding out her bowl. "Can I have some shrimp, please?"noveldrama

Jackson, not used to catering to others, found her eager manner amusing. With a chuckle, he peeled a few large shrimp and placed them in her bowl.

"Take your time, no one's going to swipe it from you," Jackson said, watching her eat with a deeper smile in his eyes.

They enjoyed their meal for a while before Nash finally put down his gaming console to join them. The table was piled with seafood, which looked delicious, but there was just one snag: he was allergic to seafood!

"Jackson, what am I supposed to eat?" Nash was almost in tears.

Was he supposed to just sit there and watch them eat?

Jackson brought out a plate of vibrant green veggies, garnished with tiny cloves of garlic.

Nash looked at Jackson, incredulous. He was from the prestigious Woods family, and here he was, stuck with a plate of vegetables?

This had to be a joke!

Sure, he and Fiona were treated differently, but wasn't this a bit much?

Plus, Jackson didn't even give him a second look when he served the veggies, as if... he was being dismissed!

"I want meat," Nash protested weakly.

But one look from Jackson silenced him, leaving him to quietly eat his plain rice and veggies.

...

After dinner, Jackson took Fiona back home. On the drive back, Nash rattled off the day's school events like a well-oiled machine.

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When he mentioned Megan's scheming, his demeanor shifted slightly Jackson's sharp eyes caught his in the rearview mirror as he glanced over at Nash.

"Megan only got expelled?" Jackson asked.

"Yeah, Jake, you wouldn't believe how awful she was!" Nash nodded vigorously, tattling on like a kid. "She really looked down on Fiona. If hadn't spoken up, she would've been impossibly smug."

Jackson pressed his lips together, not replying, just giving Nash a look before pulling out his phone. He

tapped a few times and 40%

"It's ready to be sent out," he said.

a call.

"Jake, what's ready to be sent out?" Nash asked, frowning in confusion.

Jackson couldn't be bothered to explain, leaning back in his seat and closing his eyes to relax.

Nash hated it when people acted all mysterious. He felt like he was left in the dark, making him feel like a total fool.