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.

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

with 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

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

Zach dismissed her concern. He suspected Madelyn had lost her patience and was resorting to her usual

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

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

cold food.” Zach warned, a hint

“Zach, I 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 me every day; I

would wait for her outside school and even take her to the

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

two movie tickets in Zach’s hand, Jadie pursed

after-school extra-curricular activities. She won’t be joining us,”

go then.” Jadie smoothly linked her arm with Zach’s

film they watched was a romantic one, albeit with a bitter ending. The male protagonist 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,

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