Chapter 113

Ever since getting hurt, Jadie had moved out of school and had been resting at home.

Today, Zach had a rare day off, so she had persuaded him to venture out and pay a visit to Madelyn in the hospital. Jadie felt like if she were to stay cooped up at home any longer, she would go crazy.

They had not visited Madelyn often during this time; it was mostly Rosario who came by. They even had Rosario whip up a bunch of dishes to bring to the hospital. After being taken care of by Rosario for these past few months, Jadie’s originally slim face had gained some baby fat.

For this outing, Jadie had made an effort to dress up, choosing to leave her plain face free of makeup.

Her hair was done in braided pigtails, resting on her shoulders, and she wore a light- colored knee-

length skirt. Walking beside Zach, they did not look like a couple, more like an uncle and his niece. As the pair approached the hospital room, they noticed an unfamiliar face inside. Jadie almost felt like they had entered the wrong room until they spotted Madelyn outside on the balcony.

Madelyn, catching sight of Zach and Jadie at the door, felt a flash of panic but tried to retain a calm tone as she continued speaking on the phone. “Sure, if you like it, I can make an extra portion of pastry for you from now on. You can message me if there’s anything you can’t eat.

“As long as you make it, I’ll like it.

“I’ll have to hang up now. My brother’s here to see me.

“Alright.”

After hanging up the phone, Madelyn stepped off the balcony and returned the phone to the bodyguard. “Thanks for making the trip.”

“No problem.”

He left, and only then did Madelyn turn her gaze to Zach and Jadie. Her expression was indifferent, emotionless. Even the smile on her face was just for the sake of courtesy. “Zach, Jadie, what brings you here?”

Seeing Zach remain silent, Jadie hesitated a bit before stepping forward, offering the carnations she had brought. “Madelyn, I’m sorry we haven’t come to see you till now. We’ve had mock exams lately.

I’ve been cramming, and Zach… he’s been working late. I hope your don’t mind.”

Madelyn took the bouquet, a faint smile on her lips. “No problem. I’ll be discharged in a few more days anyway. Thanks for coming to see me. Let me get you some water.”

Her voice was distant and detached, as if they were guests that she was not very familiar with.

“No need. Zach and I will be leaving soon. We don’t want to disturb your rest.”

Feeling the intensity of their gazes, Madelyn avoided looking at them and nervously tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, I won’t keep you then. Have fun.”

“Have you had dinner yet? Zach brought some food Rosario cooked…”

Suddenly, a gust of wind from the outside scattered the drawing papers everywhere on the table.

Madelyn rushed over to press the rest of the drawings down with a sketch pad. One sketch drifted to Zach’s feet. He bent down to pick it up. It was a portrait of a man. And there were more.

Zach suddenly spoke up. “Have you been drawing these in the hospital?” There was a hint of displeasure in his voice.

Madelyn picked it up, dusting off the sketch. “I had nothing to do, so I just tried drawing something.”

Jadie glanced at the drawing, asking, “Is this man someone you like, Madelyn?”

‘Like? Him? I won’t fall for anyone. One bitter lesson is enough for me.’

Madelyn explained, “He’s a new friend I made in the hospital. I had nothing to do, so I let him be my model.”

Jadie noticed the table was filled with books about sketching and a set of drawing pencils.

Zach then asked, “You’ve got finals coming up, and you’re still fooling around with all this?”