Forrest roughly nudged the chunky guy snoozing beside Madelyn. Startled awake, he blinked in confusion."Get lost!" Forrest yelled.The guy was born into sudden wealth thanks to his family's booming livestock business, wasn't known for much other than his frequent naps. His schoolwork often had evidence of his drool. Seeing Forrest, he quickly understood and got up, freeing the spot.Forrest deftly moved the chair and settled beside Madelyn, his hand casually resting on the chair's back. His other hand, encased in a striking cast, stood out noticeably. His stylish sneakers, likely from some high-end brand, tapped lightly on the floor, giving him a somewhat roguish look."You know Jadie White, right?" he asked.Madelyn put her pen down. "Yeah, I know her. She's my father's adopted daughter. And the guy she calls her brother? He's the person my dad took in. But neither of them is actually related to me by blood."Timothy tilted his head with a mischievous glint. "They're all adopte
After finishing her last set of chemistry practice papers, Madelyn couldn't shake off her restlessness. She frowned, trying to make sense of Forrest's strange behavior. 'What's up with Forrest? Is he acting crazy, or did I accidentally do something to make him think I like him? Maybe it's because I helped him pick up his stuff the other day, and someone took a picture, and now he thinks I'm chasing him?'Feeling an urgent need to know more, Madelyn grabbed her phone and quickly opened the school's online forum where the photo had been shared without her knowledge. She hadn't fully read the comments on that post, but she was curious to find out what people were saying. As she navigated to the forum and found the thread, her heart sank when she realized it had been hacked. Clicking on the link only brought up a frustrating 404 error, and she couldn't access the content at all.Right at that moment, a text message popped up, and it was from Serena.Serena: [Madelyn, you were so brave.
Ventropolis High School turned out to be more lenient in its rules than Jadie had initially expected. While snacks were allowed, eating them inside the classrooms was strictly against the rules.Jadie was puzzled about who had left the snacks, making it difficult for her to figure out who to return them to. So, she decided to either share them with her classmates or bring them back to her dorm room to enjoy with her roommates.With her warm and friendly nature, Jadie always wore a bright smile. She had a knack for excelling in her studies. Even though she was a recent transfer student, she had skillfully maintained her grasp on the knowledge she had acquired during her time studying abroad. Impressively, she had clinched the top spot in her class and secured the second position among all students in her grade on the most recent test.Whenever her classmates needed help with their studies, Jadie was more than willing to assist, generously sharing her notes and study materials. Her pe
Claire lay unconscious, completely unresponsive despite Jadie's desperate attempts to wake her.With a satisfied smirk, Linsay sent a picture to someone on her phone and quickly left. She glanced at Claire and exchanged knowing looks with a girl nearby. Without hesitation, the other girl got a bowl of cold water and poured it over Claire. Instantly, Claire jolted awake, shivering and coughing as the icy water shocked her system. She struggled to get her bearings, disoriented and cold.Linsay looked down at Jadie, observing her messy clothes and scratched face. Acting superior, she spoke, "Jadie White, don't blame us. If anyone's at fault, it's the one who said and did things they shouldn't have. But your biggest mistake was trying to win over Forrest! He's my friend's crush, you know. If you ever mess with him again or flirt with his friends, don't be surprised if I accidentally show these interesting photos from my phone." She waved her phone, emphasizing her warning.Jadie had jus
In the infirmary of Ventropolis High School, the doctor reassured everyone, "Don't worry, it's nothing serious. She's just going through her monthly cycle. She's totally fine, no need to be concerned. There are a couple of small injuries on her face though..." The doctor then looked over at the teacher who was there with them.The teacher stood up and said, "You can go back now, Dr. Cavil. I'll take care of them.""Alright, Mr. Wahey. I'll head back then. I've already prescribed the medication; it's on the table. Don't forget to take it with you," Dr. Cavil replied.Today, the teacher on duty was Richard Wahey, the head of the Character Education Department. He was a middle-aged man, with a protruding belly and glasses. At first glance, he seemed honest. He had carried Jadie on his back all the way to the medical office, leaving bloodstains on the back of his shirt.The first day of Jadie's period could be quite uncomfortable. She usually carried painkillers with her, but that day,
Kristeen, who was in the top bunk next to Sheena, added, "We're not even using your stuff.""Why are you making so much noise? Can't you let me sleep?" One of the girls woke up and turned, pulling a blanket over her head.Jadie reassured Claire, "It's okay. Really. They've already used it. Don't worry about it. My brother will get me more if I run out."In the dim light, it was hard to tell what expression Jadie had. But from the way she spoke, it seemed like she wasn't upset, so the matter was dropped. Everyone knew Jadie as someone who didn't get into arguments much and was generally easygoing.Jadie took out a few new skincare products from under the cabinet and handed them to Claire. "You can have these. Think of it as a gift. Don't be mad anymore.""I can't take these. They're too expensive!""Shh, let's not wake them up again."Jadie got her clothes and went to the bathroom. After a quick shower, she changed into her pajamas. By the time Claire came back from brushing her
