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.

interest in her academic performance. Instead, he was more focused on her extracurricular activities. He treated 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 had it all planned out; he was going to marry her off

left. Hayson would not be back for three days, leaving her with a rare period of freedom. Tossing her book aside, she resolved to do what she wanted, no longer shackled by the restrictions

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

Rubbing it clean, she popped it into her mouth, swinging her

out, all of you. Get out!” The voice came from the second floor. Madelyn looked up just in time to see a cane being flung out

a walk, okay? You’re always cooped

it be better if I

“Ethan…”

me? I said get out!” The boy’s voice

voice finally yielded. “Alright… I’ll leave, Ethan.