Chapter 7: Bittersweet melodies

'Sir," he called as he entered. 'What's up, son? Sit," Mr. Carter said with a smile. Ronald sat beside Madison, who smiled sheepishly. 'Hi, Ronald," she said, but he ignored her. 'Well, Dad, I'm here now. I have class," Ronald said. 'Madison has been transferred here. From now on, you'll be her guardian, and you must be nice to her. One more thing—I mustn't hear anything bad about you from her. You know what I can do," Mr. Carter warned. 'Okay, Dad. I'll be going to class now," Ronald replied and left the office. Madison slung her backpack over her shoulder and ran after him. 'Ronald," she called. He stopped and turned to her, visibly irritated. 'Madison, let's get something straight. Don't get close to me—no matter where we are in school. Don't start or spread any rumors about us. If you see me around, ignore me." 'But that's not what Dad said," she pouted. 'I don't care. And one more thing—you talk too much. You're too chatty. Learn to shut up sometimes," he said, sliding both hands into his pockets and walking off. Madison trailed behind him like an obedient dog. When Ronald got to his class and was about to enter, Maddy stopped him. 'Dad said you should take me to my class." 'Seriously? Can't you go yourself? You know your way around here," Ronald said with a frown. 'But I want you to introduce me in class," she said, grabbing his fingers and swinging them side to side. 'Please, baby. I promise to behave," she added, flashing him a childish puppy-eyed look. 'Okay, fine. And stop giving me that look. You look ugly," he said, eyeing her. As they reached her classroom, Maddy hugged his right arm tightly. Ronald ignored her and walked in. 'Shit," he muttered under his breath, realizing Dorah was in the same class. There was no teacher present. As he entered, the class went silent. Some students quickly snapped pictures, while others admired him. His eyes met Dorah's—she was staring at how tightly Maddy was holding onto him. He quickly pulled his hand free and shoved it back in his pocket. 'Hello, class. We have a new student here. I hope you all treat her well," he said, masking his emotions with a charming smile. 'Hi, I'm Madison, but you can call me Maddy. I hope we get along," she said with her best smile. Dorah hissed and walked out of the classroom. 'Hi, I'm Judit. You can come over to my seat—there's an empty chair there," a girl offered. 'Oh, thanks, dear," Madison replied, still smiling. --- 'How on earth will I explain myself to her? This is driving me crazy," Ronald thought, walking silently behind Dorah, careful to keep a long distance. As expected, she walked into the garden and headed toward the lake. 'What am I even doing here?" Dorah mumbled to herself. Ronald hid behind a flowering bush, watching her. She found a spot, sat down, and started singing. > Wish I could keep you from me Cause it kills me when I hear you calling her name I still wonder why I held on in the first place... Without realizing it, Ronald began singing along, forgetting he was supposed to be hiding. > No, love doesn't die True love doesn't die I just want a love that'll last forever Yeah, yeah Don't let it go away, forever Babe, if our love could last forever Don't let it go to waste, forever... 'No way… that voice—I know it," Dorah said, standing up and looking around. 'Ronald?" He cursed quietly, realizing his slip. 'Where are you? Why are you here? Are you following me?" she called out. 'I know you're here. Aren't you supposed to be with your girl?" He was about to come out when another voice interrupted. 'Dorah?" 'Jace?" she said, surprised. 'What are you doing here?" 'I was coming from the library and saw you heading this way. A guy was following you, so I thought you were in trouble. But now… I don't see anyone." 'He's still here. Somewhere around," she muttered, scanning the area. 'Who?" Jace asked, confused, also glancing around. 'Don't worry," she said with a sniff. 'Are you crying? What's wrong? Did he bully you?" he asked, gently holding her face. 'He has a fiancée," she said before bursting into tears. 'Who are you talking about?" Jace asked, wiping her tears. 'Ronald," she sobbed loudly. 'Shit. Idiot. Why did you fall for a guy like that? Crying over his stupid fiancée?" Jace said, still wiping her tears. 'It hurts, huh?" She nodded. 'It hurts." 'Sorry, baby. Please stop crying. It hurts seeing you like this," Jace said, hugging her tightly. 'I'm sorry. I just can't control it," she whispered, hugging him back. 'You're not allowed to cry over another guy in my presence, okay? Do you understand?" he asked. She nodded against his chest. 'That's my princess. You look ugly when you cry, so stop," he said with a soft smile, placing a kiss on her forehead. Ronald watched the scene unfold. It pained him deeply to see her cry because of him. Unable to bear it any longer, he quietly left the garden, regret flooding his chest. 'Hey, babe, please stop crying. It hurts seeing you like this," Jace whispered, still rubbing her back.