Chapter 18 " Yes , when our driver went to pick up Miss Jent today , she didn't come out of the school . I've checked all her usual after - school activities , and she didn't show up anywhere . I've already called the police . Mr. Jardin , what do we do ? Nothing could've happened to her , could it?" Rosario's voice was steeped in worry . Zach handled the steering wheel while punching numbers on his phone . " It shouldn't have . Madelyn called me a little while ago , and I missed her call . I'm going to start by checking out her favorite spots . Once I find her , I'll let you know . " " Alright , alright . " Rosario hung up , and Zach set his phone aside . Jadie , overhearing their conversation , was alarmed . " How could Madelyn just vanish ? Do you think something happened to her ? " " Most likely , she's gone off somewhere without telling anyone . You don't need to worry . I'll drop you off first . " " I can come with you to look for Madelyn , Zach . ' He shook his head , his voice edged with frost . " No need . I might know where she is . " ' Madelyn with her arrogant and headstrong ways is used to getting what she wants , probably just annoyed that I ignored her call . It won't be the first time she's pulled such a stunt , ' Zach thought , irritated by her actions but knowing he would be the one who would have to take the initiative . He was not overly concerned ; in fact , a part of him thought her disappearance might be a blessing . As the length of the night unfurled , the car eased to a stop in front of an upscale high - rise in the city center . Zach got out , carrying shopping bags , walked around the front of the car , and opened the passenger door . Jadie stepped out , a vision in her light blue floral dress , long hair cascading over her shoulders , a tall and graceful silhouette under the streetlights . " Zach , you should go find Madelyn . I can get up to my apartment on my own . " Zach handed her the shopping bags , not too heavy , filled with the latest designer clothes . " Alright , just remember to get some rest . Don't wait up for me . " " I understand , Zach . " " Go ahead , I'll watch you go . " Feeling the heat rising in her cheeks , Jadie turned away under Zach's gaze . At that moment , her heart felt like a fawn had taken residence , bouncing wildly against her chest . The cool breeze did nothing to quell the warmth on her face . Ever since returning from her recovery abroad , their relationship , save for the intimate parts , felt akin to a normal couple's - eating meals together , saying goodnight before sleep , and Zach picking her up after work . ' Zach and I … ' Jadie could not bear to think about it . With Madelyn in the picture , her chances with Zach were slim . She was unsure whether her feelings for Zach were out of dependency or genuine affection . Zach had been her only family throughout her life . They had weathered the toughest of times , sleeping rough on the streets , fighting off vagabonds - they had done it all . ' If … just if , my feelings for Zach are more than friendly … Does Zach feel the same ? ' Her steps quickened as if fearing being halted by the man behind her . She could never hide her thoughts from him . They knew each other too well . Zach watched until the living room light turned on in her apartment . He settled back into his car , activating the Bluetooth , redialing Madelyn's number . He called and called until the line auto - disconnected , over and over , until his patience wore thin . He sent off a series of messages to Madelyn , a dark scowl on his face . [ Enough with the games , answer the damn phone , Madelyn . Not everyone has the patience for this ! ] [ Call back , Madelyn ! ] [ Whatever it is , we can talk privately . Don't make us worry ! ] [ Madelyn , what are you so angry about ? ] The messages were dispatched one after another , but she remained silent . Zach drove through the bustling streets , a sharp look in his eyes . Normally , she would respond before he even had to send a fifth message , but now his words fell into a void . ' What are you up to this time , Madelyn ? ' he wondered . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!