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

As Fiona swayed back and forth on the swing, Tyler stepped out of the house, phone in hand, his eyes darting around the garden to spot her.

"Hey, Tyler!" Fiona called, waving him over. "What's got you in such a rush?"

"Check this out," Tyler said, handing her his phone, which displayed a news headline with her picture splashed across it.

Curious, Fiona shot Tyler a puzzled look, her feet lightly grazing the ground as she took the phone. A quick glance revealed articles accusing her of being some kind of homewrecker, a schemer who ensnared men.

Without another word, Fiona handed the phone back to Tyler and continued her gentle swinging.

Trouble seemed to follow her everywhere.

"Aren't you going to clear things up or explain?" Tyler asked.

"Would it make a difference?" Fiona gave him a warm smile and replied, "I know it won't, so why bother wasting my time?"

Seeing her calm demeanor, Tyler decided to let it go. He slipped his phone back into his pocket and settled onto the stone bench.

After dinner, Jackson drove Fiona home.

The car ride was silent, a bit tense.

"Is something up? You seem a bit off," Fiona finally broke the silence.

"Those rumors online, I'll take care of them," Jackson said, glancing her way. Fiona was nibbling on a candy, the sweetness spreading in her mouth. "Don't worry about it."

Fiona let out a sigh of relief, playfully furrowing her brow as she smiled. "And how's my big brother planning to handle that?"

Like any girl her age, she playfully leaned against Jackson's shoulder and pulled out her phone, flashing the headline at him again.

The comments below were like a pit of vipers, each one dripping with venom.

"Raised by wolves, were you? So desperate to cling to a man?"

"Using such tricks to trap your brother, shameless! She's from Westbrook High, right? When school starts on Monday, I'm gonna teach her a lesson!"noveldrama

"Not content with seducing the head of the Woods family, now using nasty tactics. Aren't you afraid of karma?"

"Such a young girl, still in high school, and already a disgrace to the university. Anyone up for a little payback to expose her?"

As Jackson read each comment, his brow furrowed deeper in anger.

He looked at Fiona with concern, but she seemed unbothered, like it was all just noise.

The more she shrugged it off, the angrier he got.

How could they talk about such a sweet girl like that?

"What does Fiona want her big brother to do?" Jackson gently ruffled her hair and pinched her cheek, enjoying its softness.

"Honestly, I have no clue. It's my first time facing something like this," Fiona's eyes met his, clear and sincere. "What do you think we should do?"

"Do you like going to concerts?" Jackson asked.

Fiona shook her head. "I prefer listening to music on my own."

Concerts were too loud, the noise overwhelming her sensitive ears.