Ch. 891..900
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 891
When Fred entered the house, his military boots made a loud sound that reverberated around the living room. The moonlight outside made his shadow look even longer.
Fred was just about to climb the stairs when he heard some noises upstairs. He stopped, like he was expecting someone to come down. After a few moments, Mya showed up. Her eyes were only half open, and they looked kinda blurry. She had a bunny plushie in her hand.
She slowly went downstairs. When she got to the bottom, she sort of went past Fred without noticing him. Right then, Fred could tell that Mya didn’t see him. She went straight out the door while the wind was blowing really strong.
Fred walked after her, being really patient. They walked until they got to a little shed. Mya went inside and plopped down suddenly. Fred looked around the shed. It seemed like it hadn’t been cleaned in forever. Dust was all over the place, and it smelled pretty gross.
Fred stared at her and said, “Get up.”
Mya answered, “I will behave. Don’t let me go hungry. I will behave…” What she said made Fred scrunch up his forehead.
“Don’t hit me. It hurts…” Mya pleaded. She held onto her rabbit plushie while crying. Fred was not sure if Mya was sleepwalking. He did not expect such a happy-go-lucky girl to cry so sorrowfully. His gaze darkened.
Fred knelt down and lifted Mya’s chin. He said, “I’ll protect you. Do you want to come with me? Mmm?”
“Can I not eat medicine every day? I don’t like to eat medicine, but I won’t get smart once I don’t eat my medicine…” Mya bargained.
“Mmm, if you don’t like to, you don’t need to,” Fred replied.
“Can I eat something nice every day? I’m not smart. Will you still like me? Just like how Madelyn does?
The next day, the sun came up. The wind from last night messed up the flowers in the garden. The shouts of worried servants broke the quiet morning.
A servant held a note and hurried downstairs. She yelled, “Something really bad happened, Mr. and Mrs. Harper. Ms. Harper was taken away.”
After ten minutes, Grace nearly passed out from reading the note. Simon grabbed his chest and almost fell over from the pain in his chest.
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 892
The note read: [I took her. Fred Turner]
‘Fred Turner? I don’t know him in person. How did Mya even get to know this demon?’ Simon thought. He suddenly started breathing fast. Grace took his heart medicine from his pocket and gave it to him to help him calm down.
Ventropolis Prison seemed like an ancient castle, enclosed by sturdy concrete walls. Apart from soldiers pacing with guns, there were many risky traps, and electric fences covered the walls.
When Mya woke up, she saw the purple ceiling and noticed a strange smell. Mya sat up, holding onto her head. She asked, “Where am I? Where are my parents?”
“Good morning, Ms. Harper,” someone greeted her. Mya heard it and looked over to see a girl about her age. She was dressed in a maid’s outfit and kneeled beside the bed.
“Ah! Who are you? Why are you here?” Mya cried in fear, clutching the bunny plushie. She shivered while sitting at the edge of the bed, seeing a stranger.
The maid replied, “Don’t be scared, Ms. Harper. It was Mr. Turner who brought you back. I’ll help you shower and change into some clothes now.”
The maid put a basin on the bed that Mya hadn’t seen before. She took a blue towel and wrung it dry. Then, she got ready to wipe Mya’s face.
Terrified, Mya rushed toward the door. However, upon stepping outside, she was startled by the scene. It was an endless corridor with a purple carpet, and eerie paintings decorated the old- fashioned walls.
Not knowing where to go, Mya picked a direction and ran. Surprisingly, she discovered stairs leading downstairs. Mya hurried down six flights of stairs and felt exhausted.
‘Who built such a huge house with so many floors!’ Mya cursed to herself, also feeling dizzy from all the running.
“Ms. Harper, it’s dangerous to run around the castle. Mr. Turner will be back soon,” The maid hurriedly ran after her. However, she was not fast enough for Mya’s legs. Mya was very agile even though she was chubby.
Mya sprinted toward the hall, her bare feet feeling the cold floor. The busy servants in the hall noticed her running and, within seconds, it turned into a massive chase. Mya clutched the bunny plushie’s ears, still in her pajamas.
“You can’t chase me! I want to go home!” Mya shouted.
“Ms. Harper, please don’t run. If Mr. Turner sees this, we’ll all be in trouble. Please go back upstairs and put on some clothes,” one of the servants pleaded, but Mya paid no attention. She just wanted to go home.
