Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 77

Claire's gaze swept indifferently over his bleeding hand, not even a flicker of emotion crossing her face.

Her nonchalant demeanor instantly transported Brian back five years.

It was during her senior year in high school, the last competition she would ever attend. That day, he had a fever soaring to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, yet he insisted on participating just to see her.

Upon learning of his fever, she was so anxious her eyes turned red, supporting him while scolding, "Are you out of your mind? You're burning up and still insist on competing?"

Seeing her so concerned, his heart warmed, feeling his efforts were worthwhile. But she grew even more frustrated, "You're going to be delirious from this fever, and you're still smiling?"

Claire, who never missed a single competition, skipped that one just for him.

Despite her frail frame, she practically carried and dragged him to the nearest clinic.

He lay on the hospital bed receiving fluids, with her watching over him. Back then, they were incredibly close; now, they were strangers.

over his fever now faced his bleeding with

she truly

aid kit to dress his wound, while Vanessa looked on, tears welling up in her eyes,

his gaze fixed on Claire, unable to

he stared at Claire's calm, unreadable face, a complex mix of

a cold, unfeeling statue. The tenderness that once worried over his illness had long turned to

wound was finally bandaged, everyone breathed a collective sigh

so eager to leave this family? Do you think marrying into the Fosters of Northcrest will

was the

the worst

it didn't matter anymore. She had long stopped

it made him happy,

into wealth and be a trophy wife." Her tone was calm, devoid of any emotion, as if

face twisted, momentarily lost for