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

She'd booked a spot at the Golden Hotel, which was no big deal since she owned the place-dining there came with the perk of not needing to pay! The manager was already waiting, ready to usher Henrik and Fiona into their private dining room with all the respect you'd expect for the boss.

"Come on, Uncle, dig in. These dishes are all your faves, and you've been away from Cedarvale for ages. Some of these authentic flavors are impossible to find in Maple Grove."

Henrik gave her a mild look as he shrugged off his coat, draping it over his chair. His cream-colored sweater did little to hide his tall and well-built frame, the result of consistent workouts despite his middle age.noveldrama

He laced his fingers together, resting them on the table. "Why so sugary today? What are you guilty of this time?"

"Who was that guy at your house calling you Fiona earlier when I rang?"

"Uncle! You're my real uncle, can't I be nice without you jumping to conclusions?" Fiona's voice carried a hint of genuine hurt.

"Cut the act."

Henrik shot her a knowing glance. "If we're talking about acting, your mom had you beat when she was your age."

"Uncle, there's no one!" Fiona insisted. "I wasn't hiding any guy in my room. It was just a friend. Here, I'll show you a picture."

She handed Henrik a photo of her and Mikey. "See? Do you honestly think I'd go for him? He's just so not my type with that laid-back look." Sorry, Mikey! You're my fall guy this time. I owe you a dinner for this one!

Henrik observed the picture, noting Mikey's flashy, casual attire-definitely not the serious type. His eyebrows creased with skepticism.

He looked like a troublemaker, but if

it was this guy, Henrik wasn't too concerned When it came to stirring up trouble, no one could top his niece Plus, with her taste, she wouldn't be interested in someone like him. t

"Fiona, you're still young. The guys out there aren't always up to any good. Don't get too chummy with them, alright?"

Henrik let out a long sigh. "Just look at your mom, dating early, marrying your dad so young!"

His sister got swept up way too soon! The memory alone made Henrik want to beat his chest in frustration.

"Think about how your mom's doing now..." Henrik recalled Flora always lying in bed post-baby, with Connor managing the baby duties and a milk bottle, and bit back more words "It's all manageable, but dating early? That's a no-go!¶f there's anyone trying to make a move on you, tell your uncle, and I'll take care of it!"

He and Mr Shen were dead set on avoiding Fiona's early involvement with anyone, planning to keep her single until her late twenties at least.

"Rest assured, Uncle's approach is gentle." Henrik's smile had a mischievous edge. "Way gentler than your dad's."

He was just being protective. If Connor got involved, he'd ensure the guy would be gone for good from Fiona's life.

Fiona rubbed her forehead, "Alright, Uncle, let's just focus on the food. How long do you plan on sticking around in Cedarvale?" "Already trying to get rid of me?" Henrik raised an eyebrow.

"I was just thinking, with you here, Aunt Cecelia's left home alone. She must be bored out of her mind."

Mentioning Cecelia made Fiona's heart do a little flip. What's going on, did they have a spat?