“Oh no, Mr. Turner is said. back…” a servant
Fred entered, dressed in a black military uniform and black boots with an eagle brooch on his chest. His second in command followed him. Fred, unaware of what happened, saw Mya running toward him, screaming his name, “Fred!”
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 893
Mya’s hair was all messy from running around. She clutched the bunny plushie’s ears in her hand, and her cute face looked really scared. She rushed up to Fred while he just stood there. Grabbing onto his belt, she hid behind him. Fred was surprised and tried to stretch out his arm, but Mya peeked out from under it, holding onto his clothes tight.
“Fred,” Mya said, “bad guys caught me, and they wanted to bully me just now.”
The officers behind Fred looked tense. When Mya called Fred by his name, they frowned in dissatisfaction, all staring at her. If Mya was a normal person, she might have been scared, but she wasn’t. Not only did she look fearless, but she also seemed clueless about it all.
“Tell me, who bullied you?” Fred asked while looking at her. His question made the faces of the servants in the hall turn pale.
The servants hurried over and knelt down beside them. One of them explained, “Mr. Turner, Ms. Harper came downstairs looking all messy and without her shoes. We did all this for her own good, sir.”
“Without shoes?” Fred questioned, glancing back. Mya’s feet were bare, and she glanced at him nervously. Thinking he might be upset, she quickly let go of his waist and started rubbing her hands together.
Fred turned around and carried her princess-style before walking into the living room. “You can’t even keep watch of a person, so there’s no point keeping any of you,” Fred commented.
However, his comment had decided their fate. All the servants were shocked and begged, “Mr. Turner… No…
“Mr. Turner…” Another servant pleaded. They were then dragged off with their mouths covered. The servants were around their twenties.
Mya looked back curiously and saw that everyone had disappeared. When Fred brought her to the couch, Mya sat on the couch restlessly. She surveyed her surroundings while asking, “Fred, why am I here? Where are my parents? I want to go home, so can you send me home?”
‘This place is huge and beautiful! It’s as beautiful as Madelyn’s house. It just doesn’t smell as nice as her house,’ Mya thought simultaneously.
Fred pulled her back and sat her on his lap. He asked her, “You don’t like it here?”
Mya was uncomfortable by his hugging and disliked the odor he had on him. Mya rose from his arms and said, “I want to be with my parents. They’ll be worried for me if I don’t return home.”
Fred assured her, “I’ve already told them about you coming over.”
“Really? Then can I stay for a few more days?” Mya asked.
“Of course, “Fred replied. He looked like a delighted predator that had caught its prey. Then, Mya sat back on the sofa while staring at the bizarre items around them. She asked him, “Is this your house, Fred?”
Fred answered her question patiently, ” You like it? If you like it… I permit you to continue to stay here.”
Mya shook her head and replied, “I’ll stay for a few days. My mom said I can’t accept anything that isn’t mine. Staying too long at someone else’s house is not good too.”
Fred gave a mysterious smile. His hand grazed her waist through her thin clothing as he asked, “Then how about I let Madelyn come and keep you company for a few days?”
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 894
“Yeah, sure!” Mya said happily. The servants who were taken away were now replaced. The new ones were even prettier and sexier than the previous ones. All dressed in maid uniforms, they strolled around with their hips swaying. They also prepared a tasty lunch for Fred and Mya.
Mya slipped on the shoes the servants brought without realizing the potentially risky situation she was entering. She strolled over to the dining table without much thought and happily dug into her lunch.
These servants were top-notch, handpicked from Sin City. Their monthly pay was almost as much as a family earned in a whole year. Beyond their household duties, these servants also had to meet their master’s more personal needs. It was a part of their job to keep their master company through the night, as every man tended to feel lonely then.
Not every servant got the chance to work here. They had to go through a tough selection process, considering things like looks, physique, and even cooking skills..
One servant sat on Fred’s lap, holding silver cutlery and feeding him, while another poured wine for him. Mya, focused on her meal, paid little attention to Fred’s unrestrained behavior. The servant beside her kept piling up her plate, and everyone struggled to suppress their laughter.
Mya didn’t mind as long as her stomach was full. After polishing off her meal, she even had another bowl of soup.
After giving a loud burp. Mya rubbed her plump stomach and said, satisfied, “Fred, I’m full. Thank you for your hospitality. I’ll be going upstairs to sleep.”
Before leaving, Mya took a slice of blueberry cake and ran up the stairs like a kid. There was an elevator for going up and down the floors, but Mya did not notice it.
When she left, the sexy blonde on Fred’s lap pressed her breast on Fred’s chest and asked, “Mr. Turner, who is that? She doesn’t look that bright.”
