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

"Fiona, just look at this storm. It's like even the weather wants you to crash here for the night. Seriously, it's no big deal. Just stay, okay?"

Jackson called over a servant to guide Fiona upstairs. Meanwhile, he pulled Nash's mom aside, speaking more earnestly.

"You can see it, right? Fiona isn't exactly thrilled to be here. You know what kind of tricks the folks in the old house might try. You're putting her in a tough spot."

"How could I risk her safety? If you'd just step up a bit, I wouldn't have to do this," Nash's mom retorted, shaking off Jackson's hand with a cold glare. "And make sure you treat Fiona right, or you'll have me to deal with."

With that, she turned and headed upstairs.

Nash was left puzzled, not quite grasping why his mom was stirring up so much drama.

"Jackson, try to get some sleep."

...

With Fiona crashing at their place, everyone except Nash's mom had a restless night. Jackson and Nash tossed and turned, unable to get any shut-eye.

In the dead of night, a thunderous boom ripped through the sky, lightning flashing so brightly that it turned the room into day for just a moment before the rain came pouring down, drumming against the windows.

Fiona woke up with a start, shivering. She stumbled over to close the window as the cold rain sent chills through her. Pulling her clothes tighter, she decided to head downstairs for a hot drink. But as soon as she opened the door, she was swallowed by pitch-black darkness, so dense she couldn't even see her hand in front of her face. Instinctively, she stepped back.

In a moment of clumsiness, she lost her footing and nearly fell.

The next thing she knew, she was wrapped in a warm embrace, the scent unmistakable.

"Jackson!" she whispered, her voice a bit shaky.

"Are you scared of the dark?" Jackson asked, sensing her slight tremors. Outside, the storm raged like some menacing force.

"The lights will come back soon. Don't worry, I'll stay with you," Jackson reassured her, gently lifting her and settling her back on the bed. He tucked her in and held her hand, giving her the comfort she needed.

Before long, the power flickered back on.

Jackson switched on the bedside lamp, its warm, soft light perfect for someone like Fiona who didn't like the dark.

Once Fiona was sound asleep, Jackson slipped out of the room. He was certain this power outage was another one of Nash's mom's antics. Didn't she have better things to do?noveldrama

Maybe it was the lack of security, but Fiona couldn't seem to sleep well once Jackson left. She drifted in and out of a hazy slumber, feeling more exhausted by the minute.

Her head felt heavy, and she trudged downstairs to the kitchen for a cup of hot water. After just one sip, the dizziness got worse, and her body felt heavier.

Checking her pulse with a quick hand, she was taken aback. She must've caught a chill before hitting the sack.

Too drained to do anything about it, she set down the cup and headed back upstairs, hoping a bit of rest would help.

Staring at two identical doors, her mind fuzzy with confusion, she picked one, pushed it open, and crawled into bed, seeking comfort in sleep.