Chapter 20 Having swallowed two painkillers , Madelyn finally succumbed to sleep . But at the dreaded hour of three in the morning , her forehead was slick with a fine sheen of cold sweat , and her breaths were becoming increasingly labored . The girl in the bed made a low sound of discomfort . Zach , setting aside his notebook , reached out to touch her forehead and cheek . " Her temperature has dropped considerably . Seems like the fever's broken . ' Rosario , just entering with a tray of water , walked in on this scene . " Mr. Jardin , let me take care of her . You've got work tomorrow . Don't tire yourself out . " ' So Mr. Jardin did come after all . ' She knew that Zach , though he harbored no romantic feelings for Madelyn , deeply cared for her as if she were his sister . ' He's always good to her . ' " It's okay . Has she taken the painkillers ? " Rosario responded . " Yes , at ten . " " We can't overdo the medication . " Zach wrung out the towel from the washbasin , wiping the cold sweat from her face . " Rosario , you should rest . I've taken a half - day leave for today . " Rosario looked at the girl in bed , then back at Zach . " Then … okay … " " No … " The voice from the bed was weak , raspy . " I want Rosario … Rosario , don't Madelyn had been awake for a while , but hearing Zach's voice , she did not want to stir , much less face him . go … " Rosario quickly stepped forward , her heart aching as she gripped Madelyn's hand . " Okay … I won't go . I'm not going anywhere . Mr. Jardin , Madelyn needs me . It's probably best if I stay . " " Fine , I'll be next door . Call me if you need anything . " " Alright , Mr. Jardin . " As Zach turned to leave , his face resumed its customary cold indifference , the door to the sickroom gently closing behind him . Madelyn slowly opened her eyes , watching his silhouette disappear through the doorway . It was then that she spoke up softly . " Rosario , you should go rest as well . I'm fine . " " Were you woken up by the pain again ? " Rosario wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye , her gaze filled with concern . " No , I'm much better . " " Madelyn , have you truly stopped caring for Mr. Jardin ? " Madelyn's gaze moved to the white ceiling above . " Yes . One heartbreak is more than enough . And Zach's heart isn't with me , forcing him will only make him resentful . " All through their years of marriage , whether it was his drunken banter at social gatherings or his sleep - talking , they all centered around Jadie . In their eight years of marriage , other than utilizing her as a tool , Zach had never truly had a place for her in his heart . " So … I think being a sister isn't so bad . Besides , Dad didn't approve of Zach and me together . If that's the case , it's better to let go and let him be with Jadie . Now , all I want is to finish my studies and get into a good university . I'm not young anymore ; I can't rely on my family for everything . " Madelyn's words took Rosario by surprise , but they also stirred a sense of admiration . It seemed Madelyn really had grown up . " What do you mean , rely on or not ? You're still young , there's no rush to grow up . In my eyes , you'll always be a child . " Hearing Rosario's words , Madelyn , exhausted , closed her eyes . Once she fully extricated herself from the Jent family , she would take Rosario with her . Outside the hospital room , the hand resting on the door handle was slowly released . Zach had left his notebook inside the room . When he went back to get it , he inadvertently overheard their conversation . Beneath his dark gaze , a piercing light flashed . He withdrew his hand , turning away from the hospital room door . The shadow at the doorway had already departed . Madelyn softly averted her gaze . ' Zach … did you hear all that ? I truly , truly … have decided to give up on you . I don't love you anymore , Zach .' Having endured the pain , Madelyn only fell asleep just before dawn . That night she dreamed nothing and slept soundly . When Hayson returned to Ventropolis , his plane touched down at noon , trailed by a cadre of stern - faced security personnel dressed in sharp black suits . An air of grim intensity hung heavy in the study of the Jent family's Southern Haven Villa . A middle - aged man , lost in quiet reflection , lit three candles , pressing their warm glow to his forehead in a moment of solemn ritual . He bowed three times in a silent prayer before carefully placing them in their holders . " I apologize , Father . It's my fault for not taking better care of Madelyn , for neglecting her 2/3 situation at school . " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!