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

Jackson sat there, a quiet observer, eyes slightly narrowed as he took in the scene. The dishes arrived promptly, most of them tailored to Fiona's tastes. Among them was butter-garlic shrimp-a dish she particularly loved. Jackson was about to help Fiona peel the shrimp, slipping on a pair of gloves, but Tyler beat him to it.

Tyler deftly peeled a shrimp and placed it in Fiona's bowl. She flashed him a warm smile before savoring it. Tyler continued peeling, and Fiona continued eating, creating a seamless, synchronized rhythm. Meanwhile, Jackson and Nash faded into the background.

Jackson leaned back, his eyes clouded with unreadable thoughts. Nash, on the other hand, was simmering with frustration. Clearly, Tyler and Fiona shared a special bond-Tyler peeled those shrimp with such ease and familiarity!

Nash was boiling over, his jealousy churning in his stomach. In a fit of pique, he clamped down on half the shrimp platter, piling them onto his own plate. Fiona, mid-bite, looked up at his antics, her expression neutral. "You like shrimp that much?"

Nash acted on impulse and realized too late what he'd done. His face froze. He was allergic to seafood and never touched shrimp. What was he thinking? Just to get under Fiona's skin, he had piled his plate high. But he couldn't admit his allergy-Fiona would never let him live it down. So he retorted with a smirk, "Yeah, I love butter-garlic shrimp. Got a problem with that?"

"Aren't you allergic?" Jackson asked, casually raising an eyebrow.

"Who said that? I'm not allergic!" Nash shot back, peeling a shrimp with exaggerated care and popping it into his mouth as if proving a point.

Fiona shook her head. Nash was truly a strange character, acting like he had a few screws loose. She chose to ignore him and returned to her meal. Tyler quietly resumed peeling shrimp for her.

"Here, have some milk," Jackson suggested, noticing Fiona's fondness for mouth-numbing spicy food. As she tried to cool her food with gentle breaths, he handed her a glass of milk, his voice soft and caring.

He caught Tyler's hand subtly reaching for the milk. If Jackson had been a moment slower, Tyler would have offered it first. Almost got outmaneuvered by the kid again.

"Thanks, big brother," Fiona said,

taking a generous sip that eased her stomach. She flashed a bright smile at Jackson, her charming little canine tooth peeking out. Jackson's heart softened, and he tenderly ruffled her hair. noveldrama

"Here, try this. You seem to like it,” Fiona said, holding a piece of curry chicken up to Jackson's mouth not his plate, but directly to his mouth. The fork-it was the one she'd been using.

"Fiona, that's your fork! How can you feed Uncle Jackson with it? Take it away!"

Nash exclaimed before Jackson could say a word.

"Mind your own business," Fiona shot back with a glare.

"Jackson won't eat it, just you wait-" Nash started, but before he could finish,

Jackson leaned in, taking the piece of curry chicken.

His lips carefully avoided the fork, using just his teeth to grab the bite, but he ate it all the same.

Hear that? That's Nash's pride, snapping like a twig.