Filed To Story: A Second Chance with My Billionaire Love
“Mhm.” Flossie nodded, panting.
Her nightmare was just too vivid, as she remembered how Jessanna’s gory face was right in front of hers and remembered just how despairful the sensation was. It felt like she was drowning.
“It’s alright, you woke up…” Margaret patted her on the back, visibly concerned. “You must’ve been stressing yourself out, Miss Flossie. That’s why you had a weird nightmare.”
“I’ll make you a small scented bag later. It can help get rid of germs and reduce anxiety, so bring it around with you. Then you won’t get those nightmares anymore.”
“Thanks, Margaret.” Flossie took a deep sigh, then asked in a whisper. “Hey Margaret, do you think really evil ghosts exist in this world?”
“Ah, I don’t know…” Margaret’s expression turned serious, reminiscing her past. “I’ve learned medicine from my grandfather, and I’ve seen a lot of weird stuff too. Traditional doctors usually believe in these things since life and death, when viewed from a medical standpoint, are great mysteries. So I can’t really say for sure…
“Evil ghosts may exist in some other realm, a realm we can’t see or touch. Or maybe, its existence is a form of energy, a magnetic field. When the energy or magnetic field is too strong, it might affect our realm as well.
“For example, Miss Flossie, you don’t get nightmares back then. But you suddenly dreamed of something that was so scary that it woke you up in cold sweat. It is possible that you were affected by those types of negative energies. So it’s best to be more cautious,” Margaret explained, her cryptic message sending chills down Flossie’s body.
She gulped, carefully responding. “So you mean some kind of evil spirit with high negative energy might be attached to me?”
“Hush hush! You shouldn’t say things like that! You’re a nice person, Miss Flossie. It’s not like you offended or provoked anyone. So there’s no way you would encounter evil spirits!”
Margaret was very superstitious, quickly nagging her like how most elderly would. After that, she got busy preparing the scented bag as promised.
Flossie looked towards the mirror at her dressing table, noticing her pale complexion. Jessanna Ximenez, if you really are haunting me, I advise you to reincarnate soon, she thought as she clenched her fists.
‘You couldn’t win against me while you were alive, so don’t assume you’d ever have a chance at death either!’
After having breakfast, Flossie checked the time and noticed that she should be leaving soon. She then got up from her seat and turned to Quinton, Margaret, and the children. “You guys take your time, I have to head out for a bit.”
“It’s still so early in the morning. Where are you going?”
Quinton was reading the newspapers at the time, and as he lowered his hands, a sharp glare was revealed.
“I… I’m just going to tend to some work in the company. There’s going to be a lot of new projects coming in, so I figured I should head back to work after such a long vacation.”
“You’re my sister. As long as I’m here to provide for you, you can have a lifelong vacation if you so, please. Besides, it’s been quite dangerous lately, so I’d say you should rest a little longer before returning to your work.”
Quinton was considered the current head of the Ellsworth family, hence somehow taking up the father figure role. He couldn’t help but wish he could place Flossie under lockdown forever just to ensure her safety.
After all, Beach City was currently in an ever-changing state. Moreover, he had made many enemies in the past and was very worried that his sister would be dragged into his mess.
“Oh, now you’re just being dramatic. I’m not a weakling! If anyone dares to try something on me, that just means they’ve got a death wish! Don’t worry!” Flossie waved nonchalantly, then kissed Adie and Abby on their cheeks.
“Be good, you two, and listen to your uncle and Aunt Margaret. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”
“Alright, be careful, Mommy, and stay safe!” The little ones pecked her back on the cheek, not worried about their mother’s safety.
‘Uncle may not have seen how great Mommy is, but we have! Many, many times! She can do anything!’ They thought to themselves.
“Ah, Miss Flossie, wait!” Margaret got up and caught up to her. “Take this medicinal pouch with you. I just feel like your nightmare is some kind of bad omen. Anything that might prevent it counts.”
“Relax, Margaret, I’m not scared of anything or anyone! I’m confident that I can take down any monsters or demons in my way!” Flossie replied confidently as she tucked the pouch into her pocket.
However, the woman wasn’t heading toward the company but instead a filming location.
