The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 31

Citrine waved frantically at Sawyer, her voice desperate. "Dad! Help us!"

Sawyer heard her and turned in their direction, about to rush over-when, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Jeanette on the other side of the room.

He stopped short.

In that instant, Citrine's heart shot into her throat.

The fire had grown too fierce-there was only time to save one of them.

Sawyer's gaze lingered on Citrine, and in that look, she saw all of his inner turmoil laid bare. But the moment passed; his decision hardened, and he turned away, running straight toward Jeanette.

Citrine knew, with a cold certainty, that she had been abandoned again.

As Sawyer carried Jeanette through the flames to safety, Citrine gave up any hope that he would turn back for her.

The fire roared, closing in. There was no time to feel hurt-she barely had time to think at all.

thick smoke, her eyes squeezed shut, her small body going

were both doomed, she caught sight of a

blanket, soaked it in water, and

hold on," she urged, shaking

tired. I think I'm going to die." Alicia's voice was barely a whisper;

getting out of here. I promise," Citrine said, kneeling down and

shaky step, the slight, determined girl

almost there when a deafening crash sounded behind them-an explosion

face went pale. Instinctively, she twisted around,

even closer. Blood trickled from Citrine's ears, and suddenly, the world was

Alicia in the damp blanket, and, with every ounce of strength left in her, pushed her friend through the open window. Then Citrine climbed after her and tumbled into

soon after, an ambulance arrived and whisked them

in a hospital bed-alone. Not a single familiar face

of pity, but his words were merciless. "Sweetheart, I'm afraid your hearing may never come

much. But hearing it out loud, the grief crashed over her, and she wept alone in that sterile room for

came the