The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 420

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Hastings’s face changed in an instant, a flash of fear in his eyes.

Citrine smiled, repeating herself, “Let’s not see each other anymore.”

“You’re breaking up with me?” Hastings managed to get the words out, his voice strained.

Before she could reply, he rushed on, “No, I won’t accept that.”

“Is this because of Kali?”

Hastings had never felt this anxious or full of regret in his life.

Break up? Citrine nearly laughed. “Hastings, we were never together to begin with. There’s nothing to break up.”

He searched her face for some sign that she was joking, but found nothing.

He pressed his lips together, voice rough. “But we went to the movies together. We hung out, went places…”

Citrine gave him a surprised look. “Wait—you actually thought we were dating?”

“Weren’t we?” The last bit of hope in Hastings’s eyes faded.

Citrine was genuinely astonished by his naivety.

She looked him dead in the eye, her tone deliberate and clear. “No, we weren’t.”

“Think about it. Do you remember me ever saying I wanted to be with you?”

Hastings racked his brain, replaying every moment they’d shared—movies, walks, art exhibits—but she’d never once said those words. And now that he thought about it, Citrine had always kept things perfectly platonic. She’d never crossed a line.

He realized, painfully, that it had all been wishful thinking on his part.

Hastings froze, staring at Citrine. After a long beat, he asked quietly, “Even if we weren’t together… can I just ask—did you ever like me?”

The question made his heart clench. He was torn between desperately wanting her answer, and dreading what she might say.