The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Fireworks burst over the lake at the heart of the city, dazzling the night with a thousand sparks as Citrine and Sebastian arrived. Just as they reached the water's edge, the biggest firework of the night soared skyward and exploded with a thunderous boom, painting the whole lake in shimmering gold.

The reflection on the water was breathtaking.

Citrine tilted her head back, eyes wide with wonder, her gaze soaking in every golden flare as the sky came alive. Her eyes seemed to catch the very light of the fireworks themselves.

The show lasted a full ten minutes—a precious window in which some people made wishes, some stole kisses, and others simply cheered with delight.

"It's beautiful," Citrine breathed, unable to hide her awe.

She'd seen fireworks plenty of times before, but none quite like these.

Seeing her radiant smile, Sebastian couldn't help but smile too. "It really is."

A young couple standing nearby overheard their exchange. The girl turned to them with a grin. "You guys got lucky tonight!"

Citrine and Sebastian glanced at each other, a little puzzled.

every year, but never at the same time. Most of us have been

no idea. I guess we really

growing. "The CEO of the biggest fireworks company in the Federated States of Magnolia comes here every year just to

piqued. She leaned in, encouraging the girl

"Thirty years ago, that CEO was just a broke exchange student at

a girl

He fell in love

to split them up, her family arranged a marriage for her with another rich guy. But her fiancé was a complete jerk-he cheated on her and treated her terribly. Within a year, she spiraled into depression. She hated her family for sacrificing her happiness for business, and she

softened. “When the poor student now a rising entrepreneur-returned years later he found out she was gone.

care

hurt her. Now, every New Year's, he returns

with a flourish. "Pretty

is. Very much

but think it was a tragedy that two people