Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Dylan just came from the lake with Madison and her family. The sound of Madison's smiles and laughter as she conversed with her family was music to Dylan's ears. While the family went inside the house, he stayed at the shop to get some air.

Shades of blue illuminated the clouds in the sky by now. Dylan smiled as he remembered the pure smile on Madison's lips as she waded around the edge of the lake earlier. He was happy because she let him see and experience the life she grew up in. It was undeniable that it was challenging at first. But he learned to become comfortable with it as time passed.

Suddenly, Ruth sat in the wooden chair opposite Dylan, plastering a warm smile in front of him. "I couldn't thank you enough, Mr. Carter. If it weren't for you, Madison wouldn't be able to study again and pursue her dream."

"Don't mention it, Aunt Ruth," Dylan replied and promised, "I am serious with your daughter, and I'll do everything for her."

Ruth nodded. "Madison was still young when she started working. My husband was still alive then, but Madison insisted on helping us. We could barely pay the bills, so she decided to stop studying to help us support her sisters," she narrated. Her tone was proud and sad. She stared at a distance as though she saw the events from the past.

Hearing more about Dylan piqued his interest, so he listened intently as the woman reminisced. "Her dad and I refused her decision to stop attending school. But she insisted, convincing us that she could sacrifice for her siblings. That stubborn child is kind and responsible. Please don't get tired of helping her," Ruth asked as she faced Dylan with a pleading smile. She took his hand and squeezed it. "I can tell that you love my daughter, Mr. Carter. I know that you will continue to pursue her no matter what I say. But there's only one thing I'd ask you, Mr. Carter."

Ruth paused as she looked straight into her firstborn's suitor. Dylan was determined to do everything for Madison, so he would do whatever Ruth asked him without hesitation.

"Take care of Madison and never hurt her, Mr. Carter," Ruth asked, almost begging. "We love her so much and can't bear to see her cry. Can you promise that, Mr. Carter?" Her voice was asking for assurance.

Knowing how much Madison loved her family and how they loved her too, Dylan sincerely promised, "Trust me on that, Aunt Ruth. I'll do everything for her and never let her get hurt or cry because of me. I love her so much, and I'm willing to do everything to keep her happy."

Dylan's sincerity made Ruth smile and embrace a CEO's son. "I am happy you've been part of my daughter's life. We value whoever she values," she let Dylan now and withdrew her welcoming embrace.

"I appreciate you for your approval, Aunt Ruth. I promise not to disappoint you," Dylan guaranteed in delight.

Ruth stood up as she replied, "I'll mark your words, Mr. Carter. I should go and prepare our dinner." Seeing Madison walking toward them, she added, "Oh, here's Madison. I'll leave you two here so you can talk. Accompany him, Honey."

Dylan looked up to see Madison.

"No worries, Mom," Madison assured with a nod.

When the older woman left, Dylan smiled at Madison and pulled her closer. Surprised at what he did, Madison could not help but slap his arm.

"You startled me, Sir Dylan!" Madison spat. "You can tell me to sit!"

The smile on Dylan's face stretched wider when Madison rolled her eyes. Oddly, he found her even more beautiful every time she rolled her eyes. "Forgive me, Darling. I've been waiting to be alone with you, so I couldn't help but hug you," he explained while his arms wrapped around her waist and his face sank into her belly.

Since arriving at the residence, Madison had been surrounded by her family. It was not that Dylan was complaining. He only felt that he missed her already. But Dylan brought her to Northville Town so she could spend time with her family. He wanted her to make the most of it and collect more happy memories with them that she could bring with her to the city the next day. Besides, Dylan would become the acting CEO soon. He was not sure when they could revisit her family.

"Sir Dylan," Madison called softly.

"Hmmm?"

"Thank you," she whispered as she stroked Dylan's hair.

Without letting go of Madison, Dylan raised his head to look at her and asked, "For what, Darling?"

