Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Liam felt exactly the same as Mandy did a strange sense of familiarity he couldn't quite place.

That feeling again. Where had it come from? Why did it feel so strong?

He drew in a deep breath, collecting himself, and noticed Mandy was still staring off into space. Without another word, he grabbed the umbrella, got out of the car, and walked around to the passenger side to open the door for her.

"Come on. I'll walk you in."

Mandy looked up at him. The man standing before her was tall and lean, his suit perfectly tailored to his slim waist and long legs. There was a seriousness in his eyes as he watched her, and to her surprise, Mandy felt her heart skip a beat.

She glanced down, chiding herself silently. Was it just because she'd never dated anyone before? Had she gone so long without romance that the first handsome stranger she met could set her heart racing?

Honestly, she must be starved for affection if even a man she'd only just met could make her feel this way.

Maybe, she thought, it was time to let herself relax and enjoy life a little more outside the lab.

She smiled at Liam. "Thank you."

They shared the umbrella as they walked into the hotel together. Once inside, they went their separate ways.

Liam paused, glancing back to watch Mandy disappear down the hallway. No matter how many times he saw her, that feeling of déjà vu was impossible to shake.

He took a deep breath. Well, today was the CEO's wedding. He'd have plenty of time to find Miss Mandy again after the festivities were over.

In the dressing room, May hurried over and grabbed Mandy's hand, her voice anxious. "There you are! Why are you only just getting here? The ceremony starts in less than thirty minutes-you're Claire's maid of honor, remember?"

"The lab called me in last minute. I got here as soon as I could."

"Well, never mind that let's get you dressed. Quick, put this on."

May handed her the bridesmaid dress, helping Mandy change into it. No sooner had she finished than a flamboyantly dressed man in a flowing gown, makeup perfectly done, swept into the room.

He held his hand with a flourish. "You must be Miss Mandy?"

Mandy nodded. "And you are?"

"I'm Andie, the wedding's head stylist. No time to waste-let's get started."

Andie wasn't just the best stylist in Northcrest; his reputation stretched across all of Vesperia.

In just fifteen minutes, he'd worked his magic. When Mandy looked in the mirror, she was stunned. The transformation was almost unbelievable-the difference between her usual bare face and

vel

this made-up version was like night and day.

She had never worn makeup before. School had kept her busy with studies, and

after joining the research institute, her work left no room for anything else.

Today was her first time, and she could hardly believe how striking she looked. "Mom, let's go."

Mandy rose, and she and May

headed to the chapel. But as soon

as they stepped out the door,

Mandy still not used to walking in

heels-lost her balance and O

stumbled straight into a solid chest.

She started to topple backward, but a strong arm wrapped around her waist,

steadying her and pulling her close.

Mandy's eyes went wide as she looked up at the man holding her.

Of course. It was the same man who'd driven her to the hotel earlier Liam.

He was looking at her too, something like astonishment flickering in his eyes. His hand tightened unconsciously around her waist.

The contact jolted Mandy back to reality. She quickly pushed him away, cheeks flushed. "Th-thank you."noveldrama

Liam flashed a crooked smile. "Come on, the wedding's about to start."

She made it just in time.

When Claire saw Mandy, her eyes lit up with happiness.

"Mandy, you're here!"

Mandy's smile was just as bright she felt as if she were dreaming. Ever since she

child Claire had been honet

idot, the

person she'd aspired to become.