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.

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.

the sound of laughter 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,

Beep. Beep. Beep

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 his phone

was that?” Jadie asked with a glimmer in her eyes. “If

nothing important.” Zach dismissed her concern. He suspected Madelyn had

offering one of the two ice creams she held in her hand. “Here, Zach. I got this for

did not particularly care for sweets, he accepted the treat. Jadie took a

warned, a hint of concern creasing his forehead.

really appreciate you taking me to the movies. But are you sure it won’t interfere with your work? You don’t have to accompany

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

at his watch, noting the time. “Work isn’t too hectic lately, and nothing’s more important

hand, Jadie pursed her

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

smoothly linked her arm

end, she chose to grow old alone. Seeing Jadie’s pained expression, still engrossed in the aftermath of the movie,

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