Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Dylan had been in deep thought since Scarlett departed; he recalled his quick outburst and hurtful words that he hurled at Scarlett out of frustration. It wasn't his intention to hurt Scarlett's feelings; it was just an impulse. He couldn't accept what was just happened; he cum inside her.

Every time they played fire beneath the sheets, he knew how Scarlett loved him; she wouldn't let him get her pure if her love for him was just pure lust. They both played with their sexual desires and allowed elation to engulf them. However, Dylan was cognizant that Scarlett was conscious of her prior deeds. He vividly recalls how she stopped him from pulling out his steel to release his feces, the reason why he dumped it inside her. Is she that excited to be engaged to him?

Frustration was evident in Dylan's eyes as he clasped his hands forward and stared at the wall. "What's wrong with her? Did I lack to express my love by doting on her too much? I didn't get it; her aspects change, and it keeps turning worse… damn it!" Dylan mumbled. He took a deep, steadying breath as he harshly closed his eyes and massaged his temple.

He had known Scarlett since they were children; she was his light and guided him out from his darkness; she gave him reasons to continue dreaming. Scarlett always showered her love for him that he didn't believe at first. Dylan found peace and comfort in Scarlett.

She was his salvation, which is why he'd been holding on to clarify his feelings that he loved Scarlett.

He glanced at his phone when it sounded loud; Scarlett was calling him, but he didn't pick it up until minutes passed; his ringtone stopped as a sign that Scarlett was tired of reaching him. Dylan just let it be; they need to cool down.

Struck by boredom and wanting to have some fresh air, Dylan came up with the idea of going on a mountain climbing trip.

"Perhaps, I should do mountain climbing; it has been a while." So Dylan summoned

In an instant, Mila used the intercom designated and connected to the maid's quarter.

"Mila, order one of the maids to pack my things. I will be off for a mountain climbing trip." Dylan said as he brushed his fingers through his hair.

"Is the Young Master's request Urgent? The Maids were doing laundry right now. It will take a minute before one of them will arrive in the Young Master's chamber and pack your things." Mila sounded apologetic on the other line.

Dylan glanced at his wristwatch and retorted, "No. I'll wait. I'll take a nap for a moment." He stated as he lazily threw himself on his King-sized bed. He drew a harsh and audible breath as he cupped his face and closed his eyes.

These past few days, he doesn't have proper rest because he's busy doing what his father wanted. As the Heir of the Carter, he should meet his father's expectations, or else the stern gaze of his father will be sufficed with disappointment.

"Peace…huh?" He murmured until his breathing became heavy, and the darkness covered his surroundings.

On the other hand, Madison placed the last sheets and let the sun rays reflect on the pole of the clothesline. Wiping her sweat, Madison let out a blow as she peeked at Emily, who was walking toward her while holding a tray of new sets of washed garments from the laundry room.

"You've been dealing with the clothes for two consecutive hours, Madi. Aren't you tired?" Emily said while fanning herself using her hands.

Madison shook her head and grinned, "In our province, we frequently wash our clothes in streams or rivers, depending on the weather. So I'm good."

Sophie appeared on the scene and seemed excited about something; she rushed towards them. "I was busy checking the washed clothes, and guess who I saw? The Young Master! He's coming in our direction!"

Madison's brow arched as she glanced at the man wearing a denim jacket and a striped T-shirt inside. Pairing his dress code with bleach jeans and skater sneaks.

"I assumed I was not interrupting your time with the laundry?" Dylan expressed while

scratching the back of his nape. Emily seemed star-struck and was muted.

"Oh, No, Young Master! We're almost done with the laundry, right, Madison? Right, Sophie?" Emily added merrily as if Dylan's radiance enthralled her.

"Of course, yes! We're just having chitchats right now! Right Madison!?"

Sophie even tried to shoulder Madison, who seemed confused about how the two acted like that.

Dylan's eyes landed on Madison, who was checking the white T-shirt inside the tray and nodded without hesitance.

"Yes, we're almost done. What brings the Young Master here?" She asked with curiosity.

