Chapter 24 Having been in the hospital for the better part of a month , Madelyn made good use of her time . While nursing her injuries , she diligently completed several test papers . Even amid his busy schedule , Zach would visit , review her work , and patiently explain any mistakes . During his downtime , he downloaded a few leisure games on her phone - the latest releases from his company . But Madelyn rarely indulged in these games , devoting most of her time to studying . The upcoming exam was her only best chance to leave the Jent family - to escape the strife between Zach and Hayson . Zach helped Madelyn with the discharge procedures . There was still a dull ache in her chest , but it had significantly improved . Her wounds had scabbed over , new skin tissue peeking out underneath . It was healing but a bit itchy . The time Zach was willing to waste on her was nothing more than a performance for Hayson . To the world , Zach was merely a dog that Hayson kept at his side . But only Madelyn knew the truth - that Zach was like a cunning wolf lurking in the darkness , a beast capable of striking a deadly blow at any time . Every action , every word , all carefully calculated . His kindness was never given freely . Madelyn followed Zach to the Audi parked outside . Inside , Jadie was already seated in the backseat behind the co - driver's seat . Even through the car window , Madelyn could feel Jadie's tension radiating off her . Circling around the car , Zach stopped by the driver's door . Catching Madelyn's gaze , he seemed to sense her hesitation and offered an explanation , " Since you're being discharged today , we can take Jadie home with us to celebrate , and then we can all have dinner together . " Madelyn said nothing , simply pressing her lips together as she climbed into the co - driver's seat . Her eyes fell on a sticker there , and a flush of embarrassment heated her cheeks . ' Look at what I've done ! Co - driver exclusive to Madelyn ! I used to think it was a way to proclaim Zach's ownership to everyone . People must have found it amusing , and why wouldn't they ? In Zach's eyes , I must seem like a silly girl who would blindly follow him around . ' Caught in a daze , Zach leaned in abruptly , a whiff of camellia fragrance mixed with faint tobacco scent filling the air. It was a scent she was familiar with - Jadie's perfume of choice . was camellia . Seeing him approach , Madelyn almost instinctively shied away , a flicker of panic in her eyes . Zach feigned ignorance to her obvious refusal , his hand reaching to secure her seatbelt without any physical contact . As the car gradually pulled away , a silence enveloped the interior , an eerie undercurrent seeping through the tranquility . Only Zach , occasionally casting glances into the rear - view mirror , disturbed the quiet . " Are you feeling unwell ? " he asked . 1/2 Madelyn knew his concern was not for her , and she had the tact not to respond . She directed her gaze out the car window instead . In a voice soft as silk , Jadie replied , " No , I'm fine . I just get a bit carsick when I haven't traveled in a while . " " I'll try to drive slower . If you feel uncomfortable , let me know . " " Okay . " Throughout the drive , Zach struck up casual conversations with Jadie about her studies to distract her , their chatter acting as a lullaby . Leaning on the seat , Madelyn dozed off . She was not sure how long she had been asleep until the sound of her name being called roused her . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!