Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 441

Claire couldn't help but smile at Sean's awkward yet endearing expression; it felt as if a feather had brushed across her heart-ticklish and sweet all at once.

She remained kneeling on one knee, gazing up at him. The hope shining in her eyes was like a beam of light, piercing straight into Sean's chest.

For a moment, time itself seemed to hold its breath.

Just a minute ago, York and Zachary had been clamoring to play house with Claire. Now, both boys stood frozen, wide-eyed and dumbstruck.

Sean finally snapped out of his shock, meeting Claire's unwavering gaze. His heart gave a strange flutter. "I... I do," he managed.

Instantly, Claire's big eyes sparkled with a joy and contentment she'd never known before. Her smile bloomed-genuine, radiant, and brighter than a summer sun. In that moment, she felt happier than in both her lives combined.

She reached out her chubby little hand to Sean.

Blushing furiously, Sean took her hand in his and gently helped her to her feet.

look up at him. From this angle, Sean-small as he still was—seemed

your fiancée," Claire declared, her voice soft and sweet as honey, pure enough to melt anyone's

his father, who'd only ever scolded him for being strange and withdrawn. Yet this little girl, whom he'd only

it one bit. In fact, her proposal had stirred

would never be alone

stared at Claire, caught in her innocent gaze. Almost without thinking, he slipped the pendant from around his neck—a simple silver ring strung on a thin

his fingers over the ring for a moment, handling

had belonged to his mother and was all he had left of her. He'd never once taken it

cord over Claire's head, letting the ring slide down to rest

shock. She knew it all too well-from her previous life, when Sean had worn it on his pinky as a promise ring, and later slipped it onto her finger himself. His grandmother had once told

to give it to her now meant everything. In his mind, it was a vow—a promise

given it to her eighteen years earlier than

of emotion surged through Claire, threatening to

she clutched the ring against her chest. "You're giving