Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 525

My name is Amara Foster.

My mother is a renowned scientist, and my father is a powerhouse in the business world.

They are, without a doubt, the most devoted couple I've ever known. Their love for each other is obvious in everything they do.

Growing up in a family like this, it was inevitable that I'd be cherished from the moment I was born.

It wasn't just my parents and great-grandmother who doted on me. My grandparents and uncle all treated me like I was the most precious thing in the world.

But as much as they showered me with love, they were also strict when it came to my upbringing.

Once I started preschool, our teachers encouraged us to be kind, to work together, to be friendly, and to learn how to share.

When I repeated my teacher's words to my mother, she looked at me seriously and said, "Sweetheart, your teacher isn't wrong, but you need to remember: if someone treats you badly or tries to bully you, you must never just put up with it. You don't have to be kind to people who hurt you. If someone bullies you, you fight back-hard."

"And if there's something you really like and you don't want to share, you have every right to keep it for yourself."

Half-understanding, I asked, "Mom, if I do that, does that mean I'm not a good

kid?"

answer, "The most important thing is to protect yourself first. Only after that comes being a

we can protect you from being bullied. We'll always have your back. We don't go looking

time, I didn't fully grasp everything she meant, but I trusted my mom completely. If she

advice, whenever I faced problems, I never let myself feel inferior or discouraged.

personality, but I know it also has a lot to

I've never used that as an excuse to push others

time for

I kept seeing a

tall, handsome, and, oddly enough, he shared some of my

near my school,

during

him

time, I'd

watching me. Contents

me up. All the other kids had

strange man finally came up

warmth and affection; he didn't look

all.

he said gently,