The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Citrine was upset.

"Mom, don't say that. I know you're a wonderful mother."

"My darling, you really are my little sweetheart," Hilda couldn't help but gently pinch her daughter's nose.noveldrama

As the words left her lips, Hilda realized Citrine was trying to comfort her.

With a soft laugh, she asked, "Did that rascal Wade say something to you?"

Citrine shook her head. "No, Mom. I asked my brother myself."

Hilda smiled at her daughter, saying nothing more.

It was the first time Citrine had opened up on her own. She'd thought it would be difficult, but once she did it, she realized it wasn't so hard after all.

She could feel it-this honest conversation had brought her and her mother closer than ever.

Citrine wanted to keep talking, but when she noticed the fatigue in Hilda's eyes, she decided against it.

She obediently crawled under the covers and urged, "Come on, Mom, let's get some rest. You have to go to work tomorrow."

Thinking her daughter was tired, Hilda fondly ruffled Citrine's hair. "Alright, sweetheart."

Citrine quickly closed her eyes.

A long while later, after she heard her daughter's steady breathing, Hilda quietly opened her own eyes.

The nightlight cast a gentle glow over half her face, making her seem even softer and more serene.

Hilda leaned over and pressed a kiss to Citrine's forehead.

"I love you, baby," she whispered.

Only then did Hilda finally drift off into a peaceful sleep.

That night she slept soundly and dreamlessly. When morning came, she woke feeling refreshed, fulkof energy, and the redness in her eyes was gone.

At breakfast, Wade did a double take when he saw her. "Aunt Hilda, did you get a facial or something last night?"

Hilda shot him a glare. "You never know when to keep your mouth shut, do you?"

Monica, much more tactful than Wade, was generous with her compliments. "Aunt Hilda, you look stunning today."

Inez, recalling what she'd seen the night before, chuckled. “Looks like having a daughter is the best beauty treatment there is."

Hilda was in such a good mood that she even ate more than usual for breakfast.

Citrine didn't have any classes that morning, so after eating, she sprawled out on the sofa to catch up on her favorite show.

Wade plopped down next to her. "Hey, Citrine, tomorrow night's Curry Black's birthday. Come with me, yeah?"

"Sure." It was no big deal, so Citrine agreed without thinking twice.

Wade had half expected his sister to turn him down. When she agreed so easily, he finally relaxed.

Most of his buddies would be at the

party, and they were all hoping

Citrine would come. Wade, for his

part, was never one to miss

chance to show off his little sister.

The next day, Citrine went home to change before heading to Curry's place with Wade.

Curry had been waiting in the foyer all morning and came out as soon as Wade called.

Wade clapped him hard on the shoulder and handed over a gift. “Happy birthday, man."

Citrine nodded politely. "Happy birthday, Curry."

She handed over her own gift as well.

Curry grinned at them both. "Thanks, man. And thanks, little sis."

"Who are you calling your little sister, huh? Watch it. I'll let it slide since it's your birthday." Wade shot him a mock glare and gave him a playful jab in the ribs.

"Alright, inside you go," Curry laughed, ushering them in.