Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 386

A jet of dark blood burst from her lips, splattering across the cold floor of the

interrogation room-a sight that sent a chill down anyone's spine.

Yet, even as her life ebbed away, a stubborn smile played at the corners of her mouth—a smile that spoke of relief, of release.

All she had to do was die, and everything would finally be over.

Mandy could be cleared of the murder charge and get her life back. Sean would be free from these painful memories, able to move forward with his career. Her grandmother and Grace wouldn't have to worry about her anymore.

Everyone could return to the lives they deserved. That was the value of her sacrifice-what she traded her life for.

Claire closed her eyes, tears slipping silently from the corners.

When she opened her eyes again, she was in a hospital.

People crowded around her bed, but the first person she saw was Sean, sitting in a wheelchair.

Sean's face was ashen, his eyes rimmed red, and he stared at her without blinking.

smile. She tried to lift her

it gently against his cheek. His voice was rough and

of her, Claire's heart ached with guilt and sorrow. She tried to comfort him, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sean, I'm the one who's been holding you back. Promise me... when I'm gone,

longer. They spilled down his cheeks,

man she knew was utterly undone

he choked out.

grazed his

cry," she murmured, her voice still gentle, even as her body was wracked with

crowd, her eyes swollen, cheeks streaked with tears. She rushed

"Claire, why?" she sobbed.

I don't care what

"

Mandy's mouth, refusing

My body's been failing for a long

with a burning, desperate

quick-she understood

isn't what I want. I never wanted you to do this!" Mandy's legs buckled, and she collapsed to her knees at Claire's bedside. She clung to Claire's arm, as if that alone could keep