Ch. 271..280

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning By Max Charming chapter 271

At this moment, Leyton stepped up and said, “Sir, we’re running out of time.” After placing the necklace on Madelyn, Ethan gazed at the moon-shaped pendant resting on her chest and grinned with joy. “Madelyn, I’m going to head back to the office for now. You relax at home, and I’ll catch up with you later tonight.”

“Okay,” said Madelyn and watched Ethan leave. George also hoped that Madelyn would stay. Ethan’s illness hardly got better. The Arnold family tried their best, but they believed he wouldn’t live for more than a few months. Fixing physical problems was easy, but healing emotional wounds needed time. Ethan was probably the only one who could help himself live a regular life.

‘Compared to Mr. Arnold’s ex, I wish Madelyn stays by his side from now on! George thought as he said, “Mr. Arnold has a room ready for you. Please follow me.” Madelyn followed George and rode the elevator to the fifth floor. They stopped in front of an open room.

“Ms. Jent, this is your room. Mr. Arnold’s room is next door. We thought you might not feel used to being here, so everything is set up just like your place.”

Madelyn looked around, noticing even the painting was in the same spot. ‘Did they bring all my things from my home? Did they even move the bed?’ George continued, “There’s also a walk -in closet. If you don’t like this style, we can change it anytime.”

“Thank you,” Madelyn said. “No problem. Get a good rest, Ms. Jent. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Okay,” Madelyn replied. When George left, she entered the room and looked around. It was bigger than her room at the Jent house. But Madelyn didn’t really feel like admiring it.

‘Ever since I left the Jent residence, something’s been bothering me. I’m not sure if it’s all in my head.’ Suddenly, Madelyn heard voices. “Did you see the lady just now? Is she the one Mr. Arnold used to date?”

“I don’t think so. Her face is covered in rashes. I don’t know what’s wrong with her. Mr. Arnold’s ex caused him a lot of pain and left for abroad. It can’t be her.” “But this is the first time I’ve seen him bring a lady home.”

“Yeah, wonder which family she’s from. ‘Ethan’s ex? Is that who George talked about? I saved him when he risked his life for her, and it looks like fate!’ Madelyn thought. She didn’t feel jealous at all. ‘I saved Ethan’s life, and he helped me escape the Jent family. We’re even now.’

As night fell, the Arnold house lit up. The balcony on the fifth floor offered a view. Madelyn should’ve greeted the hosts as a guest, but it was late afternoon, and nobody had disturbed her. ‘Maybe Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Sr. doesn’t know I’m here. That’s fine for me too. I’ve always been afraid of dealing with trivial things.’

Madelyn went down for dinner, and the servant brought the last bowl of soup. Miss, Mr. Arnold prepared all this based on your likes. They’re mild in taste, and there’s walnut cake too. Give it a try.”

Madelyn looked at the table full of delicacies. There was so much, she couldn’t eat it all. “Next time, fewer please. I can’t finish all this.”

“Don’t worry, Miss. If there’s leftover food, we’ll use it for the animals on the ranch. No waste.” “There’s a ranch here?”

“Yes! Pigs, cows, sheep-raised here. The meat in the kitchen is from them. Mrs. Arnold Sr. grows vegetables, fruits, and wheat too. This meal is from her garden.”

“Really?” Madelyn was surprised.

“Yes.” With that explanation, Madelyn got curious. Ethan’s grandparents were once important in Ventropolis. After retiring, they seemed to enjoy a peaceful life.

 

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Madelyn thought, If an opportunity arose, I would have liked to pay Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Sr. a visit.

After dinner, Madelyn returned to her room. She picked up her phone and checked it. Her last communication with Forrest was still from last week. I don’t know if he’s been studying diligently. Jadie got promoted to Class One through the final exam I wonder what his grades are.”

Madelyn sent a message to Forrest [How did the exam go?]

After waiting a few minutes without a reply, she decided not to wait any longer. The moment she put down her phone, the screen suddenly lit up. Madelyn thought it was a reply from Forrest.

However, it was a news report about a young girl’s tragic death when she checked it.