"For everything," Madison replied. "Thank you for bringing me back home. Thank you for allowing me to pursue my dream. Thank you for accepting me. Most of all, thank you for showering me with your love even when there's no guarantee whether I can reciprocate it. Thank you so much, Sir Dylan," she panted and intertwined her fingers around his shoulders while he remained seated.

"I promise to do everything for you, Darling. I'll wait 'til you learn to love me back. I'll never get tired of loving you, especially now that you know how to get jealous. I'll never give up, Darling, " Dylan solemnly promised and caressed Madison's face.

"I'm so lucky to have met you, Sir Dylan. But you're still luckier than me," Madison said. She bit her lip as it revealed a charming smile.

Madison's smile was contagious. Dylan could not help but pull her to sit on his lap, making her squeal in astonishment. She hurriedly protested, but Dylan had already enveloped her in his arms. "And how come I'm luckier than you, huh?" he asked.

No longer protesting, Madison proudly explained, "You're luckier than I because where else can you find someone like me? I'm so kind and hardworking and trustworthy and beautiful!" She even winked at him, waiting for his agreement.

Madison was right, but Dylan wanted to tease him. His eyes examined her from the face down as he commented, "Are you sure, Darling?" He immediately chuckled as soon as he raised his head again and saw her pouting.

"You're annoying, Sir Dylan. You could have lied somehow. You didn't even think how your words would hurt me," Madison said, sulking as she lowered her head to avoid his gaze.

"If you say so," Dylan replied. Still teasing Madison, he complimented, "You look quite beautiful, Darling."

Madison frowned. "It's as if I'm begging you to appreciate my beauty. And it pains me to hear you compliment me just because I told you so," she aggrieved while sniffing.

Frantic with worry, Dylan held Madison's face to make her look at him. But she remained lowering her head and sniffing. He had just promised Ruth earlier that he would never make Madison cry. But now, it seemed he had disappointed Ruth too soon.

"I was only kidding, Darling. Please stop crying," Dylan comforted as he stroked Madison's back and conceded, "Darling, you're gorgeous. You're beautiful enough for me not to look at other women. I'm sorry for teasing you. I didn't expect you'd get hurt and cry. Please hush now, Darling."

But Madison's shoulders continued shaking.

"I'm sorry, Darling," Dylan apologized for the second time and promised, "I won't make fun of you again." Not knowing how to comfort Madison, he hugged her hoping to make her feel that he was telling the truth.

Guilt was already creeping inside Dylan until Madison burst out laughing. She was laughing so hard that her belly hurt. On the other hand, Dylan was utterly stunned watching her until Madison stopped laughing at him. He could not believe she fooled him in turn.

"You thought you're the only one who can fool around, huh?" Madison smirked and added, "We're even now. But I didn't expect you'd take it seriously, Sir Dylan. You love me so much, don't you?"

Dylan squeezed Madison's cheek. "You tricked me, Darling! You almost made me panic. I thought you were crying. You know I hate to see you cry, right?" he said, pulling her closer to his chest.

"So next time, you should know, Sir Dylan," Madison forewarned. "Never doubt my beauty again." She raised an eyebrow at him, making him chuckle.

"Yes, Darling. I'll know better next time," Dylan conceded with a laugh. He squeezed Madison's cheek again and wanted to give it a peck. But he could only utter, "You're so adorable, Darling."

Madison glanced at Dylan with a faint smile. "We should go back inside now, Sir Dylan. I don't want us to be the talk of the town," she said and looked at him meaningfully.

Dylan still wanted to hold Madison longer, so they held hands when walking inside the house. Everyone was all smiling at him, so he returned the smile without a trace of discomfort. After talking with Ruth earlier, Dylan felt relieved now. He always worried that they would doubt his feelings for Madison. But now that he had gained their trust, he would do everything he could to keep his promise.

Still holding each other's hands, Madison and Dylan sat next to Penelope to join the ladies' conversation. As he watched how uncomplicated and happy the Lopez family was, Dylan could not help but admire Ruth for raising such lovely and grateful daughters despite their status in life. It seemed they were not so poor at all.