Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

She'd really done it become the ultimate fan. Not only had Mandy managed to get into the same university as Claire, she'd even joined Claire's research group, and now, by some miracle, she was a guest at Claire's wedding.

To Mandy, Claire was nothing short of a guiding star.

Before Claire came into her life, Mandy had been just an unremarkable girl, drifting through the days without much direction. But the moment she first saw Claire on TV, everything changed; it was as if something inside her had suddenly clicked into place.

The fog that had clouded her future simply vanished, revealing a path that was clear and bright.

Her eyes curved with joy as she smiled. "Congratulations, Claire. Wishing you all the happiness in the world."

Claire reached out and gently stroked Mandy's cheek.

How wonderful, she thought. In this lifetime, Mandy's life was peaceful; she'd never again be hurt because of Claire, never be forced into tragedy because of her.

"Mandy, I'm going to toss the bouquet to you later. Promise me you'll catch it." She wanted to pass her own happiness on to Mandy.

In another life, Mandy had protected her without hesitation. In this one, she would move heaven and earth to protect Mandy in return.

"Okay." Mandy nodded, maybe a little too hard. For some reason, as she looked at Claire in her radiant white dress, so full of joy, Mandy felt tears prick at her eyes —a release, and a strange sense of relief.

Daisy pouted from the side. "Claire, you're playing favorites! I'm still single, you know. Why aren't you tossing the bouquet my way?"

Claire just smiled, saying nothing.

May and Mandy held a place in her heart that ran deeper than family.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the bride and groom!" The ceremony host's voice echoed through the hall as the grand doors slowly swung open.

In front of a crowd of high society's finest, Claire and Sean exchanged vows- promising forever.

They traded rings, embraced, and sealed it all with a kiss.

This time, everything was perfect. Everything had fallen into place.

Liam sat at his table, but his gaze never strayed from Mandy.

He couldn't help himself-he pulled out his phone to record every little thing she did.

When Mandy caught the bouquet Claire tossed, her joy was infectious; she shone with happiness, lighting up the whole room.

Liam was mesmerized. She wasn't conventionally beautiful, but something about her drew him in, irresistibly.

The reception was extravagant, laughter and music filling the air as everyone celebrated late into the night. The wine flowed freely, and Mandy drank more than she ever had before.

Her cheeks turned rosy, and she swayed a little as she made her way to the restroom.

Her steps were unsteady, and she looked ready to topple over at any moment. "These heels are impossible," she grumbled under her breath.

With a huff, she kicked them off, leaving her bare feet on the cool marble floor.

Liam watched with amusement, shaking his head. He crouched down, picking up her shoes, meaning to help her put them back on.

But Mandy, bleary-eyed, couldn't even tell who was in front of her.

"I don't want to wear them."

"You'll catch a cold if you don't," Liam said gently.

But Mandy wouldn't budge. "No, they hurt."

He looked at her, helpless in the face of her stubbornness. "Really not going to wear them?"

"Nope."

He gave her a long, searching look, then stood up, one hand holding her heels, the other slipping beneath her knèès as he scooped her up.

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Mandy wrapped her arms around his neck, her whole body pressed close against his. Maybe it was the alcohol, but she felt feverishly warm, her face flushed.

She nuzzled against him, seeking out his cool skin.

"You feel so nice. I like it," she murmured, her soft, rosy face unconsciously

brushing against the strong lines of his jaw.