Chapter 25 " Madelyn . " Madelyn stirred , eyes blinking open to meet Zach's piercing gaze , a shadow of intensity hiding beneath his indifferent stare . Still groggy from her slumber , she was motionless for a moment , then startled backward . " Bro … what … what's wrong ? " " We're home . " Zach's cool voice told her . " Get out of the car . " " Ah … okay . " " 1 As Zach straightened up and exited the vehicle , Madelyn unfastened her seatbelt . She glanced at the sticker in the car and promptly ripped it off . Every item that adorned the car , including the fragrance she had been using to mask the scent , was swiftly tidied away . As Madelyn stepped out of the car , Zach observed the items she held , both of them tacitly silent , understanding that certain words , if spoken , would only widen the chasm between them . As Madelyn entered the foyer , Rosario approached her . " We have a guest today . Wash your hands and come to dinner . " " A guest ? Who ? " Madelyn asked , her brow furrowed in confusion . " Your homeroom teacher . " 'Jasmine ? ' Madelyn's heart skipped a beat . ' Why would Jasmine come here ? Is she trying to get close to Hayson ? Has she moved up her plan with Zach ? ' Madelyn's hands trembled slightly , a shadow of apprehension flashing briefly in her eyes . It was there and gone so quickly , almost impossible to catch . " Where's Miss Manning ? " " She's discussing something with Mr. Jent in the study . Something about that incident at your school . " In her past life , nothing of this sort had occurred . Perhaps , with her return to this life , she had altered the course of her fate , and some events changed along with it . Bypassing Madelyn , Zach moved to sit on the couch next to Jadie , who was engrossed in a television program . A voice drifted down from the upper floor . " Mr. Jent , rest assured , there will be no repetition of what happened with Madelyn . I deeply regret my oversight as a teacher . " " It was a minor squabble between students , nothing to worry about . Miss Manning , why don't you stay for dinner ? I'll have a driver take you home afterward . " Flipping her hair from her face with a laugh , Jasmine replied , " Are you sure I wouldn't be intruding ? " " Not at all . Rosario , set one more place at the table . " " Yes , sir . " Rosario dutifully responded . Madelyn remained rooted to the spot , watching as the pair descended the stairs , jesting and laughing , Hayson's arm casually draped around Jasmine's waist , an intimate gesture . Jasmine looked stunning today in her white body - hugging maxi skirt , adorned with delicate pink lace short sleeves . Underneath , she wore a fitted camisole as a base layer , accentuating her graceful curves . Her every move , every smile , seemed to captivate the hearts of men , exuding a captivating charm that was both alluring and gentle . The exchange of glances between the two emanated an undeniably passionate air . Jasmine's gaze then turned to Madelyn . " Madelyn ? Are you feeling better ? " As Jasmine approached , Madelyn took note of the wrinkles in the hem of Jasmine's dress , and one missing button at the top of her bodice , faint traces and subtle blemishes confirming Madelyn's suspicions . Suddenly , she felt a wave of nausea washing over her . Clapping a hand over her mouth , she ran off , unable to bear the discomfort any longer . All eyes followed her abrupt departure , but they merely assumed she was unwell and thought nothing more of it . There was a restroom on the first floor . Leaning over the sink , Madelyn spat out the bile that had risen in her throat , a cramp gripping her stomach . She turned on the faucet and stared at her reflection , her eyes reddened and moistened by saline . ' How much longer can this family hold together ? ' The bathroom door was knocked . " Madelyn , are you feeling ill again ? Should I call the doctor to come and check on you ? " Wiping away her tears , Madelyn quickly exited the bathroom . As she opened the door , she saw Rosario standing there and instinctively flung her arms around her , hoping to draw some comfort from the familiar presence . Rosario gently stroked her back . " What's wrong ? " Madelyn did not say a word . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!