Chapter 50: Chapter 50

After three years ...

The day Madison had been waiting for had finally come. The four years she had worked for finally paid off. And Madison would dedicate all of these to her mother for her unwavering love as she was always there after her father left them.

Currently, Madison was on the stage as she accepted her college diploma. She smiled with happy tears in the corner of her eyes and waved it in the direction where she saw Ruth and her sisters sitting. Even if she was a bit sad because her most beloved man was not present, it was okay because she understood him. Since Dylan officially became the CEO of their company, he was always busy because having that position meant a heavier responsibility. Nonetheless, there was never a day that he didn't take the time to call and talk to her.

Ever since Dylan's proposal, her sisters and Ruth had also moved to Manila. At first, Ruth did not want to leave Norville Town. She only agreed after Madison and her sisters convinced her and explained that the opportunities for her sisters in the city were better than if they remained in the province. As for Madison, she continued her work at the Carters while studying in the morning.

Thinking of this, Madison smiled as she walked down the stage. When she arrived in front of her seat, she first looked at Ruth, who was already crying, and mouthed, "It's for you, Mom."

With that, the graduation ceremony ended with a smile on Madison's face as she immediately hugged Ruth and her sisters while crying happily.

"I did it, Mom. I've finished college, which you've been hoping for. It's all because of your tireless support and unconditional love for us," Madison emotionally said and let go of her before looking at her sisters and advised, "So you three, you should study hard, got it?"

"Of course, Madds! Congratulations again!" Penelope, Cassie, and Lily simultaneously exclaimed with a smile.

"Thank you," Madison warmly smiled, hugging them tightly. They were in that position when Ruth suddenly spoke.

"Okay, that's enough. I'm hungry," Ruth smiled as she gently looked at her daughters.

"Let's go, Mom. Because I just graduated, I'll treat you wherever you want!" Madison happily told them, which her sisters and Mother cheered loudly.

"Madds, I like that idea! Let's go to McDonald's!" Cassie shouted excitedly, making them laugh. Afterward, no one opposed the suggested location, so the Lopezes walked out of the university together and went to the nearest branch of Mcdonald's. Looking at the smiling faces of her family, Madison became distracted as she thought of how this would be complete if Dylan was with her, celebrating a new milestone of her life. She sighed before dismissing it.

When Ruth and her sisters were about to finish eating, Madison suddenly felt drowsy and couldn't help but yawn repeatedly.

"I'm sleepy, Mom," Madison said after turning to Ruth. Then, she noticed the meaningful smile on their faces but couldn't react in time as she couldn't stay awake and was pulled by the darkness.

Before Madison closed her eyes, she even saw Penelope hugging Ruth and heard her say, "We're so happy for you, Madds."

After some unknown time, Madison slowly woke up and stiffened when she realized she was not wearing the clothes she had on when she fell asleep. Right now, she was wearing a gorgeous white dress and a veil. Confused and amazed, Madison slowly got up from the bed and surveyed the room. Everywhere she looked, the wall was decorated with red roses, while white roses were all scattered on the ground. In awe, Madison saw the white sandals on the floor, so she sat on the bed again and put them on.

Standing up, Madison's eye caught the red petals on the floor, forming an arrow, seemingly telling her to go to that place. Curious, she started following the arrow and happened to pass by a mirror wall. After seeing her reflection, Madison stopped, took a step back, and was shocked as she looked at her whole being. She was so breathtaking in the white wedding dress.

"Is this me?" Madison asked herself as she touched her face. Then, she started wondering why she was in that room and where her family was.

"Mom!" Madison called, thinking that her mother was maybe outside and waiting for her to wake up. However, no one entered the room, so Madison started calling her sisters, "Penelope! Lily! Cassie!" Like Ruth, none came. Nervous, Madison walked to the door, twisted the knob, and realized it was open all along. Then, when she was about to leave, she noticed a sticky paper on the door.

It said: [Walk past me, and you'll be His Queen.]

After seeing what was written in the first paper, Madison raised her eyebrows. Regardless, she still followed the arrow, and soon, she found the next paper, with the words: [Follow your heart, and it will lead you to me.]

"Hmmph! How can I follow my heart when it's inside my chest? This person seemed to be fooling me by writing this!" Madison muttered and rolled her eyes at the paper on the wall.

Madison walked to where the arrows were pointing and became annoyed since she still didn't see anyone.

"Who came up with these ideas? Didn't they realize it would be hard for me to walk considering the weight of my gown and the length of this veil?!" Madison complained as she panted and stopped to rest for a while.

After catching her breath, Madison took off her sandals and let the floor-length gown follow her. She walked again for some time, and when she saw the end of the arrow, she sighed in relief.

"Finally!" Madison exclaimed and accelerated her pace.

After she arrived at the antique double doors, Madison quickly pushed them open and was surprised when several people all turned to her. The women were dressed in beautiful dresses while the men wore black tuxedos. Stunned, Madison dropped her sandals and quickly wore them. Just then, a beautiful woman walked toward her, and it took her a few seconds before she realized it was Ruth. Madison smiled as she looked at her mom.

