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.

cradled in her arms, was choking on the thick smoke, her eyes squeezed shut, her

she caught sight of a window in

blanket, soaked it in water, and threw it over her shoulders. Then she hurried

urged, shaking her friend

die." Alicia's voice was barely a

out of here. I promise," Citrine said, kneeling

shaky step, the slight, determined girl carried her friend

almost there when a deafening crash sounded behind

pale. Instinctively,

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

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

soon

a hospital bed-alone. Not

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

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

came the