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

Fiona fiddled with her earbud case, trying to make sense of the chaotic noise coming through. Her gear wasn't quite up to snuff for picking up the full

conversation, but she caught snippets that sounded like someone was crying out

for help!

She leaned in, squinting her eyes to concentrate, and realized that the frantic voice belonged to the girl who'd always been her rival. Despite their rocky past, Fiona couldn't immediately piece together what was going on. It was clear that this girl had her own mysteries buried deep.

Inside the chamber, an oak coffin stood solemnly, surrounded by plaques marking the lineage of the Reynolds family. The atmosphere was heavy with history.

The girl was forced to kneel on the cold stone floor, her knees a mess of blood. Tears streamed down her face, yet her gaze remained steely and defiant as she looked up at the figure before her.

"If I marry Tyler tonight, will you let me go?" she pleaded.

With a sinister chuckle, the old man rose from the coffin. His laughter was grating, sending chills down the spine.

"You think I'm oblivious to your little stunt today?" His eyes glinted with a menacing light, causing the girl to tremble. "You're bound to the Reynolds family, in life and in death. It's your duty to keep our line going."

"I don't give a damn about your family legacy or your dreams of living forever. I'll marry Tyler, just like we agreed, but you can't keep me under your thumb anymore."

She tried to stand, but her legs buckled from the hours of kneeling. She sank back down, glaring up at him with fierce determination.

"I'm leaving with Tyler tomorrow. I'm done being your puppet."

The old man just laughed, a sound that echoed ominously. "None of you are leaving this place alive tomorrow."

With that, he reclined back into the coffin. If anyone dared to peek closer, they'd see a straw poking out of his mouth, drawing in a thick, red liquid that reeked of blood.

As midnight drew near, an eerie silence blanketed the Reynolds estate. The unsettling quiet gnawed at Fiona, keeping sleep at bay.

The next morning, Fiona got dressed and headed downstairs, only to find the old man and Tyler's aunt and uncle sitting silently in the living room.

"Grandfather, as we agreed, I'm here to take Tyler with me."

"Tyler's already gone," the old man replied, cool as a cucumber.

Fiona's brow furrowed. "No way!"

Tyler wouldn't have just up and left on his own, and he definitely wouldn't have left her behind.

Noticing her disbelief, the old man.noveldrama

added, you don't trust me, go

ahead and turn the whole place

upside down."

Without a second thought, Fiona sprinted upstairs, but Tyler's room was empty.

"I wasn't lying, young lady. Didn't you leave Tyler a communicator? Ask him."

Fiona's heart skipped a beat as she stared at the crafty old man, realizing he was always one step ahead.

Just as she was about to call Tyler, a message popped up from him.

Tyler: Fiona, I've left the Reynolds estate. I'll see you at school.

It was from the communicator she

had given him. She shot a glance

back at the old man, her voice

steady, "You better not be playing

games with me."