Just then, a phone call interrupted her thoughts.It was an unknown number. Madelyn did not know who the number belonged to, but she had a faint idea.For some reason, the unfamiliar string of numbers on the screen had turned into the words "Cecilia Samford."Madelyn gripped the hem of her dress. It was like she had forgotten how to breathe.She took the call and held the phone by her ear. Five seconds passed, and neither of them spoke. Madelyn could feel her heart pounding, "Hello? This is Madelyn Jent speaking. Who's this?"Madelyn heard the person on the other end of the line snickered. Then, they hung up the phone.The person's blatant mockery was like a slap in Madelyn's face.'Was that Donna Jolie? Didn't she return a long time ago? That day, when Ethan found me after I disappeared, what was that fearful and strange look in his eyes?' she wondered.Madelyn squatted down, and her long hair fell over her face. She felt a sense of powerlessness washed over her.Deep down, M

Madelyn stared at her phone screen.'Should I tell him I won't be going home tonight?' she wondered.Madelyn was tired.'What are we right now? If Ethan can't forget about Donna and remain in contact with her, why is he with me? Is it to spite Donna for her abrupt departure back then? I'm not their tool,' she thought again.Madelyn could not stand Ethan's betrayal. However, she was worried she would face what she had predicted if she left the Arnold residence and returned to the Jent residence. She would fall back into Zach's hands and be humiliated by him.Right now, Madelyn only had two choices: play dumb and continue going to school while receiving the Arnold family's protection, or break up with Ethan and return to her harsh, former life at the Jent residence.Madelyn already knew her answer after considering all this.School ended at eight-thirty. A familiar car punctually pulled over outside of the school.Madelyn went to the backseat, and someone was already sitting ther

'Because I already know what I want. I want to accept the affection and protection he gives me. Humans are selfish creatures... I know what awaits me if I return to the Jent family without Ethan. That's why I can play dumb even if he still has lingering feelings for Donna. Currently, I need Ethan, whether it's using him or merely treating him as my emotional support. But I don't feel guilty toward him because I genuinely want to like him and be with him,' Madelyn thought.She lamented, 'But this is under the premise that I can accomplish my plans. Even if we part ways in the future, I won't need to rely on others. Equity was never a part of the equation. In the future, Ethan will only see the Madelyn I want to show him. Relationships and marriages are the same. One cannot stop the other if they want to cheat.'"No worries. I'll get used to it eventually. Besides, I rarely leave the house. I spend most of my time at school. If anything, I'll just ignore what others say."Madelyn acte

The night breeze rustled the heavy curtains as Madelyn emerged from the bathroom, towel-drying her hair. She walked to the bedside table, wanting to charge her phone. Its screen was marred by a crack. It had been working perfectly fine during the day, but now it was constantly disconnecting while she tried to charge it.Suddenly, the phone vibrated, and Zach's number appeared on the screen, causing Madelyn's heart to skip a beat. She didn't answer but watched as the call ended automatically.She thought he might give up, but he immediately sent several messages.[I know you're not asleep this early.][You're being naughty again.][Answer the phone, or I'll come to the Arnold residence myself.]Madelyn held her breath, and her heart raced. Soon, she received a video clip. It was a steamy, intimate video of them in his car.He messaged again, [You wouldn't want this to be seen by others, would you?]Madelyn felt a shiver run down her spine. She had no idea when he had taken that

At half-past five in the afternoon, during the Math Olympiad training class, Albert had just finished explaining the last problem. So, he closed the textbook and said, "We've covered all topics. Does anyone have any questions? If not, you can all head back early today. Review what you need to, get a good night's rest, and don't let it affect your performance tomorrow. And one last thing, don't be late, and don't forget to bring your admission tickets."After giving some additional instructions, Albert picked up his books and left.The others started packing up their bags, while Lem came over and patted Madelyn on the shoulder. "Class is dismissed early. Want to hang out?""I'm not going. I have something to do later," she replied.Lem said, "I've heard that excuse from you a hundred times. Is it because your parents are strict?"Madelyn smiled faintly but didn't say anything.Kennedy gave Lem a meaningful look. Lem seemed to suddenly remember something. He covered his mouth, real