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

Alright, let's just roll with it.

The second evaluator didn't quite measure up to the first-pretty average all around and Corbyn wasn't thrilled. The higher-ups seemed to think the same.novelbin

They had tried a few more candidates, but nothing clicked, and Corbyn was getting a bit edgy.

"Next up, Sydney."

The name "Sydney" got Flora's attention. She lifted her eyelids slightly and watched the door, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

Corbyn frowned at the mention of Sydney. Her personality left much to be desired, but you couldn't deny her talent.

Let's see what her recipe brings to the table. If it's impressive, he wouldn't let personal feelings sway him.

The senior folks were visibly eager, and even Scott perked up, looking a bit excited. Sydney was a close second to Tara among the younger crowd, and they all had high hopes she'd surprise them.

...

Just outside the door, Sydney gripped her recipe tightly, trying to steady her nerves.

You got this, Sydney. This recipe is your ticket out of this rut, a chance to become Corbyn's apprentice. Then no one can mock you anymore.

With a hopeful smile, she pushed open the door, her lips curving like she was stepping into a promising future.

She walked in confidently, not glancing to the sides, and bowed. "Hello, Corbyn. Hello, esteemed elders. I'm candidate number 17, Sydney." "Hand over the recipe," Corbyn's deep voice commanded.

"Sure thing."

Sydney stood up, her face a picture of confidence and poise. But then, she locked eyes with a teasing, almost smirking gaze, and her smile froze.

Her blood ran cold, and her bones felt icy. She instinctively tightened her grip on the recipe.

Flora... Why is she here? And sitting next to Corbyn, no less, in the chief examiner's seat?

"What's wrong?" Corbyn asked, noticing her hesitation.

"Why is Flora here?" Sydney pointed at Flora, disbelief etched on her face. "And why is she sitting beside you? What qualifies her for that position?" "She's the chief examiner, obviously."

"That's absurd! What gives her the right to sit there?"

Sydney had slogged away for years

at the Medical Hall, still just a

candidate, while Flora had somehow leapfrogged to chief examiner Could anything be more outrageous? en

"This is unfair!" Sydney yelled, frustration boiling over. "Flora doesn't have the age or experience for that seat. Making her chief examiner is unfair to us!"

Scott shot Corbyn an exasperated look.

See? He knew this would blow up.

The candidates before her were too cautious to voice their thoughts like Sydney, but they surely felt the same. Flora had no business being there!

"Sydney, let's focus on the

evaluation for now," Scott said,

ovelet

softening his tone. He was done dealing with the Flora situation; he just wanted to wrap up the evaluations and find some promising talent for the Medical

Hall.

"Don't worry, Flora's just sitting in. She won't be part of the judging. Hand us your recipe."

He was genuinely curious about Sydney's original recipe; it might just be the surprise they were hoping for.

The recipe!

Sydney felt a shiver run down her spine, a cold sweat breaking out on her back, feeling like she might just explode from the tension!