Madelyn stared at the mess of food scattered on the floor, her brow furrowing in confusion. She wondered, 'What is he doing now?' She gave Forrest a disapproving look and asked, "Forrest, what are you even up to?" As she bent down to pick up her lunchbox, Forrest kicked it again, making it slip from her grasp.In a swift motion, Forrest grabbed Madelyn by her collar, lifting her up and pinning her against the wall with force. His intense gaze locked onto hers, his grip on her collar tightening as he angrily demanded, "What the hell did you say?"The corner of the windowsill pressed into Madelyn's back uncomfortably, but she kept her steady gaze on Forrest. She inquired, "What exactly are you trying to say?"Forrest's narrow eyes radiated an icy coldness. He hissed, "Jadie got hurt because of your big mouth. She's in the hospital now. You claimed she's your sister, right? Is this how you treat family, Madelyn Jent? Instead of sneaking around, why don't you say it to my face? If somet
The first people that crossed Madelyn's mind when she thought about who might be responsible for Jadie's incident were Michelle, Jenny, and Lorrie. She couldn't think of anyone else, especially after her previous arguments with them.The three girls were touching up their makeup in the women's restroom. They straightened their ties as they smirked. At the same time, Michelle was humming a cheerful song."You seem to be in a good mood today," Lorrie commented."I am," Michelle raised her skirt and uttered with a smile.Jenny chimed in, "Did you guys check out the pictures I posted in the group?""Yeah. I'm delighted with the outcome. Keep up the hard work, Jenny," said Michelle.Jenny wiped off the excess lipstick from the corners of her mouth and continued, "I've been annoyed with Madelyn from the start. I would've had someone teach her a lesson that day if it wasn't for her good-looking brother."Michelle turned around, leaning against the sink. "You mean that distant, handsome
Liam was standing in the rain, and though it hadn't been long, he was thoroughly drenched.Blake quickly pulled him close, her voice laced with concern. "Are you crazy? It's pouring rain! What if you catch a cold?"Liam's look was subdued, his face showing signs of fatigue. "I'm okay. This is for you; I didn't want you to have to come out in this weather."As Blake took in his forlorn appearance, her heart softened suddenly. 'Am I losing my mind?' she thought."Now you'll have to pay more attention to me, Blake... I was just so scared of losing you. I've put everything I have into getting you to agree to marry me; the idea of you walking away is unbearable."Overwhelmed with emotion, Blake locked eyes with him. "Did she teach you to say that too?" she asked, her hand moving on its own to brush away the raindrops from his hair.A maid nearby, observing the scene, rushed over with a blanket and an umbrella. However, Grace, fully grasping the gravity of the moment, halted her. Ackno
Cecilia said, "It's fine. Let's give them a week. Rearrange the flight and all the plans for the trip. This is Blake's first time getting married and going abroad for honeymoon. I want to make sure she has a good time."Susan nodded. "Okay, Ms. Samford."Not long after Cecilia left, three editors who used to work for Olivia's company entered her office. All of them spoke in panic, "Ms. Blue, what should we do? Ms. Samford already knows everything. If the legal department finds out about it, will we go to jail?"Olivia remained calm as she said, "Don't panic. Just focus on your work.""But we got into this company through you. What if they say we got into this company through the back door and then fired us?"Olivia sat at her desk, supporting her forehead with her hands. She was obviously panicking. "Don't worry, I'll handle this."You guys can leave now."Olivia did not expect this matter to be exposed so soon. She wondered how Cecilia found out about it. 'Could it be that she'
StartReading Literary was the last place Cecilia wanted to be. But she made an exception this time.Olivia had just finalized a cooperative copyright deal with another website company. Several editors from her own company were there at StartReading Literary. As she entered the office, she saw all the editors from StartReading Literary sitting upright, not daring to make a sound.She also saw her office door was wide open. She frowned as she walked into her office and was surprised to see an unexpected gust.Olivia put down the documents in her hand. "Ms. Samford, what brings you here?"With her legs crossed and Susan standing behind her, Cecilia stared at Olivia, who was in front of her.Cecilia sneered and stood up. She ran her fingers along the desk. "StartReading is actually the last place I want to be. I came here because I found out that you enjoy meddling in other people's affairs. Otherwise, you wouldn't even qualify to see me."Olivia instantly looked wary. She remained s
