Madelyn felt anger building up inside her, but she had nowhere to vent. She clenched her fists and looked down, remaining silent.

Jadie felt the oppressive aura in the room radiating from Zach, so she hurriedly diffused the situation with a light-hearted tone. "Zach, we've got movie tickets, remember? The show starts soon, and we don't want to be late."

She shook her head subtly at Zach, urging him to leave it at that. She did not know what had transpired between Zach and Madelyn; the once smitten Madelyn had turned cold toward Zach, sometimes even responding with harsh words. A mad Zach scared even her.

With an icy gaze, he ripped up Madelyn's sketch. "You just won't grow up, will you? Haven't the last three months knocked any sense into you?"

Jadie quickly ushered Zach away. As they reached the door, Madelyn picked up the torn sketch from the floor. "Zach..."

They stopped at the door.

"I just want to do what I like. Could you... stop meddling with me? I've already compromised o