Filed to story: A Second Chance with My Billionaire Love
“The person I’m meeting is already here,” the woman said calmly and headed straight to Flossie, who had waited there for almost half a day.
“There you are, Joanne!” Flossie stood up and smiled brightly. “I knew a kind person like you wouldn’t ignore me.” Joanne stood across Flossie, her expression cautious as she asked coldly, “Is there anything you want with me?” “Do I need a reason to see you?’ Flossie stood up and pulled out the chair in front of Joanne. She reached out to take Joanne’s bag. “Sit down. You came a long way, so you shouldn’t be standing around. There are all kinds of tasty desserts in this shop you should try!” Cóntent belongs to NovélDráma. Org
“Don’t touch me.” Joanne scowled guardedly. She placed her bag beside her and slowly sat down. “I came to tell you not to contact me again. Do me a favour and leave me alone.”
The atmosphere became tense, and Flossie said nothing as she used her phone to order dessert for Joanne.
“Just have something small to eat. I told you the food here is very good. If you’re in a bad mood, you should have some dessert. That’s how I relieve stress!”
Joanne pursed her lips and smiled reluctantly. “Who told you I’m in a bad mood? I’ve been doing what I like with no one to disturb me, so I’m in a great mood.”
Flossie laughed awkwardly. “I guess seeing me ruined your mood then. I’m sorry!”
Joanne stared at Flossie contemplatively. “Just tell me what you want since you were so determined to meet me.” It was not the first time Flossie had asked Joanne out for coffee, and Joanne usually ignored all her texts. She knew Flossie hadn’t expected her to show up.
Flossie sighed dramatically. “We escaped death together, but you still don’t trust me. I just want to talk to you, so there’s no need to be so suspicious!” Flossie smiled at Joanne warmly, speaking like she was an old friend.
“Really?” Joanne relaxed slightly. She picked up the glass of lemon water in front of her and sipped it.
“Why should I lie?” Flossie added sincerely, “You might not consider me a friend, but I see you as one. I’ve always wanted to talk to you over coffee.”
Joanne pursed her lips, then lowered her head and stirred her drink absent-mindedly. “How have you been lately? I heard that… you got into trouble. You almost died, didn’t you?’
“That’s right.” Flossie nodded. ‘Honestly, my days have been full of ups and downs. I became blind and nearly died from poisoning.”
“So, it’s true…” Joanne’s eyes widened in horror, and she looked at Flossie sympathetically. She couldn’t imagine what Flossie had gone through.
‘Don’t feel sorry for me what happened to me is nothing compared to what you’ve been through. Don’t worry, I’m a strong person!” Flossie laughed and rubbed her nose awkwardly. Cóntent belongs to NovélDráma. Org
“We can’t compare pain.” Joanne placed her hand on Flossie’s and said solemnly, “I know how you feel-I’ve been there. I can tell that you’re not doing so well.”
“It’s fine. Things are still good, so we should meet while we can. Fate is strange, and I could die tomorrow… Who would you meet for coffee then?” Flossie said teasingly.
‘Don’t say that. It’s unlucky!” Joanne scolded lightly. “You were right-we’re friends who escaped death together. We shouldn’t waste the time we have.”
“You’re right!” Flossie nodded firmly. Even though Joanne had been through hell, she was still such a pure and kind soul. A person like her deserved happiness.
The waiter served them their desserts, and Flossie enthusiastically introduced her favorite food to Joanne. They behaved like they had been best friends for many years. They tried each other’s desserts and kept gushing over them, giggling like schoolgirls.
*Joanne, what have you been up to lately? You’re so hard to reach!”
Flossie munched on a soft cake as she casually asked Joanne.
The smile on Joanne’s face froze, and her gaze turned icy. “Why are you asking?”
‘I’m just asking; I don’t have any hidden agenda, I promise.” Flossie put two fingers together and said seriously. “I swear I’m just concerned about you as a friend. If I lie, let me be struck by lightning.”
“There you go again!” Joanne immediately frowned. “Stop saying such unlucky things!”
“What else can I do? I have to prove my innocence so you won’t be so guarded around me.” Flossie shrugged and pouted.
“Fine, but just keep it to yourself.” Joanne took a deep breath and confessed, “I’ve been working as a language teacher at an elementary school. Mr. Guajardo helped me get the job. He even bought a three-bedroom house for me near the school. I spend the day with my students, and go home to watch dramas or scroll through my phone at night. It’s calm and peaceful… It’s the happiest I’ve been in years.” Joanne felt like she had been reborn. She didn’t want to think about her terrible past, and if there was a way to remove those memories, she’d gladly do it. Cóntent belongs to NovélDráma. Org
‘Did Halston… help you that much?” Flossie asked in surprise. Halston looked aloof and distant, but he had actually done something so kind on the quiet.
“Don’t get me wrong-we’re not in that kind of relationship!” Joanne waved her hand dismissively. “He’s a good guy, but he’s only helping me because he feels sorry for me. We’re honorable people, and he’s loyal to you, so don’t get him wrong.”
“I didn’t even think of that,” Flossie hurriedly explained. “I’m just surprised he did something so kind… He’s usually quite aloof.” Halston might have approached Joanne to defeat Quinton back then, but he had nothing to gain from helping Joanne now. It was unlike him.
Joanne shook her head. “You don’t know him well. He’s the most loyal and charming man I’ve ever met. He’s second to none-you should cherish him well!”
“Yeah, but it didn’t stop him from abandoning his family and cheating on me!” Flossie burst out, unable to stop herself.
“He abandoned his family?” Joanne looked stunned. “That can’t be. I’m sure there’s some kind of misunderstanding. I can swear on my life that he’s not that kind of person.”
