The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning

Chapter 17

Jasmine strutted in, her high heels clicking rhythmically on the floor. Long, curly locks cascaded over her shoulders, sashaying with every step she took.

“Why are you standing there all dazed, Madelyn? Are you going to tell me what happened?” she asked, reaching out.

Madelyn shrank back, a slight frown crossing her face. Picking up her lunchbox from the floor without uttering a word, she turned and walked away.

As Madelyn made her way down the silent corridor, her face wore an expression of unnatural calm. Yet, inside, she felt a suffocating sensation like never before. Upon reflection, she realized that everyone around her had ulterior motives. Not a single soul had been genuine with her. First, it was Zach, who had manipulated her love for him, conned her out of her will, and unceremoniously discarded her once he had achieved his goal. Then came Jasmine, who had showered her with unwarranted attention at school, heard her woes, provided counseling, and wormed her way into Hayson’s attention, eventually gaining entry to the Jent family, only to conspire with Zach and quietly kill Hayson. Cecilia, the third, whom she had once considered her best friend, was no different.

‘Everything is fake. Everything around me is a lie,’ Madelyn realized.

In another building, she opened the lunchbox and washed it thoroughly, the metallic, blood-like smell assaulting her nostrils—a smell that would etch itself permanently in her memory. As the tap water gushed forth, soaking her injured wrist, she felt a sharp, piercing pain. Madelyn remained impassive, as if she did not feel the pain at all. By the time she finished cleaning up, her wound had turned a sickly white, and fresh blood was seeping out. It was a gruesome sight.

as she was about to leave, her vision turned black. A black plastic bag had been thrust over her head, followed by a tremendous force that pushed her against the tiled wall. A surge of pain coursed through her. She felt kicks at her back and punches on her face, one after another, each leaving her writhing in pain. She could not see anything or determine how many people were involved. When they

her wrist had split open again during the struggle, staining the floor with blood—an awful sight.

Beep. Beep. Beep

was met with the sound of the dial tone. Zach stopped in his tracks, pulling out his phone. Upon seeing the caller ID, his eyes narrowed slightly in irritation. He hit the mute button and tucked

her eyes. “If you’re busy, you can

a sales call, nothing important.” Zach dismissed her concern. He suspected Madelyn had lost her patience and was resorting to her usual tactics

with a sweet smile, offering one of the two ice creams she held in her hand. “Here, Zach. I

he accepted the treat. Jadie took a bite of her own, the

be careful with cold food.” Zach warned, a hint of concern creasing his forehead. “You don’t want a

“Zach, I really appreciate you taking me to the movies. But are you sure it won’t interfere with your work? You don’t

despite being so busy, would wait for her outside school and even take her to

the time. “Work isn’t too hectic lately, and nothing’s more important than

spotting the two movie tickets in Zach’s hand, Jadie pursed her lips. “Zach, isn’t

after-school extra-curricular activities. She won’t be

Jadie smoothly linked her arm

to grow old alone. Seeing Jadie’s pained expression, still engrossed in the aftermath of the movie, Zach took her on a shopping spree. They bought a plethora of clothes, all the latest trendy styles, till their hands

evening. Night had settled, the road was alight with lamplights, the streets were