Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 311

Claire Linwood stood frozen, numb to Brian Cole's desperate pleas and tears. She watched him with a blank stare, as if she couldn't hear a word he said.

Brian's heart felt as though it were being torn apart. Regret clawed at him from the inside out. If he'd known that his actions would break her so completely, that he'd leave her battered and her life hanging by a thread, he never would have made that terrible choice.

But it was too late for if only.

He'd hurt the person he loved most, and all the guilt and remorse in the world couldn't change what he'd done.

Brian dropped to his knees at Claire's feet, half-crazed, grabbing her hand and smacking himself hard across the face with it.

The sharp sound of each slap echoed down the hospital corridor-one after another, crisp and relentless.

It didn't take long before red welts bloomed across his pale, handsome face.

Claire was like a puppet with its strings cut, her body limp and unresponsive, letting Brian do whatever he wanted without protest.

May couldn't stand another second of it. She stormed over and shoved Brian away with all her strength.

Brian collapsed onto the cold

up Claire's hand, her heart aching as she saw the angry red

glared at Brian, disgust plain on her

away from her. You know she can't stand to see you, but you keep showing up

Claire's swollen palm upward, demanding, "Are you punishing yourself, or are you

sharp he could barely breathe. He choked on

at Claire, eyes full of pleading and regret, silently begging for even the briefest glance. But she

like he was suffocating, as if a knife were wedged beneath his ribs. His chest ached

it for? After Claire's release from prison, she'd tried again and again to clear her name in front of Brian-but he'd never believed her. He'd always defended Vanessa

of love

cold, dismissive glance, May led Claire past Brian's crumpled

out desperately, trying to grab Claire's hand, but his

chase after her, to beg for forgiveness, but pain twisted his stomach and his chest burned as

a dull thud, he collapsed on the floor, eyes brimming with regret, unable to tear his

"Claire..."

back, leaving Brian behind, sprawled on the floor,