The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Sebastian never explained that people had mistaken them for a couple and were intentionally keeping their distance.

After a brief pause, he simply said, "They went ahead to get something to eat."

Citrine wasn't one to dwell on things. Hearing his answer, she let it go.

"Do you want to go diving this afternoon?" she asked, unusually taking the initiative.

Sebastian was caught off guard by her invitation, pleasantly surprised.

He answered without hesitation, "Sure."

After lunch, they dropped by a shop to pick up two sets of diving gear, then hopped onto a boat and headed out to sea.

Suddenly, something occurred to Citrine. She glanced back at Sebastian. "By the way, I forgot to ask-have you been diving before?"

Sebastian had, but only once, a long time ago.

Not wanting to dampen Citrine's enthusiasm, he smiled and said, "Yeah, I've dived before."

Relieved, Citrine asked, "How about the deep water? Is that okay with you?" Sebastian nodded.

As they neared the deep-water area, Citrine caught sight of another boat in the distance—and instantly recognized two faces she would have preferred not to

see.

she muttered under

He followed her gaze, a faint smirk playing at his lips. "Yeah,

boat, Hastings and Quentin had noticed them

his delight

short, derisive laugh. "Said she wasn't coming, and look at that -showed up anyway. Women always say

were sarcastic, but a small, knowing smile crept

of three seconds-until they

snapped,

eyes faded as well. He pressed his lips together, saying

Citrine's boat, they'd reached the deep-water zone

time. When they were ready, Citrine

splash, they dove into the water

Excitement bubbled up inside her. As she sank beneath the surface, all her

followed close behind, never letting

Hastings and Quentin

grim. The sight of Citrine diving

gear and started

and called out,

missing a beat as he buckled