Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life
Chapter 1087

The table was soon laden with a spread that balanced meat and veggies just right.

"Cecelia, since it's your first time over, I wasn't sure what you're into. Heard you celebs are all about those low-fat meals, so I gave it a go," Raul said with a friendly grin.

"Let me know how it tastes, and if there's anything off, just let me know."

"Dad, your sweet and sour ribs today had a bit too much vinegar," Henrik chimed in, almost as an afterthought.

Raul shot him a playful side-eye. "Those were for your sister, not you. Flora loves them that way."

"Playing favorites, I see," Henrik said, smiling softly.

Cecelia couldn't help but chuckle, knowing Henrik was trying to ease her nerves. Normally outgoing, she felt a bit shy since it was her first visit as Henrik's supposed girlfriend, or at least that's what everyone thought.

She quickly let go of her reservations, calling Raul by name and lighting up his day with her compliments. "Raul, your cooking is incredible! I could keep going back for seconds!"

And she did just that, much to Raul's delight. He was more than happy to see her enjoy the meal. Like any proud cook, he wanted his guests to eat their fill.

Though Raul wasn't naturally fond of cooking, with Henrik and Flora not having a mom around, he figured he couldn't let them rely on the nanny's meals forever. They had a dad who cared, after all. So, he'd come home after work and, albeit awkwardly, taught himself to cook. Over time, he got pretty good at it.

Now that Henrik and Flora were older and home less often, Raul felt a bit of emptiness. But Cecelia's praises lifted his spirits.

Liam chimed in with a cheerful, "If you like it, come over more often! I'll keep cooking for you until you and Mu Bai-" He paused, catching Henrik's subtle warning glance, and went back to eating quietly.

Ah, this kid, Raul thought, shaking his head.

"Cough," Raul cleared his throat.

Cecelia quietly continued her meal too, while Flora and Connor exchanged amused looks.

Yep, watching others navigate love is always entertaining. Flora mused as she took a bite of the shrimp scampi Connor offered her.

Meanwhile, the family group chat

was buzzing Amanda, Ethan, and

Karter were sharing dinner pics. Karter, feeling a bit lonely at the Reyes household, joined the

Falcones for dinner and was treated

to a feast.

Flora zoomed in on one of the photos, her curiosity piqued. "Hey, check this out," she said, enlarging an image where Ethan was holding hands with someone. "Your sister's dating someone," she remarked with a knowing look.

The photo only captured their fingers intertwined by accident, but Flora recognized Ethan's sleeve from a selfie he'd taken earlier.

Connor glanced over and nodded. That Chi Ming kid seemed alright. He decided to leave it be.

Flora smiled, sharing the silent understanding.

Just then, Kruz posted a photo in the group chat- simple bun with some. pickles. Adrian followed up with another picture. In a snowy setting, Kruz sat on the doorstep with a bun and pickles, a worn-out bowl next to him holding a not-so-appetizing duck leg.

The sight was downright pitiful, enough to tug at anyone's heartstrings.

"All the joy is yours! We're here struggling. Been almost a month without a decent meal!"