Filed to story: A Second Chance with My Billionaire Love
Jeffrey had been waiting outside the ward, and had heard everything Justin and Flossie had said. He had even seen Flossie threaten to kill Justin, and his admiration for her grew when he discovered that his gentle goddess had a violent side to her. He quickly walked into the ward when he heard Flossie call for him. “Flossie… What can I do for you?” Jeffrey clenched his fists and asked Flossie carefully.
“I assume you overheard everything that happened earlier, and how Justin can find people online. So…” Flossie paused, then continued firmly, “Be honest with me-who really saved me from drowning? If you lie to me, I’ll stop talking to you.”
“I…” Jeffrey’s hands trembled, and he thought hard about what to do. Finally, he obediently revealed the truth. “The person who saved you was a very handsome man. By the time we got to the beach, he’d already dragged you to shore and given you CPR. You’d already started breathing normally, then he came with US when we rushed you to the nearest hospital…” “I knew it!”
Flossie’s gaze became unreadable as mixed feelings overwhelmed her. Her guess was right-the person who had saved her was Halston. His body, embrace, and scent were so familiar to her that she wouldn’t have got it wrong. “What happened after that?” Flossie took a deep breath and asked slowly.
“Then, he told US he was a very bad guy, and all he did was make you sad. So, he asked US to lie and tell you that I’d saved you and that we’d never met him,” Jeffrey said honestly. “I didn’t want to lie to you, Flossie, but that man sounded very sincere. He said he’d hurt you so much, and didn’t want to keep hurting you. He wants to stay away from you, and I… I also didn’t want to see you get hurt, so I chose to lie to you. I’m sorry!” Jeffrey kept his head bowed like a child who had done something wrong, his eyes watery.
Justin stared at him, then tugged at Flossie’s arm, urging, “Hurry up and forgive him. He’s heartbroken.”
“I never blamed him, so there’s nothing to forgive.” Flossie scowled. “All I can say is that he’s very good at brainwashing people. He’s a coward and doesn’t dare to face me, but what a lousy excuse he chose!”
“Or… maybe he did something that hurt you, and now he’s too ashamed to face you. Maybe he just doesn’t want to hurt you even more?” Justin suggested carefully, trying to make Flossie understand the situation. Jeffrey was already almost in tears, and he didn’t want Flossie to join him!
“Yeah, you’re right.” Flossie smiled bitterly. “He knows he hurt me. In fact, I should thank him for his self-awareness and decision to not keep on hurting me.” Halston’s actions were a clear confirmation that what he’d done with Jessanna was real. There was no coincidence or misunderstanding, and Jessanna hadn’t been exaggerating. Maybe Flossie was just too naive, and didn’t understand human nature.
“I don’t think that man is as bad as you say he is.” Jeffrey boldly defended Halston. “He risked his life to save you in the sea, which means that you’re very important to him.”
“I never doubted that. He’s risked his life to save me many times now, and it’s because of him that I’m still alive and kicking…” Flossie never forgot Halston’s sacrifices for her or ever doubted that he would risk his life to save her. However, she couldn’t deny that he had hurt her. Despite being willing to risk his life for Flossie, he had still chosen to get entangled with Jessanna. His guilt towards Flossie made him reluctant to face her, and he’d cruelly left her world.
“People are very complicated. I’m only now realizing that maybe I never truly knew him,” Flossie said vaguely, her tone melancholic.
“What do you plan to do then?” Justin asked carefully.
“Nothing.” Flossie looked into the distance and smiled sadly. “It’s enough that he’s alive. And I… I’m done making a scene. I should get back to my normal life.”
Three days later, Flossie’s vital signs were back to normal, so she requested to be discharged from the hospital. Instead of hiding in Joyner Village to heal, she returned to Beach City with Jeffrey. She promised Cole and Ava that she would show Jeffrey the outside world and make him learn through experiences. She did plan to introduce him to Xavier’s company so he could try to make a living in the entertainment field.
