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

Dr. Wegge strutted into the hospital director's office with a spring in her step.

"Director, you wanted to see me?" she said, knocking and stepping inside, completely missing the director's grim and serious demeanor.

"Dr. Wegge, I've asked you here to discuss something important."

Could this be about lifting her disciplinary action? Dr. Wegge kept her cool, but inside, she was doing mental cartwheels. She put on an air of modesty and gave a slight nod.

"Director, please go ahead. Whatever the outcome, I'm prepared to accept it. I trust your decisions are always fair and reasonable."

In her mind, taking credit for someone else's work wasn't really a big deal, definitely not worth a formal reprimand.

"I acknowledge your medical talent, truly. But as the saying goes, 'Before mastering a craft, one must first master virtue; before practicing a craft, one must be a good person.' This is especially true in medicine." Dr. Wegge's smile froze. She looked at the director, puzzled by his words.

"A lack of skill can be made up for with hard work, but a corrupt heart is a tough fix."

Dr. Shepherd let out a long sigh. A chill ran through Dr. Wegge, her sense of foreboding growing by the second.

Dr. Shepherd had originally planned just to give her a slap on the wrist, a wake-up call, hoping she'd turn things around. But she had gone and stirred up trouble with Jackson.

With a resigned look, Dr. Shepherd pulled an envelope from his drawer, placed it on the desk, and slid it toward Dr. Wegge. "I'm sorry, Dr. Wegge, but we're letting you go."

Dr. Wegge's face drained of color, disbelief written all over it. Her shoulders shook violently, and she nearly crumpled to the floor.

"Dr. Shepherd..." her voice wavered, "Why are you firing me? I thought you called me here to cancel the disciplinary action! I even spoke with Ms. Fiona's brother-they agreed to drop the issue. So why am I still being fired?" Gone was her earlier self-satisfaction, replaced by sheer panic and helplessness.

Dr. Shepherd shook his head, exasperated. She still didn't grasp just how serious the situation was.

"Dr. Wegge, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors," he said, rising and giving a polite nod.

"Please gather your things and leave the hospital. I'll ensure your patients are taken care of by another noveldrama

"Director, I'm begging you, don't make me go!"

rdoctor."

She was already marked by the disciplinary action. If she got fired, her career would be over.

"Director, please, don't be so heartless!"

Dr. Wegge was frantic, terrified, pleading desperately, "Just one more chance, please..."

He wished he could give her another shot, but the decision wasn't his to make.

"Please, gentle

argum he said, his voice

t firm, leaving no room fet

"Let's not make this any

more difficult."

Dr. Wegge collapsed onto the floor, tears of regret and despair streaming down her face.

It was all over...

Everything she had worked for in the past twenty years in medicine, gone because of one small mistake!

Meanwhile, Jackson took Fiona to a cozy Italian restaurant.

They were having a great time, chatting away happily.

The restaurant owner nearly jumped out of his skin seeing Jackson walk in, worried that his staff might not meet expectations and upset Jackson. So, he hovered nearby bending at the waist, smiling broadly, and nodding with eager politeness.