Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

The group laughed and chatted, the mood easy and warm.

Claire held her wine glass and took a delicate sip.

The only other time she'd ever had a drink, in her previous life, was the night she almost jumped off a bridge.

That night, she'd downed two bottles of Sean's vintage wine-worth a fortune- without stopping for breath.

Because she was missing a kidney, it had nearly killed her.

But now, her body was whole and healthy; she was just a normal girl, full of life.

For the first time, she could raise her glass among friends and family, toasting with laughter instead of regret.

She tipped her glass back and finished her wine in a single, bold swallow.

Sean watched her, a gentle, affectionate look flickering in his eyes.

He reached out and brushed a hand over her round, softly flushed cheek.

"Claire, I don't know why, but the way you drink... it feels so familiar."

"It's as if I've seen you like this before, sharing a glass of wine with me."

Claire set her glass down and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close.

Their faces were impossibly near; her breath danced across his skin, warm and teasing.

Her gaze was dreamy, her lips barely grazing his, cheeks glowing with a rosy blush-utterly irresistible.noveldrama

"Mr. Foster, have you ever considered," she whispered, her voice low and playful, "that maybe your feeling is right?"

Sean barely registered her words-he was too caught up in the sight of her face, the nearness of her lips.

"Claire," he murmured, "you're drunk."

Claire giggled, her eyes sparkling. "Mr. Foster, you're so handsome."

Before he could react, she ducked her head and, catching him completely off guard, pressed her lips to his.

Orion, York, Zachary, and Daisy all stared in shock.

What just happened?

Weren't things perfectly normal a moment ago? How had it suddenly turned into this?

Claire cupped Sean's face in her hands, her soft body pressing

insistently against him, bold in net

no one had ever seen from her

before.

She

just enough to lick her lips,

way

back

gled him hard, then drew b glassy with mischief. "Mr. Es net

you're delicious," she slurred.

The four friends could hardly believe what they were witnessing.

Sweet, gentle Claire-now transformed into a shameless flirt, overwhelming Sean with her forwardness.

Her posture, pinning him beneath her, was brazen—almost domineering.

The kiss caught Sean completely off guard, too.

He instinctively grabbed the back of Claire's head, torn part of him wanted to deepen the kiss, but another part held back.

He was twenty-two, five years older than Claire, and very much an adult.

But Claire was only seventeen. She might be mature for her age, but she was still so young.

He pulled her into his arms and murmured softly, "You've had too much. Be good." Claire nestled obediently in his embrace, smiling with sleepy contentment.

Arms wrapped tight around Sean's waist, she drifted off to sleep right there.

Seeing her so peaceful and happy, everyone around the table couldn't help but smile.

Daisy nudged Orion and whispered, "Orion, once we're home, you need to talk to your parents about Claire and Sean's engagement."

Orion reached out and gently stroked Claire's hair.

"As long as it's what Claire wants, the Tempest family will support ker, no matter what." He looked up at Sean "Sean, we grew up together. I know the kind of person you are. You'll take care of her, won't you?"

Sean nodded, earnest and solemn. "I promise. I will."