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.

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 had finally had their fill, they left her

from several individuals. 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 managed to dial the one contact stored

Beep. Beep. Beep

phone. Upon seeing the caller ID, his eyes narrowed slightly in irritation.

a glimmer in her eyes. “If you’re busy,

had

two ice creams she

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

Zach warned, a hint of concern creasing his forehead.

really appreciate you taking me to the movies. But are you sure it

wait for

the time. “Work isn’t too hectic lately, and nothing’s more important than spending time with you. Come on,

movie tickets in Zach’s hand, Jadie pursed her lips. “Zach, isn’t Madelyn coming

after-school extra-curricular activities. She

then.” Jadie smoothly linked her

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

finished shopping, it was eight in the evening. Night had settled, the road was alight with lamplights, the streets were bustling with traffic, and the view was