Fred stared at the woman in his arms and raised her chin. He spoke with a loose tone, “She’s just a pet. She doesn’t need to be too bright.”
The blonde smiled and fed him a few gulps of wine.
Mya, on the other hand, was lying on the bed. Mya rolled around the soft bed while the servants would come and give her fruits. At home, her mother would control her appetite and only give her snacks once a day. Hence, her current situation was better than before. She could eat what she wanted with no one to control her.
Mya laid down on the bed and took out the antique pocket watch from her pocket. The watch showed that it was twelve in the afternoon, and a picture was on the other side. Mya caressed the picture while mumbling, “Madelyn’s already back, so you should come back soon, too.”
She did not realize that what she said was heard by Fred. Mya, who just finished her meal, was already sleepy. After tucking inside the blanket, she fell asleep in a few minutes.
Fred walked into the door and sat by the bed. He stared at Mya’s refined features while her hand was placed on her chest. Fred hooked his finger on the gold chain on her chest and pulled the pocket watch out.
He opened it and saw the person in the picture. His gaze darkened. He smiled and thought, “She still has a sweetheart?”
Unaware of how intimidating he looked, Fred continued, ‘Looks like I’ll have to take care of this person.’
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 895
In the shadowy study, adorned with European-style furnishings, a bronze statue of Jesus with an integrated cross design took pride of place on a dark desk. Seated across from it, Riley Tillman, Fred’s deputy, clutched a photograph. “Sir, tracking this guy down might be really tough-there’s no cell service out in that area. But it’s like this guy is onto us. We lost all our leads by the time our team got there- he’d vanished.”
Fred reclined in an armchair, playing with a small, ornate dagger. The blade gleamed sharply, complemented by the large, shining blue sapphire on its hilt. He asked, “What was his last known address?”
“Wrupant Village,” Riley replied promptly. “Our guys showed up and he had vanished.”
“Tell them to round up a bigger team. I want him found, whether he’s breathing or not.”
“Got it,” Riley replied. A moment later, Fred’s expression changed as a knowing grin took over. On second thought, cancel that. I’m going myself. Get my car ready.”
Madelyn was jolted awake in her bed at the Jent residence by a cold draft from the window. Anxiety washed over her as she sprang up, slipped into her slippers, and hurried to the nursery next door-once her own room. The large closet, a silent witness to her past, was still filled with her outfits and keepsakes. Among these was a precious album, a gift from Ethan, which she had kept hidden from Zach.
After rummaging through the closet, she unearthed a metal box that safeguarded her most treasured possessions, including an old cellphone that held her email account from back home. She switched it on-luckily, it was half-charged-and checked her inbox. A flood of video messages from Forrest greeted her.
With a hand clasped over her mouth, Madelyn watched as the once-familiar boy transformed before her eyes into a weathered man, his once-bright eyes now reflecting a deeper story. In the background, a rustic village hinted at his current world. Despite the changes time had wrought, his signature mischievous smile was unmistakable. ‘ For years, he has kept his promise without ever giving up. When Madelyn looked down, tears dropped from her eyes and dotted the floor. She hoped that all he was doing was for himself, not for her.
Madelyn was in the walk-in closet, absorbed in the videos from Forrest. They had been in touch off and on for the past four years. Time flew by, and before she realized it, four hours had passed.
Zach finished his work early and was already home, heading upstairs.
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 896
Margaret, busy in the room with Dalton, noticed the sound of someone at the door. She knocked softly on the closet door. “Ms. Jent, Mrs. Jardin is back,” she announced quietly.
Madelyn, alerted by Margaret’s gentle warning, quickly got up, tucked her cellphone into the box, and hid it back in its secret spot. Zach, overhearing the faint murmur of voices, gently opened the door and stepped inside. He scanned the room carefully but did not immediately see Madelyn.
Margaret feigned surprise and said, ” Oh! Ms. Jent is right in the walk-in closet, trying to pick out some clothes. She mentioned wanting to mix up her wardrobe with something new and lively.”
Zach did not question Margaret’s made -up story. He valued her support for Madelyn and did not think it was right to scold her. As he opened the closet door, he saw Madelyn stepping out, holding onto some old pajamas. However, it wasn’t the pajamas that grabbed Zach’s notice; it was Madelyn’s eyes, red and swollen from crying. Concerned, he reached out, asking, “Have you been crying?”
