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

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

soaked it in

hold on," she urged,

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

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

shaky step, the slight, determined girl carried

crash sounded behind them-an explosion sent

Instinctively, she twisted around,

even closer. Blood trickled from Citrine's

wrapped 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

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

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

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

already suspected as much. But hearing it out loud, the grief crashed over

the