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

Alexa had spent the day watching Dr. Ray perform surgery, and she was still buzzing with excitement. She couldn't wait to get back and jot down her notes. When Libby asked her something, Alexa responded offhandedly, "What do you need?"

"Cousin, how was your first day at the lab?" Libby asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It was incredible! I got lucky and saw Dr. Ray operate up close on my first day!" Alexa's eyes sparkled. "Watching that surgery taught me more than a year of studying ever could." Libby felt a pang of jealousy, especially thinking about Flora, who had also seen the surgery. "Did you see Flora there today?" she asked, her tone tinged with bitterness.

"Flora? You know her?" Alexa gave her a sideways glance. "Dr. Ray isn't a fan of hers. He had everyone in the lab watch the surgery, except Flora."

"I found out later Flora's just a freshman and probably got into the lab through connections. No one likes her; they think she's a burden," Alexa added with a smug tone. Who cares how pretty she is? Without skills, no one respects you.

Libby hadn't realized Flora was having such a rough time in the lab. She felt a mix of satisfaction and schadenfreude.

The next day, Flora rushed to the lab.

"Dr. Ray's performance yesterday was mind-blowing!"

"Yeah, only Dr. Ray would have the steadiness to pull that off. I was on edge the whole time!"

A group of people huddled, chatting about the previous day's amazing surgery. They quieted down as Flora walked in, aware she hadn't been there.

But Flora knew she couldn't blame anyone. She got in through the back door and wasn't exactly welcomed.

"Flora, could you proofread this for me?"

As Flora settled into her seat, a female voice chimed in from above. Looking up, she saw a woman with a medical mask, her skin dark and forehead shiny. "Sorry, I'm swamped. But you seem free, so maybe you could handle it," Alexa said, her tone assertive despite the apology.

Yesterday, Alexa had been polite, not knowing Flora's background. But now, knowing Flora was a freshman and disliked, she felt free to boss her around. Even though they were both newcomers, Alexa felt she could delegate tasks to Flora. After all, Flora was just there to help out, right?

Flora leaned back in her chair, staring at Alexa without a word. She didn't appreciate her tone.

Alexa felt a bit uneasy under Flora's gaze but quickly scoffed. Who does she think she is, refusing to help?

"What, you don't want to do it? That's what you get for being incompetent," Alexa thought.

"Why are you asking Flora to do it? Let me see," Shawn suddenly appeared, taking the paper from Alexa's hand.

"Shawn...?"

"Did you write this?" Shawn glanced at the paper and asked.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Alexa nodded.

"This isn't very good. You should revise it, or Dr. Ray will be upset. Your data points are too vague."

Alexa listened intently, looking eager to learn. "Thank you, Shawn!"

Shawn handed the paper back to her, his tone polite. "No need to thank me. But next time, don't bother Flora with trivial tasks. Just check your work yourself after writing, alright?"