After her dance class, Madelyn got home at nine o'clock. She was so tired that her legs felt wobbly. As soon as she stepped out of the car, Rosario hurried over."What happened to you?" Rosario's eyes were filled with concern. "Come on, let's get you inside."With Rosario and the driver, Jordan, supporting her, Madelyn eased onto the couch. They placed her backpack beside her."I think you hurt your leg," said Rosario. "Stay put. I've got something that might help."Quickly, Rosario fetched a cream from the medicine cabinet. "Didn’t your instructor notice? Why didn’t you say anything?"She gently examined Madelyn's leg. "Point to where it hurts."Madelyn sighed, feeling a bit relieved now that she was sitting. "It wasn’t the teacher's fault," she admitted. "I pushed myself too hard and took a bad step."Rosario lightly tapped Madelyn's forehead. "Clumsy girl, you've got to watch out for yourself, okay? Promise me."As Madelyn slipped off her socks, Rosario warmed the cream in h
After uttering those words, Madelyn dashed up the stairs in a hurry.However, within just half a minute, a scream erupted from upstairs, "Ah!"Zach glanced upward, instantly surmising that Madelyn had likely taken quite a nasty fall, given the intensity of the scream.Dressed in his black striped pajamas, Zach looked even more intimidating than before. Suddenly, he grabbed Jasmine by the hair. "You're so desperate for male attention, huh? Well, next time, I won't mind bringing a few more men to keep you entertained."Jasmine winced in pain, feeling the tingling sensation in her scalp. Her eyes were clear and alert. "Zach Jardin, are you serious? Let go of me! It hurts!" She gripped Zach's hand, looking at his angry face.Zach whispered n her ear, "Jasmine Manning, if you try anything like that again, I'll let you experience the taste of getting fucked by multiple guys again."Jasmine's eyes widened with fear but then she laughed bitterly. "Fine... But give me one night with you,
Ten seconds later, Madelyn blinked her eyes open. The bright lights flooded her vision, instantly rousing her from her drowsiness. "Zach Jar... uh, Brother? Why are you in my room?" She pulled herself upright, her heart racing. 'Why did I just blurt out his full name?' She gripped the blanket, her eyes widening in alarm.Zach watched as Madelyn hastily wrapped herself up."How long have you been here?" Madelyn's voice quivered.Wiping off remnants of the muscle rub from his hand, Zach said, "Bring your foot over here. Let me check that ankle of yours."His intense gaze locked onto Madelyn, making her feel uneasy all over. She shook her head and replied, "You don't have to do that. Rosario already massaged it earlier. It should be better by morning."Zach's brow creased, his voice firm. "Madelyn, just do as I say. I don't want to repeat myself."Madelyn's mind raced, processing Zach's words. What if she said no again? She knew he might take an unpredictable.It had always been th
When Madelyn slipped her feet into her slippers and hopped out of bed, she discovered her ankle had fully healed. She realized she'd missed Zach's departure the previous night, having slept deeply. Morning had already dawned by the time she rose.She couldn't shake the image of Jasmine, disheveled and seemingly intoxicated, emerging from Zach's room. Grabbing her backpack, she deliberately took her time descending the stairs.The living room was empty, eerily silent for the time of day. She grabbed a few slices of toast from the table, planning a quick exit. As she did, Rosario came out of the kitchen, chiding, "You act as if you're sneaking in someone else's home. Sit. Eat. I’ll get Mr. Jardin."Without hesitation, Madelyn replied, "I'll just grab something quick. I left a practice test unfinished at school and need to finish it. I'll eat this and be off, Rosario.""That's hardly a meal," Rosario admonished.Madelyn didn't reply.Knowing Madelyn's stubbornness, Rosario added, "A
"Madelyn," a tall girl with a pretty face said, stepping closer, "wasn't there a dead mouse in this bag before? How can you still use it? Aren't you worried about getting sick?" She looked at Madelyn's lunchbox with a look of distaste.Another girl added, "You're the only one at Ventrocloud High who packs lunch. Are you short on money? If you need help, just say so! We can lend you some."A third girl smirked, trying to provoke. "Serena, Madelyn doesn't care about you. Don't hang out with her, or you'll get dirty too."Madelyn quickly zipped her backpack and stood up, slamming her hand on the table. "Who did you just call dirty? Say that again. I dare you." While she rarely showed her anger, that didn't mean she couldn't stand up for herself.She looked straight at the three girls. "Why so quiet now? What do you mean by 'dirty'? Michelle, isn't your family in construction? Lorrie, Jenny... your families work with them, right? Two years ago, didn't your companies build Blossom Haven
Ethan was determined to meet Madelyn at school. Surgery or no surgery, he found his strength from her presence.Watching her from a distance, he was mesmerized by the wind playing with her long hair. She looked serene by the lake, an image that he would always remember."Stay here," Ethan told George, not taking his eyes off Madelyn."Understood, sir," George responded.Madelyn sat comfortably on a bench, her eyes pulled to the beautiful lake view. She happily munched on the snacks from her lunchbox, always loving the delicious foods Rosario made for her.Suddenly, a figure caught Madelyn's eye.She looked over and spotted the good-looking teen she had seen at the hospital recently. 'But... his legs...' She noticed a glimpse of a blue tattoo on his arm, just under his sleeve, and another one peeking from his collar.As the wind ruffled his hair, the teenager in the wheelchair stopped next to her. He looked at her and smiled warmly. "Funny seeing you here again," he said.Madelyn
Across the lake, a small group of people approached, and Timothy was among them. Even from afar, he could see Madelyn, deep in conversation with a guy in a wheelchair. He noticed her occasional bright smiles, showing she was genuinely enjoying their talk.Jadie and her roommate, Claire Yelton, were also part of the group. The two girls chatted, with Claire taking in the beauty of Ventrocloud High's environment. "This place is stunning! That swan lake might be bigger than our entire football field, right Jadie?"Jadie chuckled, "It's huge, alright. I'd probably get lost without a guide."Timothy subtly nudged Adrian and tilted his head toward Madelyn. Adrian looked over and took in the scene. 'Who's that with Madelyn?' he thought. 'I've never seen him before. Could it be that after realizing Forrest isn't into her, she's moved on? But why would she choose someone in a wheelchair? That's... unexpected.'..."It was really nice chatting with you," Madelyn said with a sincere smile.
Madelyn continued, "You're aware of the situation I'm dealing with at school. I don't want to burden you with my problems."Serena responded, slightly puzzled, "Why Lorville, of all places? It's just a little town on the outskirts. But that aside, even if we aren't close, I hope you won't push me away when I try to talk to you."Madelyn nodded, her expression softening, "If you can respect my boundaries and studies, I won't shut you out."Overjoyed, Serena exclaimed, "Madelyn, you're the best!" and hugged her tightly.Madelyn had her reservations about Serena's sudden wish for friendship. Throughout their school years in Madelyn's past life, they'd had only minimal contact—just the usual pleasantries and the occasional nod. It was like they existed in parallel lines, and there was a real possibility they could someday pass by each other without acknowledgment.As she walked, Forrest appeared ahead. His black denim jacket contrasted against the stark white of the cast encasing his