“You’re so nice to my family. We don’t know how to repay you!” Ava wiped away her sweat and smiled gratefully at Flossie. Rich and noble people would generally pinch their noses and leave when they saw stinky fishermen like them, but Flossie was different. Not only did she not despise them, she also regarded them as her family. Back then, she had given them money to help resolve their family crisis, and now, she was helping with Jeffrey’s future. Ava felt that she could never repay such kindness even if it took up her entire lifetime.
“You’re welcome, Mrs. Joyner. I want to take Jeffrey there because I think he has the potential to do well in this field. If I make him famous, I’ll be famous too. However, if Jeffrey doesn’t make it, my efforts will be futile. Don’t you agree?” Flossie smiled and explained because she didn’t want them to feel pressured or anxious.
“Did you hear that? Listen to Ms. Flossie well and protect her like a man, or I’ll break your legs!” Cole sternly instructed Jeffrey.
“Don’t worry, Dad, Mom. I’ll do my best to protect Flossie!” Jeffrey declared firmly. When he met Flossie again, he knew that it was his lifetime responsibility to protect her.
“Great! That’s my son and the pride of Joyner Village!” Cole grinned, and Ava nodded in approval. They had always taught Jeffrey to be grateful, and it looked like he had become quite a sensible young man.
“It’s getting late. We need to set off now,” Flossie urged gently as she glanced at the watch on her wrist.
“Okay, have a safe drive. Keep in touch, and don’t forget to come home when you can!” The couple cried as they waved Flossie and Jeffrey goodbye.
“Hold on, I’ve got some local delicacies. Take them with you…” Ava caught up to Flossie and Jeffrey, then handed Flossie a large bag of local delicacies. She hugged Flossie and sobbed. “You just got here, but you’re leaving so soon. I can’t bear to part with you!”
“I’ll come back again. Don’t worry about US, go back and rest!” Flossie accepted the bag of food and kept turning around to wave them goodbye as she walked away.
Justin was waiting for them in front of Cole’s house, leaning on his fancy Porsche. He frowned in confusion when he saw how Cole and Ava treated Flossie. “Are you their daughter? You’re even closer to them than I am with my parents!”
“You don’t understand.” Flossie rolled her eyes at Justin. She pulled the car door open and let Jeffrey in first before she got into the car. “For me, this is my second home, and the place I come to when I need to heal. In a way, they’re my family.” Her parents had died early, and Ava’s family had filled the gaping hole they had left behind. That kindness could never be repaid with words of gratitude or material things.
“I understand.” Justin nodded, then rested his hands on the steering wheel.
“So, where are we going now?”
Flossie looked ahead silently, then sighed and said firmly, “Let’s go home.” Previously, she’d been gloomy and depressed, and she didn’t want her mood to affect the children if she went home. However, the ocean seemed to have cleansed her of all those bad emotions, and she had finally come to her senses and regained the confidence to face her family and friends.
“Are you feeling more like yourself now?” Justin asked with a smile. Flossie was different now-she was like a warrior who had found her armor. It had been a while since Justin had seen her like this, and he was genuinely happy for her.
“I am.” Flossie nodded.
“I’m glad to hear that. Well, people… can get a little crazy sometimes, but it’s alright as long as you know how to get your groove back. Welcome back, Phoenix!” Then, Justin stepped on the pedal and sped onto the highway.
After around half a day, the car finally reached Ellsworth Manor.
Flossie got out of the car, feeling melancholic. Her house was just as she remembered it. The last time she’d been here, she had been blind, but now, she could finally see the world. She was grateful that she regained her independence and didn’t have to rely on others.
“Flossie, is this your house? It’s so beautiful!” Jeffrey carried the bags of local delicacies out of the car, following Flossie and staring at the palacelike manor in awe. The place had surpassed all his expectations of luxury manors, but besides its opulence, Jeffrey could also feel its warmth from its plants and furnishings. As expected, all goddesses stayed in palaces, and only a house full of love and brightness was worthy of Flossie.
“You’re being silly. There are many beautiful houses in Beach City, but you just think this one is pretty because Flossie is too.” Justin got out of the car and teased Jeffrey.
