"You've really come into your own, haven't you?" Zach stood up.Madelyn averted her eyes in panic and refused to look at the thing between Zach's legs. "Put your clothes on and get out."Zach casually picked up the bedsheet from the floor and wrapped it around his lower body, revealing his perfectly toned upper body with six-pack abs. Then, he silently headed for the living room, surprising Madelyn with how easygoing he was today.Madelyn quickly got out of bed and closed the door. Then, she went to her closet to put on her clothes. The sleeping pill she had taken made her almost forget how Zach had ended up in her bed.'This room has poor sound insulation.'Suddenly, Madelyn recalled something. After getting dressed, she walked to the living room to continue working on the unfinished painting. A few days ago, she had seen a notification about an art competition and decided to enter. Today was the deadline for submitting the draft, and the organizers would send someone to collect
Madelyn was near Ventrocloud High. She had not been outside for days, so her mood brightened as she watched the bustling street. Without a phone, she realized she had no one to worry about or to contact, making her world exceptionally quiet.Unconsciously, Madelyn walked into a familiar alley, the same one Forrest had taken her for a meal before. She had no idea why she had come here. As Madelyn was about to leave, a woman in her forties or fifties walked out carrying a basin with water. Upon seeing Madelyn, she immediately recognized her, "You look somewhat familiar. You're a friend of Forry, right?"Madelyn nodded in response."Well, he gave me something last time and said it was for you. It's been so many days, and I haven't seen you come to pick it up. Just wait here. I'll get it for you."Madelyn had no idea what it was. During their last meal, she had only seen the owner, not his wife. So, she was puzzled by how the owner's wife recognized her.After a short wait, the owner'
Madelyn had initially expected to face Hayson's scolding, but it seemed he was not at home since Jasmine was pregnant. Zach mentioned that she had been pregnant for over two months, and Hayson was confident that it was his child. Hayson had taken Jasmine to Sinagora to ensure a healthy pregnancy, so Madelyn would be the only one left at home from now on.'It turns out that Father hasn't cared about my well-being these past few days.' The expectations she had disappeared in an instant.Approaching the familiar yet unfamiliar living room, Rosario came over with teary eyes. "Madelyn, you've been through so much these past few days..."Madelyn looked at her with indifference. 'I don't understand. If Rosario truly cared for me and treated me like her child, why would she put something in my milk? And now she has to pretend to care about me! What's the reason for all of this?'Rosario was also one of Zach's trusted individuals, which left Madelyn wary about who around her was truly since
Taking advantage of Kai's momentary distraction while answering the phone, Lana hurriedly adjusted her skirt in humiliation. Her eyes welled up with tears as she pushed him away and fled the office.Kai's gaze followed Lana as she left. He walked to the desk, took a cigarette, and lit it. He attempted to soothe his inner turmoil. "Depends on the situation. Treatment usually involves medication and psychotherapy, but it mostly depends on the patient. If she can't get through it herself, no matter how many pills she takes or how much therapy she undergoes, it won't help. So, have you become soft-hearted?"Kai laughed heartlessly. Without getting any response, he continued to mock Zach with reckless laughter. "I knew this day would come. Zach, don't forget your purpose! Do you think you can back out now? You've been drugging Madelyn for twelve years. Even if you treat her well now, she won't forgive you. Do I need to remind you of everything you've done to her? Once you release the bows
"Mom, where'd you go? Please don't leave me behind," said Madelyn.Zach looked at the scene before him. It seemed he was witnessing a Madelyn who had already gone mad. His imposing figure loomed over her as he slowly approached. "Why are you kneeling on the ground? Get up.""What are you here for? You scared my mom away," Madelyn said calmly.Zach pulled her up with one swift motion. "Take a good look. There's no one else in this room besides you and me.""You're talking nonsense. I clearly saw my mom. She talked to me a lot. She said that if I'm tired, she'll take me away from here. It's all because of you. It's all your fault! You drove my mom away! Why'd you come in?"Zach seemed to experience heartbreak for the first time as he watched how he had driven Madelyn step by step into madness, pushing her into hell to achieve his goals. He should never have crossed that line. Now it allowed her to manipulate him easily.Zach had faced numerous shootouts, never losing his composure
Zach said nothing and turned to head downstairs. When he reached the lower floor, he instructed Margaret, "Make some chicken soup and give it to Madelyn when she wakes up."Margaret nodded, "Okay."Jadie gripped Zach's arm and asked, "Zach, you haven't answered my question. What's going on with Madelyn? Is she still upset about the Math Olympiad? Actually, she still has a chance.""That's enough. I'll handle Madelyn's matters myself." Zach's mind was already in turmoil, and now another voice buzzing in his ear only added to his headaches.Jadie was stunned, holding back tears. Zach had never scolded her once from childhood to adulthood. He would never blame her, even though he knew it was her fault. "Zach, did I say something wrong? You scolded me but I was just concerned about Madelyn."Zach looked at her calmly, "After finishing your meal, go back and review your homework. I've already sent Rosario to the apartment. From now on, you don't have to come unless I bring you here."
Madelyn gazed upward at the night sky. Zach followed her gaze but saw nothing, only a pitch-black sky. The weather had not been great the past few days. Suddenly, Zach sensed something was wrong and walked over. However, Madelyn, sitting on the swing, showed no reaction whatsoever.After a while, Madelyn left the swing and headed back, with Zach following her all along. She sat on the sofa, turned on the television, and stared at the static screen. Her eyes were devoid of expression. It continued until four in the morning. Then, Madelyn turned off the television, kicked off her shoes, and peacefully fell asleep on the sofa with her hands folded on her chest.Zach, who had finished smoking at the door, discarded the half-smoked cigarette in his hand. He then carried Madelyn horizontally from the sofa, heading upstairs. As he lifted her, Zach felt that she was almost weightless. Madelyn had gained some weight at the Arnold residence but now seemed to have lost it all again.There were
Zach forced Madelyn into the chair and took a bite with the fork. "See? There's no poison."Madelyn could not understand his actions. 'Isn't he eager for my demise? Why's he bothering with my well-being now? He took away my snacks but served me a meal. He's never done these things.'Perhaps due to excessive hunger, Madelyn had no appetite at all. Her stomach churned, and she felt a wave of nausea and was about to throw up. Madelyn clutched her clothes tightly, remained expressionless, and looked at the used fork. Even without poison, she refused to eat anything Zach brought. It was hard for her to believe he was being so kind."I-I'm not hungry." Madelyn stood up, attempting to escape. However, Zach behind her pressed down on her shoulder, forcing her to sit."Do you want me to feed you myself?" Zach asked."No," Madelyn rejected without hesitation. Then, she reached for a tissue from the side with a trembling hand and slowly wiped the fork. Zach watched her with a darkened expres