Once she had collected herself, Madelyn returned to the table and took her seat.Hayson, in a rare display of interest, asked, "Miss Manning mentioned that your grades have improved considerably recently, which is commendable progress from last time. What would you like as a reward?"Usually, Hayson was stern toward her, seldom engaging in conversation even at the dining table. But with Jasmine's presence, it was evident that his mood was unusually pleasant.Seizing the opportunity, Madelyn made her request. "After the college entrance exams, I'd like to travel to Marisburg with some friends. May I, Dad?""Hmm, be sure to take a chauffeur with you. It's not safe to go out alone." Hayson agreed.Not overly exuberant, Madelyn managed a small smile, replying, "Thank you, Dad."At this, Jasmine chimed in. "Are you going to Marisburg to see the ocean, Madelyn? I've heard the scenery there is excellent. After the college entrance exams, it would indeed be a good idea to unwind."Madel
Following one another, they stepped into the study, Zach closing the door behind them. The tension in the room was thick enough to touch, enveloping them.Hayson lit a couple of candles in the room, creating an almost sacred ambiance. "Made some new friends recently?"The sudden question caught Madelyn off guard, her breath hitching as her heart pounded in her chest. "Y-Yes... Father, have I done something wrong?"Hayson took a seat at his desk, his gaze fixed on her as Zach stood by his side. "Madelyn, do I frighten you?"Madelyn lowered her gaze, weighing her words before she meekly replied, "No... it's just that you're often too strict. I'm afraid of making mistakes and being punished."This was unexpected. Hayson studied her carefully. His daughter was changing. The brashness of her youth was fading. "When did you become acquainted with the Arnolds?"'The Arnolds? I only know one person by that name. Something must've happened. Given Father's tenacious nature, if something ha
Jadie waited for a moment before she spotted Zach emerging from the study. Swiftly, she moved toward him. "Zach, what's wrong? You look upset. Did he... give you a hard time?"Zach, with a blazer draped over his arm, was visibly troubled. But upon catching sight of her, his expression softened slightly. "It's nothing. Let's head back."Seated in the car, Zach's grip on the steering wheel tightened as he replayed the conversation from the study, his gaze sharp and determined."This is an invitation to a charity gala happening next week. I'll send someone to assist you. You know what to do."Zach accepted the invitation. "Is Father trying to ally with the Young family?""No, it's a bid for a strategic marriage between our families. You're not getting any younger, Zach. It's about time you settle down. Currently, the Young family seems like your best bet.""I understand. I won't disappoint Father." For some reason, Zach pulled over.Confused, Jadie turned to him. "Zach, what's goin
Madelyn shot back a message almost instantly.Madelyn: [You can come to me anytime you want more. I'll make it for you.]Ethan: [Deal.]Zach watched the exchange with a heavy gaze. For reasons he could not quite understand, seeing Madelyn respond to another man's text elicited an odd discomfort, a feeling that something uniquely his was being claimed by another. He had accessed this information by secretly installing surveillance software on Madelyn's phone during a hospital visit.For the next half hour, Madelyn chatted with Ethan about the usual humdrum of childhood daily life and interests. It was bland, mundane, and yet Zach consumed it all. He noticed how Madelyn had indeed changed. Once they finished, Zach felt strangely spent. He glanced at the clock—half-past eight. He had wasted more than an hour on Madelyn.Back at the Jent residence, Hayson was out schmoozing. He would not return tonight, or likely any other night. His bed was elsewhere, amidst a rotation of mistresses.
Moonlight pierced through the window, its cold brilliance illuminating the room. Madelyn, clad in her nightgown, descended the stairs into the living room. Rarely prone to wake during the night, she had awakened thirsty only to find her water pitcher empty. As she made her way downstairs, sleep still fogging her vision, she turned and gasped at the unexpected sight of a dark silhouette on the couch."Ahh!"Her drowsiness evaporated instantaneously, as the figure rose from the couch, switching on the wall light. The sudden brightness made her squint, and it took a moment for her to make out the man before her."Brother, what are you doing here? You didn't go home?"The room was steeped in a faint aroma of alcohol, a scent unmistakably emanating from Zach.'He just got back from an outing? And why isn't he with Jadie? What's he doing in the Jent residence?'Despite eight years of marriage, Zach's intentions were as elusive to her as ever.As Madelyn spoke, Zach moved closer, their
Zach looked at Madelyn closely. Usually, he'd seem distant and cold when he looked at her. But this time, there was a bit of gentleness in his eyes, like how he looked at Jadie.Madelyn felt surprised and kinda nervous. 'He's acting weird... What could have gone wrong? I can't recall doing anything out of the ordinary.'Zach broke the tension. "Jadie would like that you care about her. But what about you? Do you like Ethan?""Huh?" Madelyn's bewilderment deepened, her thoughts racing. 'Why is he suddenly bringing up Ethan? Is he on drug or something? This is so strange.'Zach didn't say anything. He just watched her closely, like he was waiting for her reaction. Then suddenly, he pulled his hand back and went back to being distant and cold, like the soft look he gave her didn't even happen."No!" Madelyn then exhaled a relieved breath. She wanted to get away from there, but Zach grabbed her wrist, stopping her. Her voice shaky, she asked, "Zach... What's wrong? Do you need somet
Madelyn's heart raced as she rushed back to her room, not sure what to do next. She closed the door with shaky hands and locked it. Leaning against the door, she shivered, wiping her lips over and over like she was trying to clean them.She had kissed Zach before, but she couldn't forget how he had looked at her with disgust when he pushed her away last time.But Madelyn had changed. She wasn't the same girl anymore. She really didn't want anything to do with Zach.A sick feeling came over her. She rubbed her lips hard until they got puffy and numb. Lost in thinking about everything that had happened, she tried to understand how she ended up in Zach's arms like that.Normally, something like this would be really strange. But Zach was drunk, so Madelyn didn't want to think too much about it. She tried to tell herself that it was just an accident and not a big deal. But lying in bed, unable to sleep, Zach's face kept coming back to her mind...Downstairs in the living room, Zach sat
The next day, Madelyn woke up pretty late because she'd only fallen asleep around three or four. She got out of bed, put on her bra, and changed into comfy clothes. She covered her mouth and let out a big yawn before heading downstairs."Hey, Rosario, what's for breakfast?" she called out.Rosario, who was busy in the kitchen, answered, "Mr. Jardin caught a cold, so I made some carrot ginger soup. I'll take some up to him first. There's more if you want."Madelyn was surprised. "How did he get sick so suddenly? He seemed fine yesterday.""It's kinda my fault. I thought he'd left, so I put away his bedding," Rosario explained while getting the soup ready. Then she remembered something. "Oh, I almost forgot. We're out of fever medicine. I need to go buy some. Madelyn, can you take the soup to him?""Sure, Rosario. Go ahead! I'll take care of Zach."Inside, Madelyn felt a bit guilty. Somehow, Zach getting sick seemed like it was her fault. Without eating anything herself, she took t