Embarrassed, Jeffrey blushed and kept his head low. “You’re right. It’s not that the house is wonderful, it’s that it belongs to Flossie.”
“You know what’s what, buddy!” Justin gave Jeffrey a thumbs-up. Although Jeffrey was technically Justin’s rival in love, Justin got along well with him. Jeffrey’s warm sincerity made him the kind of person that anyone would like and want to befriend.
“What are you guys muttering about?” Flossie heard them whispering and turned around with a frown.
“Nothing… We’re just talking about how nice you are!” Justin waved and chuckled.
At that moment, someone opened the door of the manor.
Mommy? Is that you?” Abby’s shocked voice came from behind Flossie.
“Abby!” Flossie turned around, and when she saw her daughter, her heart warmed. She carried Abby in her arms. “Yes, it’s me. I’m sorry, baby… I was away for a long time. Did you miss me?”
Abby looked tense when Flossie picked her up, and she shook her head.” You’re not Mommy. Mommy’s eyes are black, and she can’t see.”
“Umm, well…” Flossie smiled in amusement, then blinked and said, “I’ve changed my eyes, and now I can see you, Abby. What do you think? Do you like my new eyes?”
“Are you really my mommy?” Abby looked doubtful. Abby was still young and naive, so when Flossie looked different from what Abby was familiar with, she became suspicious.
“Yes, touch me if you don’t believe me. Don’t I look the same?” Flossie put Abby’s hand on her cheek.
At first, Abby was cautious as she tentatively touched Flossie’s face. However, the moment she felt Flossie’s skin, the little girl’s eyes lit up in joy. “Yes, you’re Mommy! Only Mommy has such smooth and soft skin…” She held Flossie’s arm and sobbed, “Where have you been all this time, Mommy? Adie and I have missed you so much. And where is Daddy? Why did he go missing again?” Halston had been gone for a long time, and Flossie had soon disappeared too, not wanting to return because of her mental state. The two pitiful children had missed their parents terribly, and now that Flossie was back, they were delighted again.
“Adie, come here! Look who’s back!” Abby hugged Flossie and refused to let go as she yelled for her brother.
After a while, Adie ran out. “Mommy…” Contrary to Abby, Adie recognized Flossie immediately. He glanced at her eyes in surprise. “Your eyes are cured?”
Flossie nodded. “Yeah, I made you and Abby worry about me. I’ve been dealing with something, and these eyes were the upgrade I got after I recovered from it. My black eyes turned blue. What do you think? Isn’t it cool?” Flossie was a bit stricter with Adie since he was a boy, and talked to him like she would a friend-in a relaxed and teasing manner.
“It’s so cool!’ Adie ran over and held Flossie’s hand, staring up at her face.” Mommy, you look like a fairy now. You’re much more awesome than before. I wonder what Daddy would feel when he sees you. I’m sure he’ll like this look very much!”
Flossie flinched when Adie mentioned Halston, and chuckled awkwardly.” Don’t bring him up. Just think that he’s… flown to space with a swoosh.” Flossie didn’t want them to feel disappointed again. If an adult like her couldn’t, how could they?
“Why not? I just got in touch with Daddy.” Adie asked with a frown. “He said he’ll be back soon.”
“Did he contact you?” Flossie sounded suspicious. “That can’t be.” “It’s true! Come upstairs and see for yourself if you don’t believe me.” Adie held Flossie’s hand, and they both went upstairs.
Flossie followed Adie to the bedroom on the second floor quickly.
Adie smoothly turned on the computer and opened his email inbox, ponting at a recent email excitedly. “This is the email I just got from Daddy. He asked Abby and me to be good and listen to you, and said he’ll be back after settling his things.”
Flossie stared at the email with mixed feelings. After taking a deep breath, she leaned towards the screen and read the email. It was roughly what Adie had said-Halston had told the children that he was safe, asked them to be good, and told them not to anger Flossie. He also promised that he would be back soon. The email had been sent from Halston’s private email.