The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 182

Norton was the oldest child at the orphanage. In this place, the younger kids were usually the first to be adopted, leaving behind those like him—children who were either living with disabilities or, like Norton and his little brother, simply too old or too prickly in personality to catch anyone's eye.

"Why me?" he asked. Norton had overheard the entire conversation between the little girl and her father, but he couldn't understand why she wanted to choose him.

He was already nine years old—the oldest one left here. There were so many other kids she could have picked.

He stood there in silence, until the little girl's triumphant voice broke through his thoughts.

"No real reason! I just like you. I want you to come home with me and play with me forever." She threw her arms around his waist, pressing her head against him like a little cat, nuzzling softly.

"Forever? Won't you get tired of me?" Norton squirmed at her touch, a bit ticklish, and took a step back to put a little distance between them.

Seeing him retreat, the little girl's face fell, panic flickering in her eyes. She remembered a scene she'd once seen on TV, and suddenly, she thumped her chest with determination. "I promise," she declared solemnly, "I'll take care of you just like I take care of my dad."

"Oh yeah? And how do you plan to take care of me?" Norton couldn't help but smile at her earnestness, though he was more touched than amused.

After all, he was only nine—hardly in need of anyone's care.

The little girl frowned, thinking hard. "Well, I can play with you every day, and pick you up after school."

That made Norton laugh out loud.

Little Citrine, thinking that wasn't enough to prove her devotion, hesitated a moment, then said through obvious reluctance, "Then…I guess I'll share my favorite cookies with you too. Even if it's my very last one, you can have it. How's that?"