When she returned from the hospital last night, she could contact Shirley through certain methods.
Shirley seemed overjoyed after realizing it was her and immediately agreed to meet.
Coincidentally, the venue was in Strix Island, exactly where she and Jessanna fought.
“Talk about bad luck!” Flossie gulped as she parked her car, staring at the familiar space in front of her. She had a bad feeling about this.
“Hello, Miss Ellsworth. I’m Shirley’s manager. She’s still busy with the film at the moment, so I’ll be taking you to the waiting area first. Is that alright with you?” The manager came up to Flossie with all smiles. Her enthusiasm felt odd to Flossie.
“It’s okay. Let her finish up with her work first. I’m not in a rush.” Flossie responded courteously, as she wasn’t one to shut down friendliness.
The waiting area was around a sheltered flat ground, and she had a clear view of the film set.
“Miss Ellsworth, here are some snacks.” The manager came over with a few slices of various fruits and then rambled.
“You know, I’ve admired you for the longest time! I actually didn’t want to take in any more newcomers when Mr. Stuart mentioned he had someone he wanted to recommend. I was planning on retiring after all. I already have superstars like Miley, Yasmine, and many others too. But the moment I saw Shirley, I immediately changed my mind… Want to know why?”
“Uhm, why?” Flossie asked awkwardly. She had no problem socializing but was still somewhat wary of overly friendly people like these.
“Haha, why else? It’s because Shirley is practically your clone!” The manager slapped the woman on the back excitedly. “You just look so alike! Everyone in our industry is saying how Shirley is your stand- in too.”
“Shirley’s debut film was the one that starred the famous Mr. Guajardo and was inspired by the trending short story ‘Hunt my Ellsworth.’ People absolutely loved it, and that was Shirley’s big break…”
Flossie brushed her hair out of her face and continued replying awkwardly. “Yeah, I’ve kind of heard of it.”
“It’s a shame that Mr. Guajardo is currently going out with Miss Murphy. Looks like everyone’s ship sank…” The manager let out a long sigh, her eyes filled with regret and sympathy.
Flossie watched as Shirley worked from afar, unable to contain her curiosity. “Is Miss White still single?”
“Oh her?” The manager turned to look at Shirley as well, smiling. “She has someone rich, but you can’t tell anyone this, okay?”
“Who is it? Is it Xavier Stuart?”
“No, no, think bigger.”
“Bigger?!” Flossie felt like she was getting closer to the truth and continued questioning. “Who could it be? Wasn’t Xavier supporting her this whole time? Did something happen between them?”
The woman assumed that the two had gotten into a big fight, so much so that it gave Xavier anxiety towards love and relationships.
‘So this is why he turned out this way! He’s so hesitant when it comes to love, even when he really wants to commit to another!’
“I’m not quite sure about that. I just know that…” The manager intended to continue her gossip due to her admiration for Flossie.
However, Shirley had just finished up her scenes and was walking towards them with her assistant holding an umbrella at her side.
“I’m so sorry, Miss Ellsworth. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting for too long.” Shirley interrupted their conversation with a soft smile, elegantly sitting on the chair her assistant pulled back.
As Flossie observed the woman before her, she was reminded of their first encounter four years ago. The natural simplicity in Shirley’s beauty was long gone by now, especially after being influenced by fame and fortune.
She thought to herself. ‘What a pity that she became like this…’
“You look prettier since the last time we met, Miss White. Looks like the life of a celebrity has been treating you quite well.” Flossie greeted politely, hoping to quickly ease away the awkward atmosphere between them.
Shirley lowered her head and grinned, then hushed her manager away. “Louis, can you please help me discuss the details of the upcoming commercial with our business partners?”
“Alright, Shirley, have fun talking with Miss Ellsworth then.” The manager got up as told and gave the women some space.
“Do you have something urgent to tell me, Miss Ellsworth? You went out of your way to contact me after all. Since there’s no one around us, you can be honest with me,” Shirley said as she looked towards Flossie with a sharp gaze, holding a cup of coffee in her hands.
She was well aware that most people wouldn’t contact her without holding certain intentions. Moreover, just like Flossie, she didn’t like beating around the bush either.