The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

"Grandpa, that's ridiculous," Gorman said, almost laughing out of sheer frustration. He'd never realized his presence could cause so much tension at home.

Herschel didn't bother replying. Instead, he waved Gorman away with a look of annoyance. "Get out of the car."

"Fine, I'm going," Gorman shot back, seething inside. He swung his long legs out and slammed the car door behind him.

Once he was out of his grandfather's car, Gorman called to have his own brought over. He drove back to the Saunders house on his own.

When Herschel saw him come in, he frowned. "Why are you back?"

"Why can't I come back?" Gorman tossed his coat on the arm of the sofa and sat down heavily.noveldrama

There was no way he'd stay away when his sister was home-especially after the stupid things he'd done. He needed to make amends.

Herschel didn't argue. He simply told Gorman everything he'd learned about Citrine's past.

He gave a grave warning: "Citrine's a cautious girl. She doesn't trust easily. You'd better find a way to earn her forgiveness, or you might as well not come back at all."

Gorman nodded, face darkening as he listened to what his sister had gone through all these years. Regret gnawed at him for ever siding with Jeanette against her.

It was late by the time Citrine got home after grabbing a bite for supper. Normally, the Saunders family would have been in bed by now.

Citrine crept in quietly, heading for the stairs when a voice stopped her.

"Citrine."

The sudden sound made her pause mid-step.

She turned and found Gorman watching her from the dimly lit hallway. Their eyes

met, and for a moment, neither knew what to say.

She broke the silence first. "Why are you still up?"

"Just came down for a glass of water. I'm going to bed soon," he replied.

"Alright, I'll head up then." Without another word, Citrine continued up the stairs. Gorman only snapped out of his daze once her silhouette disappeared from view. The next morning, Citrine had an early class. She set her alarm and got up before sunrise.

When she came downstairs, the Saunders family was already waiting for her.

"Citrine, there you are! Come have breakfast Nathalie made your favorites this morning, fresh rolls and some oatmeal," Hilda called, her eyes lighting up when she saw her daughter.

The breakfast table was more crowded than usual. Gorman was there too. Citrine made her rounds, greeting everyone by name, but she breezed right past Gorman without so much as a glance.

Hilda understood her daughter's temperament. Smiling, she reached over and ruffled Citrine's hair, piling a few warm rolls onto her plate. "Eat up, sweetheart."

"Thank you, Mom." Citrine gave Hilda a radiant smile. After all this time,

she'd grown used to Hilda's

affection just as she'd grown used to having Raymond Carmichael as a father. There was no doubt they both loved her dearly.

Hilda, always on top of Citrine's class schedule, glanced at the clock as her daughter ate. “You've got an early lecture today—let me drive you to campus, honey."

Citrine was about to politely refuse when Gorman spoke up first. "Aunt Hilda, let me drive Citrine. I'm heading in that direction for some errands anyway."

Hilda looked to Citrine, waiting for her answer.

Without a word, Citrine slid her car keys onto the table. "No need. I brought my own car. I'll drive myself."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Gorman's face. He pressed his lips together before saying, "Alright. Drive safe, Citrine."

"Thanks," she replied, her tone polite but distant.

Deep down, she still couldn't bring herself to warm up to her brother Partly because of what he'd done, but mostly because she'd once held out so much hope for a big brother she'd never even met.