Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 170

He was gasping for breath, struggling to keep himself from collapsing.

Finally, the overwhelming dizziness started to subside, and he managed to regain a semblance of calm.

He raised a trembling hand to haphazardly wipe away the tears from his face, just as he was about to gently place the acceptance letter back into the drawer. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed an old, slightly worn diary in the corner.

For a moment, his hand hovered in mid-air. His heart was in turmoil—logic told him not to open it, knowing its contents might bring more pain and guilt. Yet, the insatiable curiosity and longing to understand Claire's world proved irresistible.

In the end, his hand seemed to move on its own accord, reaching out to grasp the diary.

As he opened the first page, a family photograph came into view.

In the photo, his parents sat beaming in the center, with his mother cradling Lucky, their beloved dog, who had lived a full eighteen years before passing away of old age.

After Lucky's death, the family was engulfed in sorrow, even holding a special funeral for him. They were so heartbroken that they never got another dog. However, Lucky's room was preserved, his favorite toys still carefully arranged inside.

He stood next to his father, while Vanessa nestled beside their mother.

A family of four, seemingly so happy.

But Claire was placed apart from them, separated by one person.

His thoughts were yanked back to the day they took that family photo.

It was Labor Day, the weather was particularly nice, and the flowers in the garden were in full bloom.

Vanessa suggested taking a family photo in the garden.

The four of them were ready when Vanessa remembered Lucky was missing and called out for him.

Claire carefully brought Lucky over and timidly asked him, "Big brother, what are you doing?"

He replied dismissively that they were taking a family photo.