[Today, there was an avalanche at the Enchanted Mountain. It trapped numerous skiing tourists on the mountain, resulting in multiple injuries and casualties. Thirty-two tourists were injured, eight died, and one is still missing. The police are still searching. The individual is a twenty-year-

old performing arts student named Julia. If anyone has any information, please contact the police immediately.]

‘Julia?’ Madelyn scrolled down, and her eyes widened in astonishment as she saw the photo.

“This person is the one I met at the ski resort last time! She has been Zach’s girlfriend for a year

now. Wasn’t she fine when we met that time? Why did she suddenly die? Thinking of this, Madelyn felt a tingling sensation on her scalp, and goosebumps rose on her arms. Trembling, she

set down her phone and dared not think further.

At ten o’clock in the evening, Ethan walked into the living room with his weary body. The housekeeper immediately approached him and said, “Sir.”

“Where’s Madelyn?” Ethan asked.

“Ms. Jent has fallen asleep after taking her medication.”

Ethan waved his hand, and the housekeeper left. ‘It’s late. So, I shouldn’t disturb her.”

He walked up to the bar, took a bottle of whisky worth over a hundred thousand from the shelf, and poured half a glass. Ethan did not rely on medication to fall asleep now. So, he had to use alcohol as a sleep aid.

At half-past eleven, Ethan returned to his room upstairs. He paused outside Madelyn’s room momentarily and stared at the closed door. “This is good too. Just staying by my side like this,” Madelyn did not sleep well tonight as she had a nightmare. She dreamed of being imprisoned, with a massive iron chain trapping her in a room devoid of light. After she managed to escape with great difficulty, there was an unseen beast chasing her from behind.

The dream startled Madelyn awake, leaving her drenched in sweat. When she woke up, it was already dawn outside. Her pajamas were soaked, so she took a shower. After coming out of the bathroom, she changed into fresh clothes. Then, someone knocked on the door.

Madelyn walked out as she dried her hair. When she opened the door, she found it was Ethan in casual pajamas. The steam from the bathroom made Madelyn’s eyes moist, adding a touch of allure to her gaze.

“Did you forget you have school today?” Ethan smiled and ruffled her hair. Then, he continued, This is the uniform sent by the school. Change into it. After breakfast, I’ll take you to school.”

Madelyn asked, “Wouldn’t that be troublesome for you?”

“No, it’s on my way back to the office.” “Thank you,” said Madelyn. Then, she thought, ‘Actually, getting along with him isn’t as easy as it seemed.’

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The CEO of Arnold Corporation seldom made public appearances. Private cars with chauffeurs for pick-up and drop-off were a common sight at the school entrance. The unique markings on the license plate indicated that the car belonged to the Arnold family. When they saw it, everyone made their way, even in the congestion.

Madelyn got out of the car, and the people around were surprised when they saw her. Everyone in Ventrocloud High School knew she was close friends with Forrest Arnold, the illegitimate son of the Arnold family. However, they did not know that she also had connections with the heir of the Arnold family. Now, the CEO of Arnold Corporation sent Madelyn to school personally. It implied that she was already part of the Arnold family. Just by this alone, no one would dare to offend her.

Facing the gazes from the crowd, Madelyn felt uncomfortable all over. “I’m going to class now.” Ethan nodded, “All right, I’ll pick you up after school.”

“Okay.” Madelyn still had evening self-study sessions, and her dismissal time was nearly the same as his work-ending time. So, she had no choice but to accept if Ethan wanted to pick her up.

Meanwhile, Yvonne, who witnessed this scene, wasn’t surprised. She simply had mixed feelings about it. After the previous incident, Ethan was worried that Madelyn might distance herself from him because of their relationship. So, he gave Yvonne a stern warning at the Young residence.

However, to Yvonne, she was just reprimanding the ungrateful Forrest on his behalf.

‘Mom wants me to handle the relationship with Ethan well. I was able to have a good conversation with him last time, all thanks to Madelyn. However, things have turned sour between Madelyn and me because of Forrest. Now, I don’t know how to initiate a conversation with Madelyn.’

“Mr. Jardin, will Madelyn still return after going to the Arnold residence?” Yvonne asked. Zach’s eyes darkened. “This isn’t something you should be worrying about. Go to class. Don’t be late.”

