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.

her arms, was choking on the thick smoke, her eyes

were both doomed, she

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

on," she urged, shaking

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

that. We're getting out of here. I promise," Citrine said, kneeling down and lifting Alicia onto

determined girl carried her friend

deafening crash sounded

face went pale. Instinctively, she twisted around,

Blood trickled from Citrine's ears,

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

for help, because soon after, an ambulance arrived

woke again, she was in a hospital bed-alone. Not a single familiar face sat

words were merciless. "Sweetheart, I'm

the grief crashed over her, and she wept alone in that sterile room for an entire

came the next