Liam stood up. He watched as Blake, who looked weary, walked away. "Blake, what do you want me to do so you'll like me?"Blake did not stop walking. Instead, she took even bigger steps and left.She went to the Harper residence, which surprised everyone.Grace asked, "Blake? Why did you come back here? Where's Liam? Why didn't he come back with you?"Blake stuttered, unable to find the words. She just made up an excuse, saying, "It's nothing. I just wanted to come back."After Hannah and Yael left the wedding last night, they went back to the research institute.As for Simon, he went to the farm to manage the business.After Blake went to her room, Grace became worried. She followed her and saw her sitting with a blank expression in the room, not knowing what to do.When Blake saw Grace, she quickly adjusted her mood. "Grace, why are you here?""I came to check on you. Blake, what's wrong? Did you have a fight with Liam? You just had your wedding yesterday, and you're already
The pregnancy test report came out fifteen minutes after Blake did the test. She was indeed pregnant. She was even seven weeks pregnant.Blake had indeed been involved with Kevin while in Northern Myanmar over a month ago.She held the medical report while standing bewildered in the cold hospital corridor. Lights shone through the floor-to-ceiling window onto her body, but all Blake felt was the cold, which made her hands and feet numb.She was lost in her thoughts. 'I'm really pregnant. What should I do with this baby? I want it to be born more than anyone else. But now, everything has changed. This child shouldn't come into this world.'She wandered in the corridor. Suddenly, she saw someone coming out of another gynecological room.She thought, 'Some things are just destined by fate. When I long to see him, even catching a glimpse of him in a dream feels like a luxury, an unattainable wish. But now, when I don't want to see him, it seems he appears everywhere I go.'Kevin supp
Blake wondered, 'I'm now pregnant with Kevin's child. What should I do?'She woke up groggily when she felt someone carry her. She opened her heavy eyelids and asked, "What time is it now?"Liam responded, "It's four-thirty in the morning. It's still early; go back to sleep for a while more."Blake said in a hoarse voice, "I've made an appointment for an abortion at eight o'clock. Regardless of whether I'm really pregnant or not, I don't want to keep this child."She had thought about it all night and believed this was the best decision.Kevin was going to get engaged. Blake believed he would get married and Audrey would give birth to his children. There was simply no need for her to complicate things further.She thought, 'If I choose to be selfish and decide to keep this baby, and if people find out about it, my child will be treated as an illegitimate child. I don't even dare to imagine how badly the child will be treated.'If giving birth to the baby will bring it a lifetime
Blake continued, "What about you, Liam? Do you mind?"If you do, you can choose to divorce me. After all, I've wronged you. No one wants to marry a woman who's carrying someone else's child."Liam stepped forward on the shattered cup and hugged her tightly. "I don't mind. Blake, I love you, including everything about you. I don't mind your past. I just want to start over with you. I didn't tell you about the pregnancy because I was selfish; I wanted to keep you by my side."Blake, your child is my child. I want to raise the baby with you."Don't leave me, okay?"Blake did not know why, but she was not surprised by her pregnancy. However, she felt that there were still some things that she could not let go of, though she was unsure what those were.She was not as calm as she had imagined.She thought about her past events. Then, she indifferently said, "Liam, I don't want this child. Since I'm prepared to be with you, I won't keep this child. It wouldn't be fair to you."Liam di
On this romantic night, the moon was obscured by the clouds.Breathing heavily, Blake felt some pain in her abdomen. She asked to stop. "Liam, my stomach hurts. I think I'm going to have my period soon."Liam sobered up instantly. "I'll go get you some medicine."She peeked out from under the blanket as the bedside lamp turned on. She could clearly see Liam's naked upper body. Her face flushed as she averted her gaze. "It's fine. Just help me call the front desk and ask them to bring up a pack of sanitary pads. I'll go to the bathroom to deal with it."Liam replied, "Let's go to the hospital tomorrow for a check-up."Blake picked up her clothes from the floor and went to the bathroom. "It's okay. It's probably just my period."However, judging by the blood flowing out, it did not seem like menstrual blood to Blake. It looked like something else.Blake's voice came from the bathroom again. "I think we should go to the hospital."She sat on the toilet and watched the tall, slende
Blake had no bridesmaids, so she returned to the hotel room alone. As she stepped out of the elevator and was ready to use the room key card in her hand to swipe and enter the room, she suddenly saw a figure appear from the corner of her eye.She stopped her action and looked at the person who had left the wedding earlier.At that moment, Blake felt her breath catch, but it was only fleeting. She then quickly regained her composure and averted her gaze. She asked, "Didn't you leave? Why are you still here?"Kevin replied, "Congratulations."Upon hearing his congratulations, Blake felt a mix of amusement and discomfort. "There's nothing to congratulate. If anything, I should congratulate you. You're soon to be the mayor's son-in-law. In the future, we won't belong in the same social class anymore."I'm tired and came back to rest. You should leave now before Liam comes up and sees you here."Don't look for me again. I don't want him to misunderstand."Kevin responded, "Audrey and