Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life novel Chapter 1943

The ninety-minute countdown started ticking away.

Up on the stage, the host kicked off the final countdown with the crowd.

“Ten, nine, eight, seven... three, two, one.”

As the last number echoed, every contestant dropped their pens and set aside their sketches. Some had only gotten halfway, forced to stop by the clock. Others had just managed the opening lines. But Jane? She finished her design right on the dot, adding the final touch to a flowing skirt—the whole look complete, down to the last detail.

Country M’s contestant finished at the same instant.

Their scores were impossibly close—two rising stars, both at the top of their game.

They might be young, but their work was anything but amateur. The confidence and polish in their designs would outshine many seasoned pros.

“Today’s design challenge has been a showstopper!” the host announced, his voice full of energy. “I know everyone here and watching online is dying to find out who took the win.” He lifted his arm, drawing every eye to the huge screen behind him. “Let’s check the results!”

The whole room held its breath. Even Amy, who’d spent half the afternoon flirting with Jackson, couldn’t look away from the screen. If Country M’s contestant took first place, the whole competition would basically be decided.

The scoreboard flickered and blurred, dragging out the suspense, before finally snapping into focus. Two names appeared.

If it weren’t for the food poisoning, nobody would’ve made a big deal about Woods Corporation falling behind. But seeing these contestants push through illness just to compete—it wasn’t about winning or losing anymore. It felt like they’d do whatever it took to be number one.

“Oh, I see. There are doctors on the island—did you get checked out?” the host asked quickly, trying to clear the organizers and show they were taking things seriously.

“We’ve seen the doctor,” she replied. “They haven’t found the cause yet, but I believe the truth will come out.”

As she spoke, she glanced over at Country M’s contestant, her gaze lingering, full of meaning.