Madison heard from Sophie and the other housekeepers that Dylan would only come out if he had an emergency or a helping hand in an urgent situation.

Besides, after the night the two of them had a good conversation, Madison never dared to seek Dylan's presence because she knew how busy his life was.

"Mila mentioned earlier that I was going on a trip, and I'd like to invite one of you to join me. I wanted someone to accompany me during the trip because I disliked traveling alone; therefore, is anyone available to accompany me?"

Sophie raises her hand as if they were in a high school setup wherein Dylan is the hot professor while they are his acting students. "Ahm, I am available, Young Master!" she chirped out of excitement.

Dylan tried to peek at Madison's attention. Still, to his surprise, Madison was minding the sun's heat while placing the clothes on the hanger and attaching it to the pole rather than accompanying him—Dylan Carter.

Who wouldn't like to be with Dylan Carter? He has everything; Fame, Fate, and Fortune. Sophie and Emily were fighting by playing rock, paper, and scissors figuring who would win to accompany their Young Master.

"Let me clear my words; it wasn't just a trip like going to a beach or resort. I love extreme activities; it gives me peace of mind, so the location I picked personally was the Taal Volcano Crater in Batangas. And to clear your quarrel, think twice. It was a Mountain Climbing trip."

Sophie and Emily stiffened in their place as if they were frozen in their spot. Emily immediately said, "A-ah, I remember I wasn't available for the whole week because the Madam asked me to clean the whole garden."

"Same, Young Master. I forgot that I would be going to the market to buy groceries for the week's stocks. "Sophie added while glancing at Madison, who was clueless that the two were scheming to make her the bait to escape their embarrassment.

"I heard from the Head Housekeeper that Madison is free after this! Right Madison?" Emily began.

"Yes! You are telling us your story about your life in your province, right?" The two asked in unison, a gleam of sentiments telling Madison,' please save us from embarrassment.'

Madison didn't have any choice, so she nodded her head, which made Dylan sigh with relief. Dylan has this part of him wishing Madison would agree to accompany him because the last time they had a conversation alone, he could only see her seldom.

It's either Mila will order Madison to bring him coffee during his working days, and after that, she will turn her back with a bow as if the conversation they had after that night was just an untold story that should be forgotten.

"You can say no if you don't want to accompany me, Madison." Madison flinched when Dylan called her name. Seeing Madison's reaction made Dylan's lips protrude into a thin smile.

Dylan's smile didn't flee from Sophie and Emily's eyes; the two maids gazed at each

other and giggled.

Madison followed Dylan inside his office and helped him pack his clothes, "Are you

uncomfortable being with me?" Dylan asked as he lazily posed down on the edge of his bed.

"No… it's just when we're in public; I didn't forget that you are our Master." Madison answered as she handed Dylan his T-shirts.

"Then, could you speak with me without formalities during the Trip?"

"Like a companion, Young Master?"

"Hmn," Dylan answered, putting the clothes that Madison handed inside his Traveling Bag.

When they were packing the clothes Dylan needed, Madison excused herself and packed the things she would need during the trip. Her hands were shaking as she put her clothes inside her baggage; this wasn't the first time she was with the Young Master, so Madison didn't know why she felt uneasy.

***

"Whoa! I have never seen that kind of flower!" Madison blurted out while continuing peeking outside the window.

"Madison, don't put your head outside. It's dangerous," Dylan said without breaking his gaze on the road.

"Young Master, can we stop by that zone after our trip?" Madison asked without breaking her gaze on the Unknown flower on the side of the road that she had only seen for the first time.

Dylan couldn't help but be entertained by her strange actions of Madison; her mouth was parted in delight as her eyes sparkled in bliss. "That's a Cistus, also known as sun roses. The flower originated from the Maldives. Is that the first time you saw it?" Dylan questioned with a soft laugh.

Madison's face flushed in embarrassment as she looked away when their eyes met. "Y yes…" she mumbled.

"B-but our province was rich with sunflowers!" Madison bragged, trying to cover her embarrassment from her reactions earlier.

"Oh," Dylan said, raising a brow. "Tell me more," He added, flashing a smile of interest.

