CHAPTER 21

She chose to study acting instead of design because her mother told her when she was young that she could study anything but design when she grew up.

So she didn't choose to be a designer. Although she didn't study design, she was gifted as a designer. A couple of times she snuck her designs into the competition and made the top ten. But she finally gave up because she couldn't show up.

Madelyn was feeling a little sleepy before she knew it. She found it was nearly eleven o'clock, so she cleared the table, drank her milk and went to bed.

The night was cool as water. The moon slowly climbed to the top of the sky, and the sounds of insects outside the window made the night seem even more quiet.

Madelyn felt like she was in a warm embrace, and the person holding her seemed to smell of tobacco. She tried desperately to open her eyes, but she couldn't.

The next morning, Madelyn sat in bed and touched the cold bed next to her. She could smell only the faint smell of tobacco in the air. She remembered when she met Chad upstairs yesterday and he smelled like tobacco. Was it really him?

Madelyn was starting to think it was Chad. But without proof, she couldn't ask him directly. Just because he smelled of tobacco yesterday didn't mean it' was him!

Today was a weekend. She made an appointment with Tina to go on an outing and it was about time for her to go out.

Madelyn said goodbye to Owen and drove to the agreed location to wait for Tina.

Madelyn was actually quite free in The family. Aside from Marian's occasional remarks about her, Darren mostly ignored her. And The Old Mrs.Byron often encouraged Madelyn to go out more, or she would be bored at home.

Ticktack…

Madelyn thought it was Tina, but when she picked it up, it was Edmund. She held the phone to her ear and said softly, "Edmund, what's wrong?"

Edmund's deep, charming voice came over there. "What are you doing? It's a day off. Where are you going?"

"Tina and I made an appointment to go outing together. Now I'm waiting for her." Madelyn said softly.

"Go outing? So where are you going for an outing? Have you chosen the place yet?" Edmund Johnson was intrigued by the idea of going on an outing.

Madelyn and Tina hadn't decided where to go for an outing. She just wanted to go out and relax, so anything with a good view was fine.

"Not yet. We'll decide where to go when Tina arrives." Said Madelyn.

"Well, let me take you to a place. I'm sure you'll like it." Edmund volunteered.

Madelyn hesitated for a moment and said, "Ok."

"Then you wait for me where you are. I'll pick you up there in 20 minutes." Edmund said and hung up.

"Madelyn, I'm sorry! I was held up by something at home. You must have been waiting a long time." Tina said apologetically.

"No. I just got here." Madelyn said with a smile.

"Madelyn, do you have any idea where we're going? Why don't we go to Misty Mountain? I hear the scenery there is very nice." Tina said excitedly.

Seeing Tina was so happy, Madelyn's mood also changed for the better. "Edmund said to take us to a nice place, and he'll pick us up pretty soon."

Tina was surprised to hear that Edmund was going on an outing with them. She asked curiously, "Madelyn, how did Edmund know we were going on an outing? You didn't tell him that, did you? I think he has a thing for you!"

"Tina, don't be ridiculous. He just called me and asked me what I was doing today. I said I was going on an outing. He offered to come along, and I can't just say no! Besides, he helped me at least!" Madelyn rolled her eyes at Tina.

"Besides, I'm already married. How can you say that about him?" Madelyn hit Tina on the head with her hand.

"Okay, I was just kidding. Why are you so serious?" Tina gave Madelyn a mischievous smile.

A luxury SUV suddenly stopped and squeaked. The car stopped in front of them, and Edmund Johnson's deep, charming voice boomed above them.

"Get in the car! I'll take you to a place you've never been before, and I promise you'll want to stay there forever. Besides, the weather forecast says there's a meteor shower tonight, so we can spend the night at the top of the mountain. You're gonna see something unexpected later."

Tina heard Edmund say the view was so good, and her face was full of anticipation!

Madelyn looked at Edmund and asked hesitantly, "Edmund, can't we come back tonight?"

Edmund knew what Madelyn was worried about. He said gently, "I've taken care of what you were worried about! I've already spoken to Darren and told him we're not going back tonight."

"Really?" Madelyn said happily.

"You can call him if you don't believe me!" Edmund laughed.

Madelyn picked up her phone and called Darren. His voice came on the phone. Madelyn told him she was on a field trip with friends, and she might not be back tonight. He just told her to be careful and hung up.

"Madelyn, do you have your camera?" Tina asked excitedly.

Madelyn said, "I forgot to bring it. I thought I'd ask you to bring it on the way, but I got a phone call and forgot."

Seeing Madelyn also forgot to take the camera, Tina showed a look of regret. Edmund saw their depressed faces and kindly reminded them, "Don't worry! I'm all set."

The SUV sped along the wide road and gradually disappeared in the bustling city. After driving for about three or four hours, they came to a remote scenic spot.

Madelyn and Tina saw the car parked at the gate of a very ordinary scenic spot and felt a little disappointed.

Edmund just smiled and shouted, "Come and help me with these things. We can't drive in there. We have to walk in." With that, he took out three large packages from the trunk of the car. He took the biggest one. And Madelyn and Tina each took a small one.

Edmund saw that they were ready and set off for the hills.

"Mr. Johnson, is this the place you were telling me about?" asked Tina curiously.

Edmund smiled and said, "It's still in there. Just follow me."

Madelyn smiled at Tina and said, "Let's go! Now is the time to fight! Let's see which one of us burns out first."

Tina chuckled. "Ok. As usual! Whoever loses buys dinner."

"Ok, it's a deal!"