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

At that moment, Mr. Johnson strolled by and, upon hearing that the couple were related to Tyler, promptly escorted them to the school's conference room. Tyler was now one of the school's top students, and it was assumed his family placed a premium on education, more so than most other parents.

After the morning session, Tyler was called into the office again. This stirred up curiosity among his classmates, who gathered in small groups, whispering.

"What's going on with Tyler? Why does he keep getting called into the principal's office? Could his grades actually be slipping?" The teachers' office was often dubbed the "principal's office" by students. It was the usual spot for underperforming students.

"Who knows? Haven't you noticed how pale Tyler's looked lately? If his grades aren't genuine, Class Nineteen is going to be the school's laughingstock!"

"What are you guys talking about? If his grades were fake, would the principal let him off so easily?"

"True, you've got a point. I bet they're planning to give Tyler some special attention. Let's grab some breakfast and catch the show."noveldrama

With that, the classroom quickly emptied out.

Fiona pulled a bottle of milk from her bag, downed it in one go, and with hands in her pockets, headed out of the classroom. As she wandered down the hallway, she caught sight of shadows of what seemed like a heated discussion in the faculty building across the way.

Curious, she focused and realized it was Tyler. Raising an eyebrow, she unwrapped a piece of candy and popped it into her mouth, then casually made her way toward the faculty building.

Her pace was relaxed; it wasn't far, and within a few minutes, she was at the office door. Peering through the glass, she saw the room was empty Confused, she furrowed her brow, just as Tyler's voice floated over from the next room.

"I don't know you!" Tyler's voice was clear enough for Fiona to catch every word.

She stood at the door, listening intently.

"Tyler, back then, we had no other

choice. If we could have managed, we wouldn't have left you at the orphanage." The woman's voice was sharp, grating on the ears, yet she put on a show of sobbing. "Tyler, we know we let you down, but your uncle and I couldn't even feed ourselves. If you'd stayed with us, you'd have starved."

"Exactly, Tyler Now that things have finally looked up for us, we thought of bringing you back. We read in the papers about your top scores at school and your bright future. You could even help out your cousin, whose grades haven't been great."

The couple shamelessly justified their actions. Fiona leaned against the wall, the strawberry candy's flavor spreading in her mouth. The pleasant taste made her search her pockets for another piece, but she came up empty.

She'd have to stock up next time.

"I don't know you. I have no memories of you. Stop trying to claim kinship." Tyler gave them a cold look, his tone unwavering. "If you're claiming to be my uncle and aunt, then prove it."

"What proof do we need? We left you at the orphanage; of course we know who you are!"

"Left at the orphanage?" Tyler glanced at the woman before turning to Mr. Keaton, the principal. "Sir, I think I need to call the police."

"Call the police? What for? We might not be your birth parents, but if we hadn't left you at the orphanage, you wouldn't be alive today!" The woman slammed her hand on the conference table, her voice shrill and piercing.