Winning the Nanny's Heart

Peeking at her sleeping mother made Madison at ease. When she was a child, her mother always loved to read her the story of sleeping beauty, which is how fate stirs their life in the present. Her mother becomes the sleeping beauty in the story; she sleeps peacefully on the white bed inside a white-walled room. Madison can't hide the tears already crawling on her hazel-nut pair of eyes because this will be the last time she will visit her before going to Manila. Her Aunt helped her get a job in the city where she could work as a maid.

"Will you be alright there? Are you sure you don't want to wait for your sisters before departing?" As she held her niece's face and handed Madison's baggage, Sabina, Madison's Aunt, asked.

Madison cleared her throat and breathed, "I can't see them like this, Auntie." Madison's voice trembled as her left-hand lay on the glass window of her mother's room. "My mother always told me that, in life, we can't always remain in the same phase we had today. The path changes as obstructions continue to test a person's faith."

When she was a child, she thought their life would remain at peace permanently. Not until her father died in an accident, and that was the last day that she saw her father's smile. Since then, she has carried all the burdens as the family's breadwinner and supports her siblings in pursuing their education by working day and night.

Their life was simple, not in the higher or middle class, whereas they managed to sustain their daily lives. However, one day, her mother fell short of breath and fainted. She suffered from a heart attack and stroke. As a result of these ailments, she was hospitalized in a coma.

However, Their expenses continued to mount, and the money she made from selling fruits and vegetables wasn't sufficient to cover the cost of her mother's medications.

"Auntie, I have to go now. I'll entrust my mother under your care." Sabina pulled her niece into a warm embrace before seeing her off. With a heavy heart and uncertain journey, Madison travels alone, under the instruction of her Auntie.

Madison may not finish her studies due to the unexpected events and circumstances that change their life; however, she was gifted with beauty and perseverance. She can keep in mind her Aunt Sabina's Instructions on how she can travel and arrive at her new workplace's location.

* * *

While glancing from the bus window, Madison couldn't help but be amazed at what her keen eyes had seen. Tall buildings almost bussed the clouds, the people on the streets were busy, the vibrant colors of the surroundings and the cars that she had only seen on flyers.

When the bus stopped, the passengers carried their bags and started to march out. Madison, who had arrived in Manila for the first time, got her baggage and followed the man in front of her until she got outside.

She took a tiny piece of paper from the pocket of her long sleeve polo and checked the address of her new workplace. She saw how a woman who suddenly passed beside her raised her hand until a taxi stopped in front of her.

"Whoa! That's awesome!" Madison exclaimed as her eyes sparkled in amusement. In their town, people can only use a bike for transportation or ride a cheap vehicle.

So, Madison does what the lady did earlier; she raises her hand until she sees a white car parked in front of her. She asked the driver to open the door because that was the first time she would be riding a Taxi. She handed the piece of paper to the driver. "Here's the address that my aunt gave, S-Sir." She said, swallowing the lump forming in her throat.

When she arrived at the location, a vast Spanish-based mansion welcomed her from a distance. It was huge that even twenty people could reside in it, and it was twenty times bigger than the apartment where they live. Madison gulped in nervousness as she set foot outside the vehicle, holding her baggage.

A woman in her mid-40s welcomed her; she opened the gate and smiled. "You must be the new Maid," she stated.

Madison nodded, trying to remain calm despite uneasiness. "Y-yes, my Aunt instructed me throughout my travel."

"I am Mila, The Head Housekeeper. Come! You must be exhausted. Give me your baggage; allow me to carry it for you." Madison handed her baggage to Mila. At first, her hands were shaking due to her fidgets, but the Housekeeper just gave her a reassuring smile.

Madison's nervousness subsided as Mila introduced her to the other housekeepers and toured her around the Mansion. She couldn't stop but admire the whole place because this was the first time she had entered such an enormous and extravagant house. Her Boss is indeed wealthy.