Madelyn spun around, pulling back from his hand, worried he might see the truth in her eyes. “Nah, it’s nothing, ” she said, trying to sound calm, “just a bug flew in my eye.”
“Let me see,” Zach said, moving closer with a worried look. Madelyn moved away, “Really, there’s no need; I’m okay now,” trying to put space between them.
Dalton was crawling around and eventually reached Madelyn’s feet. She glanced down at him. He grabbed the hem of her pants and pulled himself up, his eyes wide with anticipation.” Mama, mama…” he babbled, reaching out for her. Despite her initial hesitation, Madelyn’s instincts kicked in; she picked up Dalton and carried him away from the room, Zach’s gaze following them.
After Madelyn and Dalton had left the room, Zach turned to face Margaret. His expression was serious, and it was enough to make Margaret feel uneasy.
Margaret, startled by Zach’s intense look, said, “Mr. Jardin, please, that’s a very serious gaze.” She hastened to add, “Ms. Jent tends to keep to herself. She just came in a little while ago. That’s honestly all I know.”
Downstairs, Madelyn was feeding Dalton when the doorbell soon rang. As the door swung open, a fashion brand manager in a black uniform stepped in with a recognizing smile. “Ms. Jent, it’s quite the surprise to see you, especially with a baby,” she said.
Her assistants trailed behind her as she continued, “Mr. Jardin has handpicked our latest collection for you. Please take a look at these pieces and let us know your thoughts. Should they not be to your taste, we have a variety of other options for you to consider.”
In the kitchen, as Margaret stirred the pot of sweet fruit soup, she could not shake a feeling of worry-her harmless little white lie had been taken to heart by Zach.
Madelyn, mulling over the stories Margaret had concocted for her, was hit by a pang of conscience. Initially inclined to refuse the delivery, she gave it a second thought. Eyeing the stack of boxes, she said to the woman, “These will be fine, thank you. Could you please have them brought upstairs?”
“Of course, Ms. Jent. We’re at your service,” the manager replied with a polite smile. As the manager’s assistants started to pick up the boxes to carry upstairs, Madelyn said, “Let’s keep these here for now. They’ll be moved up later on.”
The manager, always ready to assist, said, “We can take care of that immediately, Ms. Jent.”
Madelyn replied, “I’d prefer them here, thank you. I need to organize upstairs a bit first.”
With a nod, the manager completed the delivery and then led her team outside. Madelyn glanced briefly at the clothes and jewelry. Not finding the jewelry appealing, she lost interest and went back to her room with Dalton.
After a calm feeding session, they played with his toys on the floor. Meanwhile, the servants efficiently organized the new outfits and removed the old ones, packing them into boxes for storage upstairs.
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 897
On the dressing table, Madelyn’s makeup was accompanied by an array of sparkling jewelry. Necklaces and earrings lay in perfect order – just the way Madelyn liked it. These pieces were not just pretty; they were expensive. Even the tiniest diamond earrings could have gotten you a big, fancy house in Ventropolis. Every item had a special code and Madelyn’s name on it. If someone had tried to snatch one, any shop expert could have told it was hers in a heartbeat. No thief would dare lay a finger on them.
In the study, Zach was deep into a transnational video conference, pouring over the details of overseas medical investment projects. He had also set up a foundation to back the medical researchers. The risk of the funds evaporating without a trace did not faze him; to Zach, the investment was completely justified.
There was a photograph on Zach’s desk: Madelyn in her Ventrocloud High School uniform. Her smile was wide, capturing the spirit of her first day at high school–a memory Zach had preserved with a click of his camera on that significant day.
The meeting focused on the companies Zach invested in. They had rebounded from an economic slump and were now surpassing earnings forecasts. The total value of these international company shares he had acquired for a bargain had skyrocketed. Zach also took pride in a portfolio of medical patents with Jardin Corporation, ensuring that even if the company faced challenges, his family’s financial security would remain intact.
Moreover, Jardin Corporation’s growth was making a notable impact on the global economy.
News of Jardin Corporation and Zach’s achievements had spread worldwide. Just three hours after the story leaked, Jardin Corporation’s PR team was overwhelmed by the barrage of calls. Reporters were eager for a scoop, each vying for an exclusive interview with Zach.
Kevin emerged from the meeting room, and Blake quickly shook off her drowsiness. She offered her coffee to Kevin with swift movements.
“Is the meeting over, Mr. Harrison? Can I leave now?” Blake asked.
Kevin, focused on the corridor ahead, tidied his tie. “Last through tonight, and I’ll raise your salary, and your end- of-year bonus will be three times bigger.”
