Chapter 13

Madelyn was dressed in her high school uniform. The Ventrocloud High School uniform wasn't like the usual baggy uniforms in most schools. Instead, it was a sophisticated black ensemble that looked very authoritative. Even her shoes and backpack were different from the regular ones. They were made of exclusive material to stand out from the common ones. Just across the street from Ventrocloud High School was another school called Ventropolis High School. It was also highly respected. The students at Ventropolis were known for being very smart and were seen as the future leaders of the nation. On the other hand, the students at Ventrocloud often relied on their family's wealth and status. The two schools had different social statuses, and they had a long history of not getting along with each other. They didn't like each other and had a rivalry that had been going on for years. Among the many vehicles, Madelyn caught sight of Zach's Audi. The car halted in front of Ventropolis High School, and Zach and Jadie got out of it. 'Could it be that Jadie will enroll in Ventropolis High?' Madelyn wondered. Zach felt a gaze on him, so he turned around. He saw Madelyn standing there, looking cool and composed in her school uniform, with her ponytail swaying behind her. Madelyn was surprised when he turned around, but she still greeted him with a nod and a smile. Just then, Serena, a plump girl with glasses and pigtails, came running over with a stack of books. She called out, "Madelyn!" Serena and Madelyn were in the same class at Ventrocloud High School. Serena's father was the director of the Department of Education, and everyone knew about it. "Madelyn, you're finally back. Heard you were sick. Feeling better now?" Serena asked. "I'm much better," Madelyn replied. Serena noticed something different about Madelyn. "Hmm, you're not wearing makeup today, and you seem so calm. You used to be unfriendly. It's like you're a whole new person now." Madelyn used to put on makeup to get Zach's attention, but now she found it tiring, and she'd rather get more sleep in the mornings. "Do I need to snap at you?" Madelyn used to be moody and preferred being alone instead of hanging out with others. Her classmates found her strange and stayed away from her. Serena was the only one who tried to talk to her, but Madelyn often ignored her because she thought Serena was too timid. "I don't mean that," Serena said, waving her hands. "I actually like you the way you are. And you look really pretty without makeup." Madelyn wasn't very popular at school because her family had a dark history. The Jents were known for their involvement in crime in Ventropolis, even though they tried to keep it hidden after facing legal troubles. Madelyn's grandfather was a mafia boss who ended up behind bars. The Jent family wasn't the richest or most influential, but they were feared, and nobody in Ventropolis dared to cross them. Hayson Jent, in particular, was someone nobody would dare to provoke. The Jents' past tainted them all, and no one among them was considered innocent. Zach saw Madelyn entering the school and then checked the time on his wristwatch. He said to Jadie, "We still have time. I can walk you in." Jadie, wearing the blue-and-white uniform with her long hair tied back, asked, "Was that Madelyn just now? She goes to Ventrocloud High School?" Her bright eyes added to her charm, and she looked good in anything she wore. "Yeah, that was Madelyn. After school, if I finish work early, I'll text you and pick you up." "That's okay, Zach. I can take the bus home. The stop is right at the school gates, very convenient. I know you're busy. I don't want to trouble you." "Jadie, you're never a bother to me. You know that, right?" His voice was sincere. She was like family to him, and he would always be there to support and protect her. Jadie nodded with a smile. "I understand, Zach." "Let me take you to the principal's office to get your enrollment done." "Okay." Madelyn looked back and saw Zach and Jadie walking together. Zach was undeniably handsome, his face attracting a lot of attention. He was holding Jadie's bag and walked her into the school. 'He really cares about Jadie, taking time out of his busy schedule to be with her.' As they disappeared from sight, Madelyn looked away and continued heading to her classroom building. 'Now that Jadie isn't attending the same school as me, maybe I can change my fate.' "What are you looking at, Madelyn?" Serena asked, following Madelyn's gaze towards the crowd of students. She wondered, 'Is there something interesting there? Maybe she spotted a handsome guy?' "Nothing. Let's head back to class."