"By the way, Madison. Follow me, and I'll introduce you to the young Maste-"Mila's words were interrupted when a woman in Maid uniform rushed towards her direction. The lady's expression was awful.

"Ma'am! Our new Gardener made a huge mistake! He trimmed all of Madam's favorite topiary plants in the garden!" The woman said hysterically while catching her breath.

"What?! That was Madam's favorite plant. Where is he?" The two panicked as if the Gardener had made a grievous mistake that cannot be pardoned nor forgiven. Madison seemed clueless but remained silent.

"Madison, My apologies; I can't come with you because of the urgent matter that should be

resolved immediately," Mila flashed an apologetic expression before she spoke again, "You see that hallway? The last room was the Young Master's chamber. He must be waiting for you."

"No, you don't have to apologize, Ma'am Mila. It's alright!" she chirped, flashing her perfect white teeth.

Mila excused herself. Madison searched for the last room at the end of the hallway until she reached it. To her surprise, the young master must already be waiting for her because the door was partially opened.

She was about to pull it, but to her realization, how bold of her if she strode inside without knocking. So, she was about to knock when a soft and raspy voice of a woman came from the room. It seemed like something was aching on her, or she was feeling bliss.

"What was that?" she whispered to herself while trying to digest what she had heard, or her ears were just playing tricks with her.

"Mm~"

Out of curiosity, Madison took a peek; her eyes almost gazed off when she saw a figure of a man and woman sharing heat. The two exchanged hot fiery kisses while the man's hand was caressing the woman's body.

"What was just I've seen?" She burst out in her mind. This was the first time that she had seen a situation like that. Madison's cheeks flushed as she was about to walk away and close the door with trembling hands. When she accidentally missteps and falls, causing some noise that interrupts the two people inside the room.

"You have doomed Madison! Why are you so clumsy?!" She panicked as she quickly stood up, but the man's gaze pierced her. She could feel the cold tremor in every fiber of her body when his voice echoed on the chamber's four intersections.

"Who's there?" He asked in a dangerous tone.

"..."

Madison froze in her spot because she didn't know what to do or how to act. Does she need to apologize and ask him to spare her life? Does she beseech him not to fire her on the first day of her job?

Madison's heart stammered inside her chest when she heard a sequence of footsteps coming near her, and as the sound that the steps produced, her heart pounded harder as if it wanted to get out of her ribcage.

She was about to escape when she could feel a man's figure behind her.

"So, you are the one who interrupted my time. What's your name, and what are you doing here?"

"..."

"Are you deaf?"

"..."

"Show me your face," Dylan ordered.

Madison wanted to smack herself at that moment. She had no choice but to obey the Young Master, or she would be kicked out of her job.

Madison couldn't help but hide her face and look away. The man in front of her was half-naked, exposing his toned muscular body, and his lower part was only covered with a towel.

"Now, answer my question, who are you?" Dylan seemed to be running out of patience. Madison could feel his sharp gaze, but she remained looking away.

"Hah," Dylan scoffed. "Let me change my question. Are you the new maid?"

Madison nodded, which added curiosity to Dylan. He traced where Madison's eyes were directed, and a grin morphed on his lips, discovering that she was staring at his body.

"Eyes up here, lady," He sneered, making Madison halt and peek at him. Dylan couldn't help but seem to have fun with the new maid. Madison's cheeks turned into the color of cherries that urged Dylan to tease her more.

"Is this the first time you have seen a man's body?" Dylan asked with a playful tone.

Madison nodded in embarrassment, so she turned her back. "P-please, Young Master, Wear something decent, I-I h-have to go!" Madison couldn't hold the shame that she stirred up through herself; she didn't even glance at him in the eyes due to embarrassment and just bid him goodbye.

Dylan, on the other hand, amusement glinted in his eyes. He couldn't help but observe the maid escaping from her embarrassment.

That was the first time he met a woman who ordered him to wear something decent. He had never met a woman as innocent as Madison, and Dylan couldn't help but find himself smiling genuinely because of a mere Maid.

