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.

the thick smoke, her eyes

to stay calm. Just when she thought they were both doomed, she caught sight of a

the searing heat, she darted back into the bedroom, grabbed a blanket, soaked it in water,

hold on," she urged, shaking her friend

tired. I think I'm going to die." Alicia's voice was

here. I promise," Citrine said, kneeling down and lifting Alicia onto

step, the slight, determined

a deafening crash sounded behind them-an explosion sent a shockwave

face went pale. Instinctively,

Blood trickled from

somehow forced herself up, wrapped Alicia in the damp blanket, and, with every ounce of strength left in her, pushed her friend through the

soon after, an ambulance arrived and whisked

she was in a hospital bed-alone. Not a single familiar face sat at

doctor came in, eyes full of pity, but his words were merciless. "Sweetheart, I'm afraid your hearing may

it out loud, the grief crashed over her, and she wept alone in

the