The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 1

Citrine had often wondered: if she could return to being three years old, would she ever have called Sawyer Iverson "Dad"?

More than once, she'd fantasized about giving back the life he'd given her—she just never thought she'd actually get the chance.

But she did die, truly and utterly, at the bright young age of twenty-eight.

So when she opened her eyes again, it was a shock to find herself back at seventeen.

Back then, she'd only been home from abroad for six months.

Havencrest General Hospital.

A girl in a faded black jacket and jeans knelt alone beside a hospital bed. Her stubborn little face was pale as chalk, but her tightly clenched fists betrayed the storm inside her.

"Citrine Iverson, apologize." Sawyer's voice was cold and hard as steel.

Just moments ago, Citrine had gotten into a fight with Jeanette Iverson. Jeanette had fallen down the stairs, and the security footage showed Citrine pushing her.

No one believed her innocence.

"It wasn't me." Citrine slowly lifted her head, her words echoing what she'd said in her last life.

Facing the father she hadn't seen in years, there was not a hint of warmth in her voice. She sounded as if she were speaking to a stranger.

Before her words had even faded, Sawyer's hand came down hard across her face.

Her head snapped to the side, and bright blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

He hadn't held back.

"Lies—nothing but lies. Even now, you refuse to admit it. How could I have a daughter like you?" Sawyer's voice shook with disappointment and disgust.

Citrine met his gaze and finally saw the cold contempt in his eyes.