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.

neck to look up at him. From this angle, Sean-small as he

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

to him-not even his father, who'd only ever scolded him for being strange and

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

this mean, if she became his bride, he would never be alone again? Would she truly stay by

innocent gaze. Almost without thinking, he slipped the pendant from around his

his fingers over the ring for a moment, handling

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

cord over Claire's head, letting

it on his pinky as a promise ring, and later slipped it onto her finger himself.

mind, it was a vow—a promise

time, he'd given it to her eighteen years earlier than

of emotion surged through Claire, threatening to

clutched the ring against her chest. "You're