The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 348

Kali picked a romantic movie, hoping it would rekindle something between them. Throughout the film, she kept “accidentally” brushing her hand against Hastings's, but he didn't even glance at her his eyes never left the screen.

No matter what she did, it was useless. Frustration simmered in her chest.

When the movie ended and Hastings offered to drive her home, Kali couldn't hold

it in any longer. She stopped in her tracks and looked up at him. "Hastings, do you... do you hate me now?"

Her voice was trembling, on the verge of tears.

Hastings paused, startled. "Of course not. I could never hate you."

Kali's eyes reddened as she stared at him, her voice small and wounded. "Then why do I feel like you're pulling away from me? You hardly message me anymore, and you act like you don't want me to touch you. Did I do something wrong?"

For a moment, Hastings's expression froze. Honestly, he didn't even know why he'd been keeping his distance from Kali.

They used to be so close.

eyes shining with unshed tears, he realized

You didn't do anything wrong. This is all on

his face, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Is there someone else, Hastings? Is that why you're

words hit him like a punch. Was it because of Citrine that he couldn't bring himself to be

searched himself for an answer-but

didn't reply, her

her with gentle

in Kali's eyes faded completely, leaving only

that woman's face out of

was like he'd been put under some kind

spent his days and nights thinking about

This woman was dangerous.

following Citrine's social media accounts online, scrolling through every update, piecing together little glimpses into her life. He discovered she'd been accepted early to Crestwood University, yet still

just

a thief, hiding in the shadows, stealing moments of

But it wasn't enough.