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.

the silvery moonlight, everything felt still and peaceful. Travis found his own heart quieted and warm as he carried his sister toward the

struggle, they finally reached the

softly, tilting his

no answer, just the sound of her gentle, even

with his sleeping sister on

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

time they returned, most of the Saunders family was still awake, gathered in the living room-everyone except Inez and the old

they saw Travis carrying Citrine inside, the whole family rushed

much to drink,"

spoken than Citrine opened her eyes. "Who said I was

Travis's back, swaying on

face.

her. "I didn't

throwing herself

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

was the

mischief and warmth. Hilda rarely saw her daughter this animated; she

leaned in and

at her, Citrine

"Mom, I love you."

up her

resist her

kiss her right back, whispering, "I love you too,

might be uncomfortable, Hilda set Citrine down after a moment, still grinning as she spoke to the others, "I'll

"I'lfgo

some hangover

up to her

Citrine's cheek affectionately before heading to

will make you some soup to

soon as Hilda left, Citrine turned

heart skipped a

she going to say something

walked over, wrapped her arms around Monica's, and snuggled her like a

her little sister's affection was her