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.

she had to crane her neck to look up at him. From this angle, Sean-small as he still was—seemed flawless, handsome

Claire declared, her voice soft

were about to burst. Since his mother's death, no one had ever been this close to him-not even his father, who'd only ever scolded

his own surprise, he didn't mind it one bit. In fact, her proposal had stirred feelings

she became his bride, he would never be alone again? Would she

in her innocent gaze. Almost without thinking, he slipped the pendant from

the ring for a moment, handling

belonged to his mother and was all he had

letting the ring slide down

slipped it onto her finger himself. His grandmother

his mind, it was a vow—a promise that she was the

to her eighteen years

emotion surged through Claire,

clutched the ring against her chest. "You're