The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

From that night on, among all the homes lit up across the city, there was finally a light burning just for her. Citrine was no longer the lonely girl nobody loved.

Now, she had someone she wanted to share her life with. The emptiness inside her heart felt as if it was finally being filled.

She hurried downstairs, unable to contain her excitement. But when she saw Sebastian standing perfectly still in the foyer, her eyes stung suddenly with

emotion.

"When did you get here?" she asked.

"Not long ago," Sebastian replied. The moment he saw the woman he'd been longing for day and night, his voice came out rough and raw.

"Not long? How long is 'not long'?" Citrine eyed the red flush on his cheeks and the tips of his ears, both chapped from the cold. Clearly, she didn't buy his

answer.

Sebastian looked at her with a gentle gaze, unable to look away. "Three hours."

"Three hours?" Citrine was stunned.

"Why didn't you call me?" she demanded. "Standing outside in this freezing weather for three hours-are you made of stone or just plain thick?"

Was this man an idiot?

That thought barely finished in her mind before Sebastian looked at her, eyes shining. "You were with your family. I didn't want to disturb you."

His voice was so soft and warm, and the way he looked at her made her feel like she was the center of his world.

someone this foolishly sincere. It reminded her, just for a moment, of her younger self-how she used to give all her affection to Theo, chasing after someone who would never return it. The ache in her chest was sharp, but it faded as quickly as

Sebastian, a grown man, looked for all the world like an obedient schoolboy waiting for approval. Citrine couldn't help but smile

the scarf from her neck and took a few steps

You're too tall-I can't

since it was Citrine asking, he did as told, lowering himself so she could look him

to ask what she was up to, Citrine looped her scarf gently, but firmly, around his neck, wrapping it snug and warm. The

fussing over him, muttering, "Honestly, are you out of your mind? Did

words were sharp, but Sebastian's heart felt anything

her. "I wouldn't

I came down when I did. What if I hadn't seen you tonight-were you planning to stand out

didn't answer, just looked

could read the answer on his face-he

an idiot." Citrine shook her head, pausing for a beat. How

suddenly Sebastian met her gaze, eyes burning with sincerity, and said, "I just really wanted to

exploded all across Crestwood. The lights from the city center arced high into the sky, their villa

the one she loved

heart burst open like

do?" she said, voice soft but clear. "I don't want to admit it, but

almost thought

for confirmation. But Citrine, ever

mind then," she said, putting on a show

face lit up with joy. Afraid she

help but laugh