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.

locked. Claire managed a faint smile. She tried to lift her

voice was rough and broken. "Why did you

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, you'll move

any longer. They spilled down his cheeks, huge and

man she knew was

me," he choked out. "How

away his tears. Her fingertips barely grazed his

voice still gentle, even as her body was wracked with pain. She tried to soothe him, as she

crowd, her eyes swollen, cheeks

"Claire, why?" she sobbed.

care what happens to

"

pressed a trembling hand over Mandy's mouth, refusing to let her

a mistake, you have to pay the price. My

Mandy with a

was quick-she understood Claire's

you to do this!" Mandy's legs buckled, and she collapsed to her knees at