Dylan was unable to resist smiling as he closed the door and shrugged. The priceless reaction of the maid, her bravery in commanding him, and her embarrassing situation were amusing.

"For a mere maid, she can be an entertainer too," Dylan mumbled. He ran his fingers over his messy, jet-black hair. As the door made a closing sound, Scarlett welcomed him with a question.

"Who's that?" She asked. Scarlett was lying on the bed with her undergarments remaining. Dylan flashed her girlfriend a sly smile as he sat beside her and trailed his fingers mischievously from her legs to her waist.

"The new maid. Mila instructed her to present herself to me, but I guess she can be an entertainer too."

Scarlett's angelic features change a little, her brow furrowed seeing Dylan smiling this wide. The maid seemed like another wild plant who would crawl on her man's lap. She must check that mere maid later.

Scarlet traced her hand on Dylan's neck, snaking her arms as she stared at him with a hint of seduction. "But I can be your 2 in 1, your girlfriend, and your entertainer too...." Scarlet teased, evading Dylan's attention.

Dylan's eyes flared in lust as he gazed down at Scarlet. "You are wild, aren't you? My woman is indeed a vixen beyond doubt." He whispered hoarsely as he planted tiny kisses on her neck.

Scarlett let out soft moans that awaken the heat between them to upsurge like a scorching fire. They dwell with kisses as if their tongue were like a sword, and the intimacy was too much. Dylan couldn't wait any longer but to ravage their body of Scarlett.

When Scarlett switched places with him and hovered over him, Dylan's mouth started to water. She was seated on his stomach while carefully removing each piece of clothing. Scarlett understood what her man's deepest desire was. It was his lewd invasion, and she is the only one who will ever have access to this aspect of him.

He was a passionate, caring, and loving partner when they were alone. However, once they had finished making out beneath the covers, Dylan had a lot of business to take care of because he was the only heir to their company, and there were many things he needed to take care of.

Scarlet's breathing hitched as her toes curled when Dylan kept the stimulation rapid without a break. "Kiss me, hah...D-Dylan!" She shouted when Dylan placed her legs on his shoulder, clinging like a beast between his thighs. He savored, ravaged, and stimulated her as if she was a delicious buffet on a feast.

Scarlett's hands tightened, clinging to the sheets with too much ecstasy. Dylan could feel his body vibrating as he rummaged her down, "Turn Around...hah...." He marked every inch of her body except for her neck, the last time he did it, Scarlett went berserk since she couldn't wear the sleeveless tops she wanted to wear anymore.

Scarlett did what Dylan Wanted. He did her bareback, letting their skin clash into each other until the two both reached their zenith. Dylan is a careful man. He pulled out his steel and let his juices rain on the sheets. A flicker of irritation shone in Scarlet's eyes when Dylan saw

her staring at his wasted fluids.

"We've been dating for two years. Aren't you going to propose to me?" The conversation began with Scarlett asking the same question each time they did it. Dylan kept returning the same answer; Nevertheless, the woman was too persistent.

"You already know my response, Scarlett," Dylan responded firmly by putting his arms across his manly chest.

"I know, but...Look at some of our friends in the Elite Circle. Do you remember Logan and Tabitha? We meet them in Paris; they are engaged and will be wed soon." Scarlett's voice turned into a sour tone.

"Do you want me to send a gift on their wedding day behalf of us?" Dylan asked as he snapped his fingers when he came up with its idea.

"You're a jerk!" Scarlett shouted as she pulled the sheets and faced the wall while sulking.

Dylan puffed for air. He had known Scarlet ever since they were young. Scarlett Evans is the only woman who stays with him even though he has a lot of misdeeds and trouble.

He knew his feelings for him for a long time, but, he thought, it was just puppy love or platonic love that would fade as years went by. He is wrong, he had a lot of girlfriends and was entitled as a womanizer, but Scarlet kept pursuing him until Dylan had been left all alone from his crazy relationships filled with lies.