“All right.” As Madelyn walked past the hallway of Class Six, she saw Forrest. He was still wearing short sleeves with one hand in his pocket, exuding a confidence and rebellious demeanor. He casually flung his backpack over his shoulder, raised his chin, and seemed to disregard everyone around him.

Without seeing him for a few days, he appeared unchanged from before still maintaining his carefree attitude. As he approached, Forrest glanced down and brushed past her without acknowledging her.

“Forrest!” Madelyn stopped and turned around Forrest did the same so “Where’s your transcript?” Madelyn inquired At the same time, Jadie and Yvonne happened to pass by.

Forrest impatiently took a piece of paper from his backpack and stuffed it into a classmate’s hands who was beside him. His follower handed the transcript to Madelyn with a smile.

Madelyn glanced at Forrest skeptically, and then her gaze fell back on the transcript Her brow furrowed as she looked at it. His highest score was in Maths out of the six subjects However, it was out of 150 points, and the passing grade was 92. While he only scored 67, the other subjects were all below 67.

‘I’ve been tutoring him for almost a month, and he still failed all the subjects after that. What on earth has he been doing all these days?’ Madelyn was so frustrated that she did not know what to say.

Forrest’s follower on the side grinned and said, “Madelyn, Forry did pretty well in this exam. He moved up about seven or eight ranks in the class. He made progress!”

‘He isn’t aiming for Ventropolis University. With these scores, even getting into a decent university would be challenging. Madelyn felt she had put in much effort for Forrest, but he had not lived up to expectations.

She returned the transcript, and her voice grew stern, “Forrest, don’t forget what you told me!” ‘At this rate, it would be pointless even if I dedicate all my time to him.’ Madelyn left and returned to the classroom.

“Forry, she seems angry. However, you did well in the exams, didn’t you? Your scores were all higher than mine.” He scored in the single digits for each subject, with a two-digit total score.

 

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When Madelyn returned to the classroom, everything seemed as usual. There were no noticeable differences, except for Jadie taking over her spot in the Math Olympiad team. It was also something that gave her a headache. After putting in so much effort, it all came to naught eventually.

Class One’s curriculum was progressing rapidly. The teachers had covered all the textbooks’ content, and now everyone was in the revision phase. After being absent from school for so many days, Madelyn needed to catch up on what she had fallen behind. However, what bothered her the most was Forrest.

Jadie had been in Class One for a few days now. The class’s learning pace was so fast that there was hardly any time to spare. As the last morning class ended, Jadie took an opportunity and approached Madelyn during lunch break. “Madelyn, let’s have lunch together!”

Madelyn looked at her, “I still have something to do. You go ahead.” Jadie tilted her head and noticed what she was busy about. “Study plan? What’s this for?”

Madelyn explained, “It’s for Forrest. His grades aren’t good. Since I promised to help him with his studies, I can’t just give up halfway.”

“I see. Alright then! I’ll head off now. We still have classes later!”

Madelyn did this to provide Forrest with a goal, helping him understand what he needed to do. After finishing, she headed to Class Six.

The sky was overcast today with a continuous drizzle. When Madelyn entered, she saw Forrest resting his head on the desk. The classroom was already empty. Madelyn approached and patted his shoulder. “Forrest, come with me to the library.”

Forrest woke up and swatted her hand away, “Stop bothering me.”

Sensing his off mood, Madelyn pulled a chair and sat beside him. She reached to touch his forehead and said, “You aren’t fever. Forrest, did something happen to you recently? Weren’t you planning to apply to Ventropolis University? If you keep slacking off like this, you won’t even meet their minimum requirement.”

Madelyn’s nagging voice awakened Forrest. He propped his head with his hand, ran his fingers through the hair on his forehead, and turned to look at her. At this time, Madelyn noticed the frustration, “I won’t go if I can’t get into Ventropolis University. Just stop bugging me.”

After finishing, Forrest left with his hands in his pockets. “Forrest Arnold!” Even though Madelyn called after him, he still left without looking back.

“What’s wrong with him?’ Madelyn followed him worriedly. She found him ascending the stairs. without knowing where he was heading. Eventually, they reached the rooftop on the twelfth floor.

Leaning against the railing, Forrest held a cigarette between his fingers. “You really are persistent, aren’t you? Can’t you just leave me alone?”

