The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 88

He clung even tighter to Citrine's sleeve, refusing to let go no matter what.

"The car's billowing black smoke—if you go back, it could explode any second. It's too dangerous!"

"If I don't, he'll die." Citrine pried the old man's hand off her arm, her jaw set, and turned back toward the wreck.

The driver inside the car was in even worse shape than the old man. From the looks of it, he was barely clinging to life.

Citrine didn't waste a second. She tore strips from her shirt and used them to bandage the driver's wounds, staunching the bleeding as best she could.

Only once she'd done everything she could did she start to drag him out.

Just then, the shrill wail of an ambulance cut through the chaos. Paramedics rushed over, quickly taking Citrine's place and carefully pulling the driver to safety.

Without hesitating, Citrine climbed into the ambulance and rode with them to the hospital.

—

Raymond saw the breaking news at work, and his heart nearly stopped. Grabbing his car keys, he tore out of the office and sped to the hospital, cutting what should have been a thirty-minute drive down to ten.

The whole way, he prayed silently: Please, let Citrine be safe.

He ran the entire way inside, not breathing easy until he saw Citrine—Alicia—sitting unharmed outside the ICU.

Bored from waiting, Citrine had just stood up to go buy something to eat when she suddenly found herself staring into a pair of bloodshot eyes.

Raymond's eyes were wild and red, like a cornered animal's; for a second, Citrine saw something fierce and dangerous flicker there—so unlike his usual stoic self.

On instinct, she took several steps back as he strode toward her.

Raymond didn't seem to notice her retreat. He rushed forward and wrapped her tightly in his arms.

"I'm so sorry. I should have come sooner." Raymond's voice was shaking.

For the first time, Citrine realized how shaken he really was. She let him hold her, waiting until his breathing steadied before gently patting his back, trying to reassure him. Then she asked softly, "Are you okay?"