Scarlett never gave up on him until she got Dylan's heart and accepted her as his woman. Dylan knew the idea that Scarlett had always dreamed of being wedded to him and was ready to share her life with him. She desired to bind him into marriage and start a family with him.

Dylan has goals that have been set for the future, including taking over his father's business and inheriting the fortune. Because he was an only child, gaining the upper hand came rather easily for him; nonetheless, the one who successfully triumphed and sat on the throne will be the one to face the burden of responsibility.

"Scarlett, if you continue to sulk in this manner, our relationship will always end in conflict and incompatibility. There will be a time for us to settle down, but that time is not now; don't you have your plans?" Dylan asked, trying to draw her in his arms, but the woman didn't cool down.

"I have! It is to be with you forever," Scarlet replied without the intent of facing Dylan.

The expression of confusion and dissatisfaction flickered across Dylan's eyes. Perhaps he ought to rethink the adoring way in which he treats Scarlett. She developed an unnatural dependence on him and his presence.

"Listen, Scarlett, your life does not revolve only around me. The world is vast; chase your aspirations and focus on what you truly want. Let's encourage one another and allow this relationship to succeed."

"But I want you, Dylan! Your love, your focus, and no one else!" Scarlett blurted out; her expression was filled with distress. On the other hand, Dylan seemed dumbfounded until his lips formed a thin line, and he let a heavy sigh.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that, Scarlett. As the heir to the largest company in the city, I am an ambiguous man. I desired a companion who wished to see the world and dreamed even more than I did. You know that I love right? Please, understand me." Dylan pulled himself up, grabbed a robe beside them, and let it embrace his muscular body. He kissed her forehead before turning his back.

Scarlett bites her lip in irritation as she observes Dylan going inside the bathroom. The door opened and made a closing sound, followed by the sound of the falling water that began to echo.

After they have finished having an intimate relationship in bed, this always ends up happening to them. Dylan will respond to her about the things he wants to do more, and once she opens up about the idea of marriage, he will respond to her and simply tell her that he has bigger plans.

Scarlett started to run out of forbearance to get wedded to Dylan. She wanted everything about him. She wanted him to look only for her. She witnessed how many women crossed Dylan's life, belittling her that she would never have him even if she crossed heaven and hell. Her greed for Dylan's love and affection began to rise.

"Dreams! Damn those dreams! Why can't you just assure me that you are mine?" she whispered hysterically. Biting her nails as she clutches the silk that covers her naked body.

She offered him her entire being, including her love, body, and soul. Dylan has been her source of joy ever since she was a young girl, and she has never allowed anyone to stand in the way of her pursuit of a life with just him. Being Scarlett Evans, one of Rich Man's daughters, she has everything: Title, gold, and glory are hers to keep. She has it all! However, her relationship with Dylan isn't enough. She wanted to have a hold of him.

He may allow her to be his girlfriend, but his eyes only look at her when he hovers over her in bed. She has to think of a plan to lure him. Dylan Carter belongs to her. She must be his wife and the mother of his child!

"I can't wait anymore! I wanted to bear his child!" If she couldn't have him alone by herself, she would make him accountable because she has her vicious plan to tame Dylan Carter.

"Excellent work, everyone!" Have a good night's sleep! "Madison chirped happily, oblivious to the fatigue she felt from the day's household chores. She has built trust and a warm relationship with the people surrounding her since she began working as a maid in the Carter's Mansion. Although it differs from her previous work, she is still adjusting to the new environment in which she is working with.

"Good Night Madi!" Emily and Sophie sang in unison, while Mila just nodded at her and smiled.

Madison couldn't help but be delighted; having a good relationship with the people around her is a good factor for a well-organized contribution of skills and solidarity. She met Sophie and Emily when she asked one of them where the laundry room was. Even though Mila toured her around, familiarizing herself for one day wasn't enough to get used to the massive Manor of the Carter Family.