Blake was startled. ‘Could he actually be sharing the wealth?” she thought. Then it clicked. ‘Boss must have landed a big win again. A twinge of jealousy bit at her. ‘Why do the windfalls never come my way?’
The quiet that usually enveloped Jardin Corporation had been shattered. Journalists converged on the building from every direction, microphones at the ready, all vying for a piece of the story.
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 898
Kevin exited the elevator, and Blake was right on his heels, her arms laden with documents. Blake, serving as an intern in the secretarial department under Cecilia, had never before been involved in such a critical situation at the company. Since Cecilia had been absent from the office for an extended period, Blake was now answering directly to Kevin.
Ever since Blake started working for Kevin, she had not enjoyed a single day of rest; it had been a grueling three months. The only thing keeping her going was the prospect of a hefty bonus come year-end; without that, she would have already left. Lately, she caught herself longing for the less hectic times.
The bursts from the cameras were blinding, making it a challenge for Blake to keep her eyes open. Standing meekly behind Kevin, she observed him, noting with a mix of respect and envy how he managed to handle the reporters’ relentless questions with such ease.
One reporter asked, “With Zach Jardin now among the global top five richest, and the Jardin Corporation as one of the strongest, what are the plans for the company moving forward?”
Another journalist added, “Rumors suggest Zach Jardin is considering leaving the country. Is there any truth to this?”
A third reporter said, “We haven’t seen much of Mrs. Jardin since your deal with YTCorp. Is she thinking about stepping down from her company duties to focus on her home life?”
Questions bombarded Blake, and she felt totally shocked. In her head, she started to list them, unsure if she could handle that kind of stress.
Kevin stayed calm and answered the reporters’ questions. “Ladies and gentlemen, you’ll get your answers from the PR department after tomorrow,” he said. “Apologies, but I won’t comment on personal questions about Mr. Jardin.” After a quick look at his watch, he continued, “That’s it for the interview today.” He gave a signal to his bodyguards, who made sure the reporters did not come inside the building with them.
Blake snapped to attention when she saw Kevin ahead. She hurried to catch up and stepped into the elevator beside him. Gripping the documents, she took a deep breath and asked, “Mr. Harrison, are we actually in the top five worldwide companies, not just the top 500, like the reporters mentioned?”
Kevin regarded her calmly. “What do you think?”
Blake’s hands flew to her cheeks, her eyes growing wide. “And the raise it really happening?” is
“Doesn’t it seem likely?”
Kevin played a key role at the company, overseeing the entire secretarial team and having the authority, given by Zach, to hire or fire staff as needed. They had planned for many of the scenarios they were now facing, including their dealings with the Young family, but the speed at which things were happening was a surprise. For Kevin, the future direction of the company was becoming obvious.
Zach had become a constant presence in social circles, dominating local chatter. The newspapers were full of stories about him, and each day the mailman would bring a fresh batch.
The maids, eager to keep Madelyn away from the gossip, didn’t think twice about tossing the papers. But no matter how hard they tried to keep it from her, Madelyn always ended up scrolling through the latest news about Zach on her phone.
At a grand gala, Zach strolled with Cecilia, radiant in her rose-gold mermaid gown. In their hands were glasses of red wine as they smiled for the cameras. Madelyn had witnessed Zach and Cecilia together in the spotlight in her previous life. However, this time, their picture-perfect image in the media didn’t affect her.
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 899
‘I just knew things would go back to how they started. Zach, I knew you would be tired of me,’ Madelyn thought. All she could do now was wait for Zach to show her the door. She wouldn’t be free until she left the Jent residence behind. If not, she worried she might never escape being wrapped up in Zach’s world.
In the video, Zach was in the spotlight, and his influence in Ventropolis now overshadowed even that of the once- dominant Arnold family. The more Zach triumphed, the more Madelyn stewed over it.
‘How did Zach get so much money and power? Did he do it at the Arnolds’ expense, climbing over them ruthlessly to fulfill his ambitions? Is this the kind of conquest you wanted, Zach?’ Madelyn pondered quietly, her eyes fixed on the horizon through the big windows of her studio. The setting sun bathed her in a warm golden light, contrasting sharply with the cool, detached gleam in her gaze.
A maid climbed the stairs. “Mrs. Jardin, dinner is ready.”