Madelyn ascended the last step and took a blue, translucent fruit candy from her uniform pocket.” You learned how to smoke at such a young age. Have you forgotten what the doctor said before? No smoking, no drinking. So you won’t end up with kidney deficiency.

“I don’t know what happened to you, but everyone has their hidden worries. Maybe this candy will help lighten your mood after eating it. I’ll chalk up your earlier words to frustration. We still have a three-hour tutoring session after school today. It’s at the same spot in the library.” Without disturbing him further, Madelyn turned and walked downstairs.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind, “Is… the Arnold residence fun?”

“You want to know? Remember to come later, and I’ll tell you.” Madelyn turned her head slightly, casting a sideways glance at his figure.

After school, Madelyn went to the library.

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Forrest showed up as well. As expected, this was something that caught his attention. He slammed down his backpack, nearly causing it to slide off the table. Madelyn intercepted it and set it down on the chair beside her. “Now that you’re here. Let’s begin.”

Forrest straddled the chair and crossed his legs casually. Madelyn asked, “Should we start with the tutoring or have a chat?”

“Can’t you tell?” Madelyn smiled She knew if she did not tell him, he probably would not be in the mood to study. There was no one in the library now So, Madelyn took an art book from her backpack and pushed. it toward him “You’re the first to see this art book besides me.”

Forrest flipped through the pages one by one. They were all landscapes sketched with pencil lines, and Madelyn labeled each with a location.

“Is it nice?” Madelyn asked “Not bad”

“Besides that, what do you think is missing?”

“What exactly do you want to say? Forrest asked.

“These are real places I want to visit. That’s why I want to get into Ventropolis University. I left the pictures uncolored because I hope to see them with my own eyes one day and recreate them. I really want to visit them in reality.

“Forrest, there are still many things in this world that I’ve never seen before. Emotional companionship isn’t a necessity for me. No matter if it’s friendship, family, or love! Even if I’m alone, I don’t feel lonely. In fact, I enjoy the freedom of not having friends around.

“Forrest, do you understand what I’m saying? I’m thinking about things beyond the present. The Arnold residence you mentioned is indeed beyond the reach of regular people, including your exceptional brother. He’s truly admirable. However, there’s something even more important for me Now, I’m gradually getting closer to my dream. Forrest, we are actually the same. We both want to break free from everything. We shouldn’t live like this”

Everyone should live for themselves rather than live a life without purpose. Madelyn continued, “Now, the simplest and most convenient way is…”

She pushed a math workbook toward him, “Study hard and pave the way for your future. However, always prioritize your health. The doctor said you have kidney deficiency. So, it’s better to focus on improving your health before anything else.”

Forrest asked, “This matter isn’t going to blow over, is it? You even believe in quacks. Sooner or later, I’ll make his clinic shut down.”

Madelyn reached out, leaving Forrest puzzled “What?”

“Confiscating your cigarettes” “You’re even meddling in my affairs now.” Forrest chuckled, yet a lingering sadness remained in his eyes.

“I’ve already told you everything you wanted to know. Now it’s time for you to fulfill your promise.”

Forrest readily pulled out a cigarette from his pocket. “You’re really damn nosy!”

These two brothers were quite something. They even shared the same habits, such as smoking the same brand of cigarettes and having similar tattoos.

Tutoring until half past eight, the time is almost up. Madelyn closed the book, “It’s getting late. You can stay in that apartment for now. I’ve rented it for a year but won’t be there often.”

“Sure.” Exiting the library, the rain outside continued to fall incessantly. In the chilly winter, the rain was always icy and piercing. Forrest held an umbrella, shielding her from the rain Under the streetlight, two figures walked, one in front of the other.

In the darkness not far away, Ethan appeared. He had a tall and elegant posture, dressed in a gray suit. He held a black umbrella and approached. Madelyn and Forrest both stopped in their tracks.

Upon seeing the approaching person, Madelyn was stunned. Then, she turned to Forrest and said, ” I’ll be going now.”

“Okay.” Madelyn stepped closer and stood under Ethan’s umbrella, and they walked away together. She inquired, “Why didn’t you give me a call? Do your legs still bother you when it’s rainy?”

“Not much.”

