Madelyn spoke without holding back, unsure of how many ears were listening.While she didn't fully grasp what Forrest had experienced, she knew she must stand firmly by his side in this moment.Forrest had risked his life to save her. If he could selflessly protect her, why couldn't she find the strength to stand up for him? Especially now, when Yvonne had unfairly struck him, causing doubt to cloud his usually confident demeanor.With her books in hand, Madelyn exited the library alongside Forrest.Yvonne shouted, "Wait!"But their steps remained steadfast forward."Happy?" Zach's tone turned frosty, catching Yvonne off guard.His cold gaze bore into her, sending shivers down her spine. The once-warm library seemed to chill as Yvonne felt an icy atmosphere envelop her. It was a terrifying presence she had never encountered before."Wh-What do you mean?" She stammered.Zach said nothing and walked away, his pace swift.Yvonne had to hurry to keep up.When he got into the car
Madelyn asked, "Do you want to take a shower?"Forrest straightened up, his eyebrow raised in surprise. "What are you trying to do to me? Put away your dirty thoughts."Madelyn was speechless, thinking, 'What the hell is he thinking all day?'She went to her room and fetched a bathrobe for him. "It's brand new, never been worn."Forrest took it from her, "Oh, it's pink."After this, Madelyn went to freshen up herself. She had already showered at school earlier, but yesterday, she had refrained from doing so due to his presence. Once she had taken care of everything else, she left the bathroom for him.As she was about to close the door, Forrest's voice echoed, "I'll also aim for Ventropolis University."With a warm smile, Madelyn responded, "Got it. Sleep well, good night.""Good night."The next morning, Madelyn finished her preparations and found Forrest in the kitchen. He stood with a fry pan in one hand and another hand in his pocket, expertly cooking pasta.Seeing him co
It was raining in the photo, and Madelyn was surrounded by four or five men. Her clothes had been torn to shreds, revealing large patches of skin.The face in the photo was recognizable as hers. She couldn't deny it; the person in the picture was her. But she had no idea where this photo had come from.The situation escalated rapidly. The entire school now seemed to know about it. Everyone believed that she had been sexually assaulted by a group of men.On her way to the restroom, she noticed that people were keeping their distance from her, as though she carried a contagious illness."No wonder she was absent for three months... look at her, she's so filthy!"Despite these stories, Madelyn kept her composure and headed back to the classroom. She had just settled into her seat when Hailey asked her to go to the office.Entering the office, even the teachers regarded her with curious expressions.In a separate room, Hailey got right to the point. "You've heard the gossip going ar
Madelyn said, "Remember, I come from the Jent family, the one you all talk about having shady dealings, the one you hate."Advancing slightly, she lightly tapped the boy's cheek with the bank card, her voice icy, "Go ask your dad if he'd dare to challenge the Jents! And don't forget, those three girls who crossed me..." She paused for effect. "Where are they now?"Her words triggered a moment of realization among many as memories resurfaced about what had befallen those girls who had messed with her.The Linney family had teetered on the brink of bankruptcy, and Mrs. Linney had received a five-year sentence for her past actions. Michelle Linney had vanished from sight as well. Jenny Lupert and Lorrie Lamprey's families were in even direr straits. Rumors said that they were burdened with debts amounting to millions and had fled.Madelyn's words stirred a shift in many expressions. All of them inhabited the same privileged sphere; they understood all too well if any family's business
"I don't need to go back. I'm fine here by myself," said Madelyn confidently.In her painting, Madelyn depicted a field of sunflowers under a bright blue sky. The sunflowers reached toward the sun, full of hope and light.People's feelings often showed in their art. When someone was sad, their paintings might show a cloudy sky and a stormy night. And Madelyn's painting was full of the brightness she felt inside.Her painting was really good. With this talent, she could easily get into the art school she wanted.Hayson had told her not to paint, and Zach knew that too. He wondered how she could make such great art. Then he remembered that Madelyn never followed rules.Zach sat down on the couch and looked at the paper on the table. It was for a parent-teacher meeting notice and a camp application form. Madelyn had filled out everything, but she needed a parent to sign.Zach's eyes glinted when he saw this.Madelyn looked at her painting, feeling like something was missing. She st
As Forrest poured oil into the frying pan, his hand trembled at Zach's words.In an unexpected moment, Madelyn's finger got nicked by a shard of glass, and a trickle of blood started flowing. She calmly wiped it away with a tissue, showing no signs of discomfort, and spoke with composure, "But hasn't he already paid a price? Compared to your actions, Forrest's deeds were just minor clashes among classmates."Madelyn thought, 'Forrest had been hurt, stuck in a hospital bed for months. Yet, Zach, who did wrong, faced no consequences.'Preferring not to dwell on the matter, Madelyn managed a faint smile at Zach, "Would you stay for dinner, Brother? Forrest's cooking is delicious."Zach met her gaze, glimpsing a hint of distance.Beyond her composed exterior, Zach yearned for Madelyn to unleash her anger openly, to let her emotions free instead of wearing a facade."However, we might not have extra plates at home, Brother. Forrest bought his own plate."Zach stood, fastening his bla
After lunch, Madelyn spent time helping Forrest with his studies. She had noticed his improvement in recent days.He had prepared for the geography test ahead of time, following his notes, and had achieved a respectable score of 89. He lost a few points while analyzing the last two questions.Humanities subjects were mostly about memorization, and they were quite straightforward and not too hard for him.His previous low grades were mainly because he wasn't interested in studying. If he decided to learn, Forrest could do even better than others.At three in the afternoon, Madelyn went for her after-school lessons, while Forrest packed his things and went back to school.Upon entering his classroom, his attitude underwent an immediate shift. Swiftly, he pulled a chair, nonchalantly flung his backpack onto his desk, and settled into the seat. With a relaxed air, he extended his legs, letting them rest leisurely upon the desk's surface. His uniform pants, a bit too loose, slid down t
Adrian lowered his head and chuckled, "Timothy... You've gone too far!"If Madelyn's suffering were to happen to you, and everyone mocked you for your suffering, would you still find it funny?"Adrian tried his best to make Timothy understand the weight of his words, since Timothy could not put himself in other people's shoes.Timothy remained silent.Adrian continued, "Besides, a child shouldn't be held responsible for their parent's wrongdoings. We're living in a society governed by laws. All those crimes that Hayson committed will eventually be exposed to the public, and he'll receive legal punishment. Madelyn's done nothing wrong, but you're blaming Hayson's wrongdoings on her. Do you really think that makes sense?"Timothy still did not speak.Adrian said, "Forrest may look reckless, but he always has his reasons for what he does. He isn't as bad as you think. It's true that he looks like a jerk, since he doesn't study and just hangs out with pretty schoolgirls, always drink