The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Citrine was thoroughly exhausted, and for once, she slept soundly, showing no sign of waking even as dinnertime approached.

Sebastian, worried she'd miss a meal and upset her stomach, finally leaned in and gently called her name.

"Citrine, time to wake up."

She didn't respond.

Sebastian sighed, settling himself on the edge of the bed and moving closer. "Citrine," he murmured again, his voice as soft as ever.

Still, she showed no intention of stirring. Watching her sleep so peacefully, Sebastian couldn't bring himself to raise his voice. With no other choice, he leaned in until his lips were almost brushing her ear and whispered, "Citrine, it's time to get up."

Half-awake, Citrine heard someone calling her name, but she was convinced she was still dreaming. With a faint furrow in her brow, she turned over, and in the next moment, her lips brushed against something cool and soft. Not realizing what it was, she absentmindedly thought it was some delicious candy, and even stuck out her pink tongue to taste it.

Her eyes remained closed. She had no idea her lips were pressed against Sebastian's.

Sebastian's eyes went wide in shock. For a moment, he completely forgot what to do with his hands or where to look.

through every nerve in his body. His ears flushed crimson, and his heart hammered so hard he thought it might

should pull away, but he was frozen in place, caught between panic and a desperate wish for this moment to last just

pull himself together. Reluctantly, he sat up, his lips still

again, but this time he gently patted her back, coaxing, "Citrine,

time, Citrine finally stirred. Rubbing her eyes, she slowly came

dreaming of eating sweets,

on Citrine's

brief pause, he cleared his throat and said, "Citrine, the housekeeper

stomach gave a quiet rumble, and at the mention of food, she immediately perked up, sitting

a hand through her hair and turned to Sebastian. "Let's go,

always made a point

arrived, Vester, Jason, and Ileana were already

nodded in greeting to the three

"Ms. Carmichael, Mr. Vesper, good to see you. Please,

"Thank you," Citrine replied.

out a pointed little