“I’d already committed to helping Forrest with his studies. I can’t go back on my word.”

“Yup, I understand.”

“Aren’t you upset?” Madelyn questioned.

 

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Ethan’s voice was calm as he spoke, “I’ve mentioned before that I respect your decision. That’s between him and me. It has nothing to do with you.”

Madelyn would not take sides or develop feelings for either of them. No matter if it was Forrest or Ethan. She belonged to herself alone.

“Thanks!” said Madelyn. Ethan looked down at her, “Thanks for what?”

Madelyn met his gaze. “You know what I mean.”

Ethan smiled, “Let’s go back!” “Sure.” Getting into the car, the heating function of the air conditioning inside quickly dispelled the cold from her body.

“I asked George to prepare some supper. What do you want to eat?” Ethan asked. “Just have the gnocchi that Rosario made. Being frozen for too long might affect their taste.”

“Sure. Anything else?” Madelyn said, “That’s enough. Eating a lot at night will make me gain weight.”

Ethan nodded with a gentle smile in his eyes. However, the smile didn’t quite reach his gaze. “I’ll listen to you.”

In the blink of an eye, Madelyn had been living in the Arnold residence for half a month. Everything was peaceful, with no significant incidents.

There was only one thing that kept bothering her-Julia’s whereabout. They found her, but all they discovered was her broken arm. The genetic testing confirmed her identity. She was dead. Just like Madelyn had suspected.

‘How could someone suddenly die?’ Apart from Zach, Madelyn could not think of anyone else. He had always been ruthless.

“Madelyn?”

Madelyn was startled by Jadie’s voice and dropped her phone when reading the news. Jadie picked it up and handed it back to her. “What are you so focused on? The camp is coming up soon. Are you planning to attend? The teachers have been reminding us about the registration.”

“I-I’m still considering,” said Madelyn, not coming to a decision yet. “I need to use the restroom.”

Madelyn walked out of the classroom and accidentally bumped into someone. “Ouch!” she exclaimed in pain, clutching her forehead.

“After all this time, you still haven’t learned to be careful?”

“This voice!’ Madelyn’s heart raced.

“I’m sorry, Zach. I really needed to use the restroom. Is the meeting over?” Today was the final day before the vacation, with the rescheduled parent-teacher conference taking place.

Zach’s expression appeared just as usual, without any anomalies. It was unsure whether he was disguising his feelings or genuinely unconcerned about Madelyn’s presence at the Arnold residence. Over these days, Zach had not made any moves concerning her departure from the Jent residence.

“The renovations at home are done. We can move back before the long break. When do you plan to return? After all, if you live with outsiders for too long…”

Zach leaned in close to her ear and spoke slowly and deliberately, “I might get angry!” A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes.

Madelyn’s heart tightened. Just as she was unsure how to respond, Jadie walked over. “Zach, I’m sorry. I can’t leave with you. I still have a Math Olympiad training class and a week of tutoring left.”

Zach said, “After your classes, I’ll have Kevin come to pick you up.”

“Okay.” Madelyn took the opportunity to leave for the restroom. As she dawdled back to the classroom, Zach was still there and seemed to be waiting for her.

“You have ten minutes to pack your things.”

Madelyn said, “I-I can go back on my own.”

Zach asked, “Rosario is not feeling well. Aren’t you going to check on her?”

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Madelyn followed behind Zach. Just as they left the school gate, she received a call from Ethan. Glancing at Zach’s back, Madelyn hesitated before answering, “Hello?”

“You have a long break starting today, right? How about I ask Leyton to pick you up and have lunch together?” asked Ethan. Madelyn said, “I… need to go to Zach’s place. Rosario is ill. I want to check on her.”

“I see. Well, be careful on your way. You can stay a bit longer, and I’ll come to pick you up in the evening.”

“Okay.” After ending the call, Madelyn approached the car. As she was about to open the door for the back seat, Zach’s cold voice came through, “Sit up front.”

Reluctantly, Madelyn put down her hand and settled into the front passenger seat. Suddenly, Zach, who was in the driver’s seat, leaned over and fastened her seatbelt. Madelyn felt nervous and was unable to breathe. She had an ingrained fear of him. It intensified after learning about Julia’s death. The car started moving slowly, and neither of them mentioned Julia’s demise throughout the journey.

