Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 45

Nathan was trembling with rage, his chest heaving with every breath.

Adah's heart ached as tears streamed uncontrollably down her face. Clutching her chest, she sobbed, "Claire, it's not like that. Your father and I brought you into this world out of love. Truly, you must believe us."

Claire almost laughed out loud at her words, and in fact, she did chuckle.

But there was no warmth in her smile-only scorn and a deep sense of sorrow.

Love her?

She stood right in front of them, her head wrapped in bandages—a detail that even May had noticed. Yet, her own flesh and blood seemed oblivious.

Not a word of concern, only accusations.

Claire's eyes turned red with anger.

Pointing to her forehead, her voice rose to a sharp pitch. "I've been here for ten minutes, haven't I? In those ten minutes, has anyone bothered to ask about the injury on my forehead?"

you just pretending not to? Or

utterly worthless, and yet you claim to

the room, each word

you love me, but where is that love?" Finally, Claire's tears broke free, cascading down her cheeks, her

Adah's sobs halted abruptly.

the wound on Claire's forehead and the bloodstains

she wanted to embrace Claire, but the

happened to your

gasped, "Oh my God, you're

was fleeting,

"No wonder you've been so sarcastic

gaze full of contempt. "Claire, drop the act.

and a hint of disappointment. She frowned slightly, "Claire, is that

snorted, "Old habits die

imagined this would be

doused with ice-cold water,

family, no matter how distant, wouldn't ignore her pain. Yet reality had struck