“Okay,” Madelyn replied. Zach still hadn’t come home, and the maids looked at Madelyn with sympathy, believing he had left her. They tip-toed around her, being careful not to upset her. But then they realized they might have misunderstood. They found out Madelyn was really nice, like, super nice. It seemed like she didn’t even mind that Zach wasn’t being faithful.
Madelyn made her way to the dining room and settled into the silence for her evening meal. Apart from her and Dalton, with Margaret aiding Dalton, the expansive hall was deserted.
Engrossed in her research, she sifted through books and papers on ancient mythology, a key component for the new video game Leonardo was working on. It was a novel endeavor for her, filled with unexplored complexities.
Yet, the house echoed with Zach’s absence, creating a feeling of him lingering in the shadows. ‘Do I miss him? No, that would be sheer lunacy,’ Madelyn thought.
After dinner, with an extra helping of meatloaf and a big serving of mashed potatoes tonight, she headed back to the quiet of her studio. The peacefulness of her work got a brief interruption from Dalton’s lively excitement, which she eased with some playful distraction. With the nighttime routine settled and Dalton snug in bed by eight-thirty, Madelyn could retreat to her studio once again.
When the clock struck midnight, Zach had enjoyed his fair share at the gathering, a must in the midst of politicians and dignitaries. Cecilia, who had driven Zach home, parked in front of the Jent residence. Its front was only interrupted by the glow from a solitary third-floor window. She leaned back, took a long drag from her cigarette, and let out a slow exhale.
Cecilia shot Zach a meaningful look. ” What good is a canary that won’t sing? We’ve been through this-if she can’t have kids, I’m here. An heir is important to you, right?”
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 900
Zach rubbed his forehead and took a moment to rest in the passenger seat. Then, without saying anything to Cecilia, he quietly left the car. Carrying his black suit over his arm, he walked through the unlocked front door, heading straight for the foyer.
Margaret had been half-asleep at the dining table when a noise made her jump. “Oh my… Mr. Jardin?” she said, wide-eyed.
Zach hung his jacket on the coat rack without making a fuss. He glanced around the room. “Where’s Madelyn?” he asked.
Margaret said, “Ms. Jent spent the whole day drawing. I was making her supper for later, but I must’ve fallen asleep.” Her words trailed off as worry etched her face. “Oh no, the creamy chicken soup!” Hastily, she made her way to the kitchen. Upon returning with a steaming bowl of soup, she noticed Zach was no longer there.
Madelyn, yawning, emerged from Dalton’s room and bumped into Zach, who was coming up the stairs. Their eyes met briefly, and then she averted her gaze. A gust of wind brought the familiar scent of Chanel, a perfume Cecilia was known to wear. The cool detachment in Madelyn’s eyes startled Zach. Deep down, he always sought more than just company; he longed for Madelyn’s heart too. But now, they might as well be strangers.
Margaret brought up the creamy chicken soup upstairs. In the room, Zach relieved her of the bowl and placed it gently on the desk beside Madelyn. Madelyn, attempting to place her drawing board down and finding no space, paused.
Without a word, Zach took the board and made room for her. “Take your time with the drawing. Drink some soup and rest up,” he said with a gentle tone. Madelyn did not respond, her eyes fixed elsewhere. Zach tucked the board away, opened a window to the night, and leaned on the sill, watching her sip the soup. He took a thoughtful drag from his cigarette, the smoke disappearing into the night. ‘We used to be so close, sharing every part of our lives,’ he mused. ‘But now, there’s only silence, as if a great divide has grown between us.’
“Why didn’t you tell me you were looking for Forrest?” Zach asked.
Madelyn paused, her spoon suspended midair, and looked at him with tired, red eyes. “”Do you know where Forrest is, Zach? What did you do? Why can’t I find him?”
Zach stared back at her. She went on, getting more worried. “Did you make him disappear? Tell me, Zach. How many more people are going to get hurt because of you?”
Zach dropped his cigarette and stepped on it. “I never meant to hurt him, you know that, right?”
“Believe you? That’s funny,” Madelyn replied, her laugh sharp. “I don’t trust a word you say. If you hurt Forrest, we’re done.” Madelyn left in a hurry. At the door, she looked back, her voice cold. “You’ll have to answer for what you’ve done.”
As soon as she left, Zach’s phone rang. He grabbed it. “Yeah?”
“Mr. Jardin, your special ring is ready, set for delivery tomorrow,” the caller said.
“Today. Make it happen,” Zach said.
“But-”
Zach didn’t let the caller finish. He hung up, making it clear. The delivery was quickly arranged, and within two hours, Zach had the ring in his hands.