Emily can be emotionally unstable sometimes, whereas Sophie is warm and cheerful. Madison loved working with the two women who reminded her of her sisters in the province. Her smile faded as she recalled her family, her hands clenched into a fist. "You have to endure it, Madison, for your family!" She murmured, encouraging herself.

Madison was humming a song as she crossed the corridor nearby when she heard a woman's voice; it must be Scarlett, their Young Master's Girlfriend. She was yelling, and her voice was tinged with rage and frustration.

The door was closed, and she couldn't help but listen to their argument. Maybe she can lend a hand with the matter.

"I don't need your explanations, Dylan! Is that woman why you keep changing the subject whenever I bring up the idea of marriage with you?!"

"Silence, Scarlet! You keep jumping to conclusions; why can't you try to listen to me for once?! She's just an acquaintance. We were just talking casually, so why the sudden outburst!?"

"Talking casually? Hah! Dylan, I wasn't born yesterday! I am a woman, and I know how a woman flirted with the person who caught their eye! She's attempting to seduce you!"

"Scarlett, what the fuck! I didn't see anything wrong with talking to her; after all, she's married and has a child, for Pete's sake!" Dylan stated that his voice had almost risen, and Madison halted because it was the first time she heard him raise his voice.

"I'm done with this! Don't text me nor call me!" Scarlett shouted, her voice cracked, and she shook in a fury and stormed out of the room with tears flowing from her eyes.

Madison was about to hide when Scarlett suddenly appeared in front of her. Scarlett glared at her and bumped her shoulder. "What was that?" she murmured, asking herself if she had done something wrong with the lady.

Madison was about to turn around and make her way to the maid's quarter when she heard. Dylan's voice from behind.

"Good timing, you are here. Bring me some food. I am quite starving." Dylan said while palming his face with a dint of frustration.

Madison nodded as she avoided his stern gaze, examining her as if she had heard the quarrel earlier. She strides inside the kitchen and prepares tea, salmon with a small amount of vegetable salad, and dark almond chocolate for joy stimulants. According to Sophie, Dylan wasn't picky with food, but sometimes he only ate in moderation.

Holding the tray of food, she knocked, and Dylan obliged to open it for Madison. "Here's the food, I prepared salmon since the Young Master prefers to eat in moderation, and I balanced it with a small amount of vegetable salad, Tea for relaxation, and Almond Dark chocolate for joy stimulant." Madison presented each food she had prepared by pointing at it one by one.

Dylan doesn't know, but a grin slowly crept on his lips; the maid must put a lot of effort into picking his food.

"If you need anything, you can call me. Please excuse me." Madison bowed as a sign of respect and was about to exit while holding the tray when Dylan grabbed her arm, making her stiffen.

"Wait, would you mind staying a little longer? I don't want to eat alone," he said while looking away. "My parents frequently travel for business, which is why I eat alone. No one dared to join me, and I despised being alone." He added as he peeked at Madison, who seemed astounded by Dylan's impulsive words.

It's too late for Dylan to take back his words. It's the first time he opened up with a maid he had only met for weeks. Madison cleared her throat, prepared the folding table in front of his master, and placed the food properly. She sat on the nearest rattan chair in front of him and remained silent as Dylan started to dig his food.

"I have a mistake to confess. I heard the Young Master and his Girlfriend arguing...." Madison confessed while looking away and suppressing her shaky voice.

Dylan stopped eating and took a sip of Madison's tea. "It's a mixture of sweet and savory. You brewed this?"

Madison nodded, "Yes, it's a combination of green tea and honey. Does the tea not suit your taste? My apologies, I will try harder next time-"

"No, it suited my taste and made me tranquil." Dylan interrupted as he continued to savor the tea.

"Wasn't the Young Master mad that I heard your argument with the Lady earlier?" Madison asked while squeezing her palm secretly.

Dylan glanced at Madison, "Why should I? You should get used to it. Scarlett always gets jealous of every woman who tries to approach me, and that wasn't the first time we quarreled as serious as that. It was quite tiring to deal with her." Bitterness was evident in Dylan's voice.

