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.

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 had finally had their fill, they left her semi-conscious and dragged her

The wound on her wrist had split open again during the struggle, staining the floor with blood—an awful sight. Summoning her survival instincts, she

Beep. Beep. Beep

with the sound of the dial tone. Zach stopped in his tracks, pulling out his phone. Upon seeing the caller

in her eyes. “If you’re

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,

for sweets, he accepted the treat. Jadie took a bite of her own, the creamy ice cream melting instantly in her

careful with cold food.” Zach warned, a hint of

a playful stick of her tongue. “Zach, I really appreciate you taking me to the movies. But are you sure it won’t interfere with your

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

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

the two movie tickets in Zach’s hand, Jadie pursed

She

smoothly linked her arm with Zach’s

died, leaving the female protagonist alone in the world. In the end, she chose 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 could not hold

Night had settled, the road was alight with lamplights,

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