Arriving at Grand Court, where Zach’s apartment was, Zach parked near the supermarket entrance. “Let’s go to the supermarket.”

“It’s okay. I’ll stay in the car and wait for you.”

Zach asked, “Are you waiting for me to get you out?”

Madelyn dared not to say anything more and got out of the car. She used to constantly nag Zach to go to the supermarket with her previously. However, he never went. He would patiently accompany Jadie to shopping but not her. Now, she dared not to ask for anything from him.

Zach pushed the shopping cart and headed to the seafood section. He bought various types of seafood, along with vegetables and fruits.

At the same time, Madelyn asked the person in charge of the seafood section for a bag of cooking wine and some ingredients like onions, spices, and garlic. The seafood was expensive, so it seemed reasonable to get something for free. She realized that this was their first-time shopping in a supermarket. She also discovered that he really did not know how to shop for groceries. He always chose not-so-fresh items. Mostly, Madelyn was the one who made the selection.

After buying these, Zach took her to the snack section. “What do you want to eat?”

Madelyn shook her head. “I… can’t eat these snacks.”

Zach was well aware of her health condition. “In that case, let’s buy some fruits.”

Zach bought a lot of strawberries and cherries in the end, spending over five hundred dollars. After leaving the supermarket, they placed the items in the trunk, Madelyn sat in the front passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt before he could approach

her.

After driving for a few minutes, the car stopped at the entrance of the residential area. Zach carried two big bags and entered the building. “Open the door.”

“Okay.” Madelyn entered the password for the door lock, and it opened with a beep. Without stopping, she went straight to the room where Rosario was staying. She found Rosario lying pale on the bed, and the room exuded the strong aroma of medicinal ointment.

Hearing the noise, Rosario opened her eyes and sat up immediately upon seeing Madelyn. “Madelyn, why have you come?”

“Zach told me you got injured, so I came to see you. Rosario, where did you hurt? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Rosario weakly explained, “I slipped and fell while going out to buy groceries. It was snowing, that’s why I hurt my waist. Have you been doing well during these days you’ve been staying at the Arnold residence? Have you been mistreated?”

Madelyn shook her head. “I’m fine, and no one has mistreated me. Don’t worry.”

“That’s good. You’ve never been away from home since you were little, and you don’t have many friends. I was worried you might be mistreated outside without telling your family.”

‘Did I suffer less mistreatment at home? Although the Arnold residence is a place of contention, it’s still better than being at the Jent residence.”

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Madelyn replied, “I haven’t been treated badly there. Ethan is really nice to me. He gives me rides to and from school every day.”

“That’s great,” Rosario replied, squeezing Madelyn’s hand and giving it a little pat.

“Did Mr. Jardin come back with you?”

“Yes.”

“Are you hungry? I can make something for you.”

Right as Rosario was about to get up, Madelyn gave her a gentle push, settling her back down. “I’ve got this. I cook whenever I’ve got free time at the Arnold residence,” Madelyn said.

“You’re from the Jent family. You shouldn’t be cooking for a servant like me.”

“At the Jent residence, I’m a daughter of the Jent family. But here, I’m just Madelyn. Don’t worry. It won’t take long.”

Madelyn left Rosario’s room and closed the door behind her.

She headed to the kitchen, where she found an apron hanging nearby. She put it on and took some ingredients from the fridge. Since it was getting late, she decided to make a simple meal. She chopped up some garlic, broccoli, and chicken meat.

Just then, Zach came out of his room after changing his clothes. His expression changed slightly when he spotted Madelyn busy in the kitchen. This scene had appeared in his dreams multiple times. In those dreams, whenever she turned around, she would give him a soft smile.

Since Madelyn’s hospitalization following her suicide attempt, Zach had picked up on her altered demeanor.

At the thought of that, he held back his irritation and made his way toward her.

“Hiss…” Madelyn accidentally cut her finger. A drop of blood fell onto the cutting board.

In the next moment, Zach grabbed her hand and rinsed the injured finger under the tap. The cold water pierced into the wound, making her wince.

Zach furrowed his brows, “If you can’t even cut broccoli properly, how are you going to take care of someone?”

