The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

The next evening, Travis Carmichael arranged a welcome party for Citrine at Crestwood's largest country club, inviting all her friends to celebrate her arrival.

It was quite the event.

Citrine was the star of the night, surrounded by friends and acquaintances, laughter and conversation swirling around her like a warm embrace.

With Travis orchestrating the festivities, the group partied well past midnight before finally calling it a night.

Citrine was usually strict with herself, but tonight, swept up in the joy of reunion, she let loose and drank more than usual. By the time she tried to leave, even walking in a straight line became a challenge.

Travis caught her before she could stumble. "Easy there, superstar. If you fall and hurt yourself, Grandpa will have my head," he teased, steadying her with a gentle hand.

"Travis, you look like your soul just left your body," Citrine slurred, her vision doubled as she shook her head, trying to clear the fog.

"How much did you drink tonight?" Travis asked, rubbing his forehead in exasperation.

He crouched in front of her, hands braced on his knees, coaxing softly, “Come on, be good and let's get you home, okay?"

Citrine pouted, tugging at his sleeve like a child. "No. I don't want to go home."

It was the first time Travis had ever seen his little sister act so adorably stubborn; he couldn't help but chuckle, indulging her. "All right, then-what do you want to do?"

She considered for a moment, her voice suddenly serious. "I... I want to see the ocean."

She looked up at him, eyes pleading.

Travis surrendered with a sigh. “Okay, okay. I'll take you to the ocean."

Citrine stuck out her lower lip, reaching up to pull him down. "You-crouch."

Unable to resist, Travis gave in, his tone overflowing with affection. "Okay, okay, I'm crouching."

"Carry me," she announced, and before he could respond, she draped herself across his back.

He carefully adjusted her, making sure she was secure before standing up.

Luckily, the beach was close by.

own heart quieted and warm

bit of playful struggle, they finally reached

his head to check on

was no answer, just the sound of her

along the moonlit beach with his sleeping sister on his back for a

the Saunders estate. Yesterday, Travis had shamelessly invited himself to stay there as

returned, most of the Saunders family was still awake, gathered in the living room-everyone

Citrine inside, the

to drink," Travis whispered. "She's out

he spoken than Citrine opened her eyes. "Who

Travis's

on her face. "Sweetheart, how much did you drink

correcting her. "I

leapt up, throwing herself into

caught her daughter. Hilda worked out regularly, so holding Citrine's light frame was

it was

eyes sparkled with childlike mischief and warmth. Hilda rarely saw her daughter this animated; she couldn't help but

finished, Citrine leaned in and

her,

"Mom, I love you."

smile bloomed, joy lighting up her features. Her heart melted

mother could possibly resist

kiss her right back,

that holding her might be uncomfortable, Hilda set Citrine down after

"I'lfgo

her some hangover

up to

affectionately before heading to the kitchen. "Be

some soup to help you

left, Citrine

heart skipped a

at me? Is she going

arms around Monica's, and snuggled her like a kitten. "Sis, I

her little sister's affection was