"Mom, what's going on here?" she asked, even though she had already guessed it in her mind.

"Always remember that we love you so much, Honey. This is your day, and I hope you'll be happy when you marry your loved one," Ruth said and lovingly stroked her face. Madison couldn't help but close her eyes and relish her mother's touch. Madison then opened her eyes and saw Ruth smiling and looking at the front. Following her eyes, Madison saw a handsome man wearing a white tuxedo in front of the altar: Dylan. When their eyes met, Dylan smiled gently at her.

With that, the wedding ceremony finally began. Ruth was the one who would walk Madison down the aisle. As they ushered in front of the center, Madison did not take her eyes off the person who inspired her to be the best woman he deserved, who gave color to her world and the one she loved the most.

Madison was ecstatic at this point and now understood why Dylan had missed her graduation—he had been planning this wedding for her and was waiting for her at the altar. When the song started playing, she and Ruth began to walk. Madison grabbed her arm and couldn't stop crying.

"Don't cry anymore, Honey. Your makeup will be ruined, which will make you ugly," Ruth jokingly warned her, which made Madison cry even harder.

"I can't help it, Mom. If you are the one who would marry such a perfect guy, I'm sure you'll cry too," Madison whispered back as tears flowed from her eyes.

The venue was perfectly arranged, combining white, black, and red as its motif; it truly enhanced the hall. Madison couldn't help but be in awe, thinking about how she didn't expect to have such a grand wedding. It was like a dream come true for her.

When she and Ruth finally got to the front, Dylan immediately approached her and smiled at Ruth. Madison did the same to Armand and Laurene.

"Stop crying, Darling. I'm here, and in a little while, you will be mine forever. I love you so much," Dylan said wholeheartedly as he dried her tear-streaked face.

"I-I lo-love yo-you so-so mu-much too, Dar-Darling," Madison sobbed and suddenly hugged him. She didn't care even if all the guests were looking at her.

"Hug me later, Darling, okay? As much as I wanted you in my arms right now, we have to get married first so you can fully become mine," Dylan gently said, smiling as he lifted her face so Madison could look at him. Seeing her nod, he helped her fix her messy veil before placing her hand on his arm.

As the two turned to the Priest waiting at the altar, they both smiled in anticipation. Since the Priest started speaking, Madison's emotions have been all over the place. Now that it was the time to take their vow, she felt her heart would jump out of her chest.

"Do you take Madison as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?" the Priest asked Dylan in a solemn tone.

"I do," Dylan replied shortly while smiling affectionately at Madison.

"Do you take Dylan as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish until death do you part?" the Priest repeated. This time, he was now looking at Madison.

"I do," Madison cried as she looked straight at Dylan's eyes.

"You may now give your solemn vows to each other," the Priest announced and handed the mic to Dylan.

Dylan chuckled nervously, making Madison look at him. "I'll skip the first part about how we've met because I know you won't like it," He said. Madison then recalled it and blushed. Dylan weakly laughed, so Madison stared at him as he composed himself and spoke again, "I admit to myself that I've liked you from the start. You don't know how mesmerized and deeply attracted I am to you. And because of my jealousy which is out of place, there came a time when I couldn't help but insult you. That was the biggest mistake that I've made in my whole life. When you left me," Dylan took a deep breath before continuing, "it's like my world lost meaning and something always feels missing. After thinking, I realized it was you all along. The missing piece in my life. I love you so much, Darling. I love you, and it will never change. You are the only woman I will love and take care of until I take my last breath," He vowed and smiled at Madison. Then, he gave her the mic, which Madison immediately took.

"I don't know how I fell in love with you, Darling. At first, I thought I was going to die because my heartbeat started beating faster when you put your face close to mine," Madison chuckled as she remembered their time in the suburbs. "Since then, whenever you go near me, my heart feels like it's not mine anymore. I didn't want to face my feelings for you because I knew I wasn't suited to someone like you," Madison sadly smiled as Dylan caressed her face. "You are rich, and you already have everything, while I am just a humble maid at your mansion. But our love for each other was so strong that it soon overwhelmed me, so I couldn't help but embrace it wholeheartedly despite the possibility of being hurt in the end. Now, in the years of our relationship, I could say I have nothing more to ask of you because you already gave it all. I love you so much, Darling. I will continue loving you until the day I die." With tears running down her face, Madison finished her vow and smiled at Dylan with such tenderness and love in her eyes.

"Now, by the power vested in me. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride," the Priest announced.

Dylan turned to Madison and slowly lifted the white veil covering her face. He gently stroked her face and whispered, "I love you, Darling. Only you." Madison felt touched and couldn't help but smile.

"I love you too, Darling," She replied as she lovingly raised her face to kiss him on the lips with equal enthusiasm.

When their kiss was over, Dylan and Madison heard loud applause and cheers from the guests and family. Before Dylan released her, he kissed her lightly, hugging her on the waist and turning to face the people together.

"You are now mine, Darling, and from now on, nothing can separate us from anyone and anything, I promise," Dylan lovingly said, making Madison smile and hug him tightly.