He was really strong. No matter how hard Madelyn tried to pull her hand away, she couldn’t break free. She said, “Ethan has never asked me to cook”

“And so? That doesn’t mean you can run away from home!” Zach’s gaze turned cold.

Madelyn said, “You know very well why I went to the Arnold residence. Ethan would never hurt me.” She wished she could voice her next thought, ‘You’re the one who hurt me.’

But before she could continue, Zach’s demeanor shifted dramatically. In a sudden burst of emotion, he pulled her forcefully into his room.

He slammed shut the door and lowered his head to passionately kiss Madelyn. She stared wide-eyed, struggling and repeatedly pounding his chest.

While attempting to halt Zach’s advance and free herself, Madelyn unintentionally left a scratch mark on his neck. He scowled, raising her hands and firmly pinning her against the door. With unwavering strength, his left hand held her securely, leaving her powerless to resist. Meanwhile, his right hand explored the upper contours of her body.

Madelyn cursed inwardly, “You crazy bastard!”

She then heard his ragged breaths, recognizing them as the signs of his arousal. Tears of fear welled up in her eyes and fell

down in an instant.

It was a while before Zach finally let her go.

He asked her with a menacing gaze, “Has he touched you in any of the places I’ve touched?” Madelyn choked back tears, her delicate face turning a rosy hue.

“Zach Jardin! I… I’m your sister, how could you!” Madelyn’s body trembled as she spoke.

“I’m asking you a question!”

“No, he hasn’t!”

“It’s better stay that way!”

“Please don’t do this. We’re siblings!” Madelyn pleaded.

Zach resumed his action, caressing and kneading all her sensitive spots passionately until her knees gave in.

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After waiting for a whole hour, Rosario finally got her meal when Zach brought it to her. When Zach returned to his room, he saw Madelyn trembling on the bed. Her school uniform was all crumpled and messy. He realized he had been too rough her shirt was missing a few buttons, and the faint red marks below her neck were a lingering reminder of his actions.

Tears streaked her face, making her appear pitiful. Upon seeing him, Madelyn hurled a pillow at him. “Zach Jardin, you monster!” Zach caught the pillow with a smirk. “But you didn’t mind that, did you?”

“Just how many times I have to repeat myself. Listen, Zach Jardin, I DON’T LIKE YOU ANYMORE!” Madelyn cried out in a hoarse voice.

“That isn’t your decision to make. Don’t think that just because you’re at the Arnold residence, I can’t do anything to you!”

Zach walked up to her, reaching to brush aside a few strands of hair stuck together by her tears. “Do you really think you can stay at the Arnold residence forever? Don’t forget…. you’re a Jent!”

Madelyn slapped his hand away. “You will go to hell for this!”

An intimidating glint flashed in Zach’s eyes. Madelyn’s unyielding gaze further unsettled him. He sensed Madelyn was hinting at something. He asked himself, ‘Could she have found something out?”

However, he brushed aside the notion, thinking, ‘If she truly knew, she would have distanced herself from me even more. Some secrets should remain buried forever. She’s Hayson’s daughter, and I’m not his real brother. And that’s how it should be.

He then reached a decision in his mind, ‘If I can’t bring myself to harm her, I might as well keep her by my side, making her forever reliant on me.’

Zach said, “If I end up in hell, I’ll make sure to bring you along. Aren’t you the type who’d do anything for love, even take your own life? So, when the time comes, you’ll be ready to give up everything, won’t you?”

He added. “Be a good girl, and maybe I might… start having feelings for you as well.”

Those words were like a spell, trying to tempt Madelyn in her ear. But she stood firm, declaring, “I don’t want your feelings, you’re a monster!”

She fought to sit up, determined to leave. Before her feet even touched the ground, Zach grabbed her collar and pulled her back into his embrace.

“Zach, let go of me! Don’t touch me!”

He whispered in her ear, “Go ahead, shout! Scream as loudly as you can, let Rosario hear…”

He held her chin, forcing her to look up at the camera on the ceiling. It was aimed directly at the bed. “Don’t forget this is my room and what we just did. You wouldn’t want anyone to know that you have seduced your own brother!”

