Female Novel
Chapter 31
Chapter 31
Zach studied Madelyn intently, his gaze now surprisingly softened. Normally, his eyes held an icy,disdainful distance whenever they fell upon her. Thus, she recognized the flicker of tendernessmirrored in his look–the same tenderness he reserved for Jadie.
Feeling a mix of surprise and apprehension, Madelyn locked eyes with Zach, her nerves jangling. ‘He’snever been like this before… What could have gone wrong? I can’t recall doing anything out of theordinary.‘
Breaking the silence, Zach’s voice cut through the tension. “Jadie would be happy if she knew howmuch you care about her. But what about you? Are you into Ethan?”
“Huh?” Madelyn’s bewilderment deepened, her thoughts racing. “Why is he suddenly bringing upEthan? Is he on drug or something? This is so strange.”
Zach remained silent; his focus unwavering as he observed her reaction. Then, abruptly, he withdrewhis hand and reverted to his usual cold and distant demeanor, as if the fleeting tenderness he hadshown was nothing more than an illusion.
“No!” Madelyn exhaled a relieved breath, feeling the weight on her shoulders lift, and an overwhelmingurge to flee washed over her. But just as she was on the cusp of making her escape, a searing andcalloused hand seized her wrist, anchoring her in place. Her voice trembled as she asked, “Zach…Wh–What’s the matter? Do you need anything?”
Zach responded, “I’m hungry. Cook me pasta.‘
‘What?!‘ Cooking was a skill she had yet to master at this point of life, and Zach was well aware of that.In fact, she could turn a kitchen into chaos with a simple attempt at frying an egg.
Before she could refuse, Zach swiveled around and retreated to the couch, his eyes closing in anovelbin
semblance of rest.
Assessing the lingering scent of alcohol emanating from him, Madelyn knew he had indulged a bit toomuch. Resigned to her fate, she made her way to the kitchen, opening the refrigerator and retrievingsome cheese, eggs, and bacon.
Zach’s habit for drinking on an empty stomach, combined with his penchant of skipping breakfast, oftenwreaked havoc on his insides. Madelyn thought to herself that, in a way, she was still his sister. Thus,she resolved to prepare him a meal, hoping that her efforts would garner some mercy when heeventually sought revenge on the Jent family.
As Zach watched Madelyn busy cooking in the kitchen, a peculiar warmth stirring within him. Strangely,the sight of Madelyn engrossed in her culinary tasks evoked images of a cozy married life, as if he hadwitnessed this scene countless times before. It struck him with a sense of familiarity that he couldn’tquite explain.
For Madelyn, the aim was simple: cook a plate of pasta for Zach. The dried pasta was remnants
from Rosario’s earlier cooking, but she knew that Zach possessed an insatiable appetite, so she addeda little extra. Fancy and elaborate dishes were far from her intentions; all she sought was a temporaryrespite from his penetrating gaze.
Madelyn set water to boil and added the pasta. While waiting, she whisked together the eggs andcheese to make the sauce. When the pasta was cooked, the bacon was ready as well. She drained thepasta and poured the sauce over it, placing the bacon on top. In addition to salt, she added some driedparsley. It would enhance the flavor and aroma.
Adjusting her apron, Madelyn made a conscious effort to ensure it was properly fastened beforedelicately carrying the steaming plate of pasta over to Zach.
“Zach, your pasta is ready. You can eat now,” Madelyn announced, placing the fragrant plate of pastaon the table. She turned her attention to the figure reclining on the couch, wondering if he had alreadysuccumbed to sleep.
Approaching him cautiously, she called out, “Zach, wake up~”
However, there was no response from him.
Madelyn extended her hand, intending to rouse him from his slumber. Just as she was about to touchhim, Zach’s foot, which had been planted on the floor, shifted abruptly.
Caught off guard, Madelyn’s foot tangled with his, causing her balance to falter. In an instant, she foundherself hurtling forward, landing heavily on top of Zach.
Everything went dark, and Madelyn found herself sprawled on top of Zach, even hearing him let out apained groan.
As clarity seeped back into her consciousness, Madelyn felt a soft warmth against her lips. Her eyesfluttered open, meeting Zach’s intoxicated and dazed gaze, causing her own eyes to
widen in an instant….