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

Flora set down her phone and reached out, giving Connor both her hands. He lowered his head slightly, showcasing a profile so flawless it seemed crafted by the gods themselves, his movements both tender and deliberate. Flora watched him, a gentle smile tugging at her lips.

The race was about to kick off. The host took the mic, his voice booming across the venue. "Welcome, everyone, to this year's Racing Club 257's annual driving assessment race. We're thrilled to have you all here. Let me quickly run through today's rules and requirements," he announced, his voice clear and commanding.

The competition was split into three rounds. First up was the solo race, followed by a relay, and finally, a team race. The solo round was straightforward: each team picked one racer, and it was a head-to-head clash. Time didn't matter; the first to hit the finish line wins. "Our first match features Andy and Karl. Racers, please get ready!" the host called out.

As his name was announced, Andy stood up, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. The pressure was on-losing would be a huge blow to the Reyes family's morale.

"Just chill," Flora said with a laid-back glance.

"Give it your all," Karter chimed in.

Andy gave a stiff nod and made his way to the track.

"Come on, Karl! Show the Reyes what's what!" a group from the Jones family taunted, dismissing the Reyes team entirely.

"We've got this in the bag," Zachary added with a smirk.

Andy was good, but everyone knew Karl had the edge. In the Reyes camp, Adrian was the only one who might stand a chance against Karl.

Karl swaggered onto the track, eyeing Andy with disdain. "Tough luck drawing me as an opponent. The Reyes are going down hard in this first round."

Andy, despite his doubts, couldn't let it show. He shot back, "We'll see who's talking big after the race. Don't count your chickens just yet."

Karl chuckled, "You're about to see what I'm made of."

His confidence wasn't

unfounded-within the Jones only Luke was better, and on.

Lone

belongs to en.ent Island, Karl was at the to

Both racers climbed into their cars. At the referee's signal, they shot off the starting line!

Karl was quick and skilled, treating Andy like a non-threat. He

he'd

Andy in the dust

first half of the second

But then-

As the second lap began, Andy's car was still right on his tail.

Karl's expression grew serious. How had Andy improved so much? He had to push himself hard just to keep Andy from overtaking him.

"What's happening? Why isn't Karl leaving Andy behind?" Luke exclaimed, eyes wide with disbelief as the two cars battled fiercely.

Zachary was taken aback too.

On the track, Andy had one thing on his mind: winning. Nothing else mattered.

He floored the gas, determined to catch up to Karl.

"Think you can overtake me? Keep dreaming!" Karl spat, more frustrated than anything as Andy kept pace.

Ahead was

curve-Karl's specialty. He'd left many competitors in the dust here.

"Karl's unbeatable on curves; we've got this," Zachary nodded, confident in their win.

But in the next moment-

His smile vanished.