“Ah, who knows?” Flossie wanted to stop talking about it, so she changed the topic smoothly. “You said Halston’s second to none… So, what about my brother?”
The air seemed to crackle with tension. Joanne said nothing as she took a tissue to wipe her lips, then stood up to leave with her bag.
“Hey, Joannel What are you doing…” Flossie immediately gripped Joanne’s wrist and smiled charmingly. “I was just messing with you, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. Why are you getting upset?”
“Why did you bring it up if you know I don’t like to talk about it? It’s like you want me to leave! “Joanne snapped, her previous warmth instantly gone.
“It’s a special treatment!” Flossie pursed her lips, sounding serious.
Joanne frowned. What’s that?”
“Immunotherapy!” Flossie cleared her throat and elaborated, “You know, people couldn’t cure fever in the past. The only resolution was to keep getting fever until their bodies built antibodies to fight off bacteria. After a while, less people fell sick, and finally, there was no disease in that area.”
What kind of crap is that? Does it have anything to do… with you mentioning that person?” Joanne was still reluctant to talk about Quinton. She knew she couldn’t take him out or remove those memories, but she could stay away from him and everything related to him, including his friends, family, and the topics relevant to him. She knew she shouldn’t have agreed to meet Flossie since-she was Quinton’s sister, after all. They were bound to talk about Quinton since Flossie was so close to him, but Joanne had wanted to befriend Flossie because she had risked her life to save her once. Besides, Flossie was Halston’s most beloved woman and she was a charming person, so Joanne summoned the courage to meet her after tuming her down so many times. In the end, she had brought up Quinton, and hearing that name made Joanne tense and become stressed… She hated herself for losing control like this.
“Of course!” Flossie got up and pressed Joanne’s shoulders to make her sit down, then carefully explained, “Don’t you think my brother is like the bacteria causing the fever? He’s strong now, so you’re scared of him and try to stay away from him, but that isn’t a solution. You should face him properly so you can become immune to him, then you’ll gain true success!”
“That’s ridiculous!” Joanne disagreed vehemently. “If you put it that way, your brother is more like a deadly virus. I stay away from him because I know that I can’t defeat him. If I go near him, I’ll die.’ Cóntent belongs to NovélDráma. Org
“No, that won’t happen!” Flossie protested. “He’s different now-he’s not as vicious as before. He is like a virus that might make you sick, but he won’t kill you. You won’t know since you’re not in contact with him. He’s quite peaceful and gentle now. He rarely gets mad too… He’s like a different man. He even moved on from his hatred towards Halston. Knowing all this, do you still think he’s scary?”
Flossie sounded like she was exaggerating Quinton’s good sides and ignoring his flaws, but what she said was the truth. The current Quinton was not as extreme and cruel as he used to be, which might have been because of the love Flossie and the kids showed him. He had become a rational, gentle, and kind person, so Flossie wanted to meet Joanne because she hoped to bring them together. Even if they didn’t get together, she would be happy if they resolved the grudge between them. She knew that Quinton hadn’t forgotten about Joanne, and she didn’t forget him either, They were just waiting for a chance, which Flossie shamelessly saw herself as.
“He stopped… hating Mr. Guajardo?” Joanne’s eyes widened in disbelief. She had grown up with Quinton and had witnessed the worst sides of him. How could a vengeful person like him let go of his hatred that easily?
“Why would I lie to you? Flossie sounded firm. “Not only did he let go of his hatred, they’ve become acquaintances. But they aren’t on the best of terms right now because Halston and I are separated. Quinton can’t accept it-he thinks that Halston is a disloyal scumbag.”
“Mr. Guajardo isn’t a scumbag! I’m sure he’s just facing some issues.” Joanne instinctively defended Halston.
“That’s not important. Anyway, let’s not talk about Halston… We should talk about Quinton. Flossie tried again. “My brother has changed a lot. Why don’t you meet him and reminisce about the old days with him?”
“I’ll never meet him for the rest of my life!” Joanne suddenly slammed her fist on the table, looking distressed. “I suppressed my hatred for him and chose to meet you because I see you as a friend. However, if you keep trying to push me towards him, then I’m sorry to say that we’ll be strangers from now on. It’s best if we stop contacting each other.”
“Do you hate my brother that much?” Flossie was surprised at Joanne’s stubbornness. She had thought that Joanne would give in with a bit of persuasion and give Quinton a chance. Cóntent belongs to NovélDráma. Org
“Of course! But I don’t want to hate him now-I just want to forget about him. He’s a demon who hurt me a lot, so please don’t let him hurt me again!” Joanne trembled, biting her lip to stop herself from bursting into tears.
“I hope you both can eventually face your conflicts because I don’t want him to keep hurting you. If not… the hurt will stay. It won’t disappear if you keep avoiding it. It’ll be a slow and painful torture!” Flossie said passionately. She had been hurt by the person she loved the most, so she could understand Joanne’s feelings. The only resolution was for Joanne to face her fears.
“Thanks for your kindness, but I don’t need it. Goodbye!” Joanne sneered and got up to leave.
Defeated, Flossie returned to Ellsworth Manor, feeling glum.
At that moment, Ellsworth Manor was filled with a rare liveliness and warmth. Adie had recovered and left the hospital, so Quinton and Leia were holding a small family gathering. Their close friends were there too, but they hadn’t mentioned anything to Flossie-they were waiting for her to come back to surprise her. However, as time passed, their excitement died down, and they soon grew hungry.
When Flossie opened the door, everyone cheered and clapped excitedly.
“Great! Flossie is home. Let’s eat!” Leia waved at the others, gesturing for them to take their seats.