Madelyn shook her head, a shiver running through her heart. “No… That’s not true! You’re the one who dragged me here. You’re the one who did those horrible things to me without my consent, and now you are trying to threaten me?”

“Who will believe you? Everyone in the jent family knows… how far you’ve gone just to force me to become your boyfriend.”

Zach inhaled her scent, his face nestled against her neck as he pressed a kiss. Madelyn seethed with hatred. “You monster!”

“Madelyn, can’t you just be a good girl and stay at home?”

“You’re the one who forced me away! You tried to kill me!”

“So, this time I’m giving you a chance… When Father returns, move back home. Otherwise, you know the consequences!”

Madelyn’s feeble struggle ceased, and she no longer dared to let out screams. Instead, silent tears traced paths down her cheeks once more.

“I know that you despise me. But why did you do this to me? Zach Jardin, I hate you! I’ll hate you forever!”

“Hate me? Will it change anything?”

Madelyn’s animosity toward Zach didn’t seem to bother him. He let go of her and rose to his feet.

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning By Max Charming chapter 280

Madelyn sat on the bed with empty eyes like a broken doll. Zach pulled out a black shirt from the closet and tossed it onto the bed. “Take off your clothes and give them a wash. Change the dirty sheets and bed covers together.”

He walked to the doorway, picked up her pair of long white socks from the floor, and hung them on the back of a chair before leaving the room.

Madelyn didn’t stay in his room for long. She dashed into the room she had shared with Jadie. She removed her school uniform and put it in the trash bin. In the shower, she scrubbed herself vigorously, trying to wash away the feeling of his touch from her skin. Her thoughts were haunted by the disturbing scene of what he had subjected her to.

Tears welled up in Madelyn’s eyes as memories of that moment replayed in her thoughts. Though their physical intimacy fell short of intercourse, Zach’s actions had left an everlasting mark-a terrifying experience from which she believed she would never recover.

‘If he had done it, I don’t think I could bear it,’ Madelyn thought.

Madelyn did not change into the black shirt he had provided her after showering. Instead, she changed into the clothes she had left behind. Touching any of his possessions repulsed her.

As Madelyn came out of the room, Zach appeared as if nothing had happened. He set dining plates on the table. “Come over and eat.”

“I’m not hungry. I’m leaving!” She didn’t even look at him. The trauma that he had caused her had left her deeply averse to his presence.

“Madelyn!” His voice grew stern. Madelyn knew he didn’t like repeating himself, and her resistance would not change his mind. Reluctantly, she went over and took a seat. Zach handed her a set of cutleries, and she hesitated before accepting them, her gaze fixed downwards.

Zach then served the remaining creamy chicken with broccoli. This was the very first time that only the two of them sat at the dining table, sharing a meal.

Madelyn ate slowly, enduring his occasional touchy gestures. She had to bear with it.

“Later, I’ll take you back. We can go to the mall and pick out some clothes. You might get sick wearing such light clothes.”

Madelyn’s hand shook, and a fork slipped from her fingers to the floor. Swiftly, she retrieved it. “I-I’m okay, I have lots of clothes. I’ll go back by myself later.”

Zach took the fork from her and exchanged it for a new one from the kitchen. He added, “What about Rosario, though? I remember she’s been wearing the same coat for three or four years.”

He continued, “If you truly consider her family, shouldn’t you get her something?”

Upon hearing this, Madelyn thought, ‘He’s using Rosario’s situation as an excuse to take me to the mall. What’s his real intention?’

Despite being just a simple meal, Madelyn took her time, spending half an hour. Surprisingly, Zach didn’t scold her for her slowness.

“I… can’t eat any more,” Madelyn admitted. Zach encouraged, “Just a few more bites. Finish up. I’ll wait for you.”

Madelyn looked down, her voice soft and compliant. “I really don’t want to eat anymore.”

Zach checked his watch. “Fetch my coat from the couch.”

The way he asked reminded Madelyn of how things used to be before. It was like stepping back into her old life when she always did what he told her. Back then, she didn’t need to hear his words twice. He believed that, as his wife, she should act that way.

‘Why should I do it for him? We’re not married in this life! Why should I have to listen to him?’ Madelyn thought. Feeling a surge of determination, she said, “I’m not your servant. Get it yourself!”