"Our life in the Countryside is very simple! We work, eat, and sleep together! The people in our community were warm and cheerful…." Madison said with a glint of happiness in her eyes.

Dylan couldn't help but glance at her for seconds, and after that, when Madison was about to peek at him, he looked away and acted like he was listening while driving intently.

During the trip, Madison kept telling Dylan about her life in the Countryside with her family and how they lived in peace and harmony. Madison noticed that Dylan was listening to her, but his eyes were filled with envy.

Dylan was smiling and showing her his genuine smile, but Madison knew Dylan had been longing for a hearth. When they arrived at their destination, Dylan didn't even spit a single word but instructed her to follow the man who assisted them inside the place they would stay during the trip.

Dylan has been eyeing Madison during their activity. She didn't even ask him to take a break or complain about the routes. She seemed to enjoy the moment; the determination and positivity on her face made Dylan at ease.

"Young Master, Look!" Madison called Dylan's attention as she pointed to the more transparent view of the lake. The tour guide was busy assisting others and had difficulty reminding them to keep their composure because the upper part of the Crater was dangerous.

They've been following the touristic Talisay trail to reach the top of Taal Volcano Crater. Despite the heat coming from the sun, Madison was still energetic. "Madison, aren't you

tired?" Dylan asked as he extended his hand when they were on the top part of the Crater. Some tourists were already taking their time, taking pictures together and admiring the eye-catching view.

Madison took his hand so she could be pulled beside Dylan, "No, because… you see, when you feel the wind from nature, your exhaustion will be blown away."

Madison sat on the rock forms, feeling the warmth coming from the lake. She will never forget that she has witnessed this wonder in front of her eyes. Madison presumes that Dylan is sitting beside her; he is wearing sunglasses, so she doesn't know if he is angry.

"I have noticed the Young Master's sudden mood change. Is there something wrong?"

Dylan doesn't know what he will answer at the moment. After tracking, Madison was still enthusiastic, and there wasn't dead air whenever she was around. He couldn't help but compare Madison to Scarlett. If Scarlett was with him right now, she would complain about her skin getting tanned and other complaints related to her physique.

This woman in front of him was something; he didn't get bored being in her company. To be honest, Madison wasn't just a maid but a mood lifter. Dylan was astounded when she felt Madison's hand on his head. Since he is tall, the woman's height didn't reach him, so she tip-toed.

His eyes widened when Madison spoke while patting his head, "I don't know if Young Master is fine or you are thinking about something that ruined your mood, but I have noticed the hint of envy in your eyes when I talk about my life. I don't have any information about the Young Master's childhood, but sometimes, we overlook the small things in life that we take for granted; life is all about accepting, proving, and changing. Things are changing, so prove that even if you missed something in your life, it isn't too late to try and strive. Maybe, the reason why you asked for someone to accompany you is to take a break from the pressure that the Master had put on you…." Madison breathed and smiled warmly,

"It wasn't too late to prove yourself more than they expected. The world is big, so your dream is." From that moment, Dylan couldn't find any words to put on how to describe the feelings that he felt.

Madison was the only person who caressed and patted his head; Dylan felt the forgotten warmth he felt again after being born from his mother's womb.

"No one's ever done that to me before…" he whispered with a shaking pitch.

Madison laughed and patted his head once again, "There, there. I am patting the Young Master's head. Can you now feel the view? You should treasure the scenery; it's majestic!"

Dylan couldn't help but let his laughter escape while eyeing Madison, who looks like a child showing her parents a thing she has only recently discovered.

Madison wasn't aware that Dylan was only looking at her during their entire moment in the Crater. The corner of his lips twitched slightly, wishing he would feel the warmness again, the warmth of Madison's smile. He needed something, and Dylan didn't want this moment to end.

His quest to seek tranquility had ended, he found something, and it was...

"Something just like this." He mumbled that didn't escape Madison's ears.

"Were you saying something, young Master?" Madison asked while glancing at the green lands shielding the Crater.

"Nothing," Dylan said without breaking his gaze on her.