The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning

Chapter 8

Madelyn sat at her desk, Jadie’s unopened gift before her. She already knew what it was; a Swarovski crystal hair clip—an opulent trinket from the year 2000, a time when the average wage was only a few hundred dollars. She had never cared for jewelry, feeling as if each piece was a chain that bound her. Perhaps it was all psychological, but it unsettled her nonetheless.

With a sigh, Madelyn tucked the gift into the drawer of her desk.

She pulled out her senior math review booklet. The problems were not particularly challenging for her, and the pages were still crisp, seldom flipped through. Once upon a time, Madelyn had been the bottom of her class. It was not until she sought help from Zach, having him tutor her outside of school, that she began to improve. Despite Zach only having a middle school education, he was fluent in five foreign languages, all self-taught through his relentless dedication to learning. His intellectual prowess was almost otherworldly at her school. Even Ventropolis’s top student could not compare. Zach, with his intelligence and determination, could always make miracles happen.

her like a budding socialite, immersing her in an array of dance classes, piano lessons, golf, cooking, and embroidery. These were the skills Hayson wanted her to perfect most. After all, he

front gate. It seemed they had finally left. Hayson would not be back for three days, leaving her with a rare period of freedom.

out the jujube tree. Rosario had told her it was planted by her mother while she was pregnant with her. The tree now towered above the walls, a single branch as thick as an arm, winding its way into the neighboring mansion. Here, the mansions were connected, separated only by a few strategically placed trees. The jujube

it clean, she popped it into her mouth, swinging her feet in utter contentment. She had

sound of shattering porcelain and a boy’s angry voice erupted from the mansion next door. “Get out, all of you. Get out!” The

about you. Let’s go for a walk, okay? You’re always cooped up in

you? Wouldn’t it be better if I were dead? You wouldn’t

“Ethan…”

me? I said get out!” The

I’ll leave, Ethan. Just don’t hurt