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.

in her arms, was choking on the thick smoke, her eyes squeezed shut, her small body going

they were both doomed, she caught sight of a window in the far corner. An idea

the bedroom, grabbed a blanket, soaked it in water, and threw it over her shoulders. Then she hurried back

urged, shaking

can't... Citrine, I'm so tired. I think I'm going to die." Alicia's voice was barely a

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

shaky step, the slight, determined girl carried her friend toward the

crash sounded behind them-an explosion

Instinctively, she twisted around,

Blood trickled from Citrine's ears, and

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

called for help, because soon after, an ambulance arrived and whisked

woke again, she was in a hospital bed-alone. Not a

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

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

the