"Ahm, Young Master, would you mind if I expressed my opinion?" Dylan's brow furrowed when Madison asked while crossing her arms across her chest.

"Go on," Dylan said as he munched the lettuce that had salmon inside.

"Say, have you ever dug deeper behind the lady's words earlier?"

"What are you imploring to say?"

"You see, Girls are like brittle dolls or a piece of paper. Once you lose your grip on a brittle doll, it will fall alone and be shattered on the ground, right? And the same as the paper, will it be whole again if you tore a part of it? Of course not." Madison started, she saw how Dylan stared at her intently, and he was listening to her.

Madison breathed and started to get straight to her point. "You see, The Lady was like the Brittle doll and paper that I mentioned earlier; she's breaking like a brittle doll because you let your anger consume you, breaking her heart, and she was like paper because you tore a part of her for not listening deeper to her words. The lady wanted to hear from you the assurance that she has been longing to hear. A relationship wasn't about exchanging kisses, saying "I love you," and physical touch. It was about commitment; two hearts must be committed to each other...." Madison smiled secretly when Dylan started to get her point, so she continued.

"If you two argued, one must become the water to simmer down the fire. If

one is angry, the other should be calm and learn to control the situation to avoid misunderstanding and conflict. Love isn't all about happiness; it can be a shared experience of pain and challenges that two lovers must learn to overcome. Now, go and apologize to the lady, try to give her a thing or food that she likes. Don't just apologize, but your apologies should be sincere."

Dylan couldn't stop but admire the woman in front of him; he had this absolute feeling that he didn't know to describe. It wasn't the feeling of a child being lectured by his mother. It was a feeling that he wasn't aloof for the short time he had had with this maid. He feels like being himself while Madison's around.

When Dylan had finished eating, he placed his shoulder on the table and remained seated.

"It seems like you are knowledgeable in this kind of matter. You seem experienced when it comes to love. I bet you have been in numerous relationships to be this knowledgeable. Have you experienced countless heartbreaks from your past relationships?" Dylan asked with a slow grin quirked in his mouth.

Madison chuckled, which made Dylan's forehead crease. "No, it seems like the Young Master misunderstood something. To burst your assumption, no. I never had a boyfriend since birth."

Dylan's mouth formed an "O" shape as he blinked twice, digesting Madison's answer.

"What? Are you for real?"

"Yes. Ahm, the reason behind my pieces of advice was my mother. She used to be a leader in our community. She served with heart and applied her servant-leadership style. Whenever there were couples or married couples having a conflict, my mother was the one who helped them to maintain the balance of their relationship and the harmony of our community.

Dylan, at that moment, feels like he has found peace with Madison; he can act like an average person in front of her. So, Madison continues to tell about her mother's service in their community, how she resolved the conflict between couples and even the funny things she had witnessed.

Dylan couldn't help but find himself laughing at Madison's stories. There were times when the two would laugh in unison and yell their thoughts about Madison's stories.

"And you know, what is the wife's ire?"

"Come on, tell me," Dylan said as he grinned.

Madison's face was about to burst as she said the answer that made the two laugh like

there's no tomorrow.

"Because his husband farted while they had intimate time alone!" Madison exclaimed.

"That's hilarious!" Dylan can't help but laugh along with Madison; her laughter doesn't

bother him. Her laughter was even more effective than the Almond chocolate she had prepared earlier.

"Say, can I call you Madison?" Dylan asked while suppressing his laughter.

"Of course, it doesn't bother me at all," Madison responded and grinned cheerfully.

"Madison, what do you think of me?" Dylan wanted to hear the impression of Madison.

On the other hand, Madison felt a strange sensation inside her stomach; she thought maybe she was hungry and had to answer the Young Master's question.

"To be honest, I can see how the Young Master cares and loves the lady. How you care for her and how you doted on her."

"No, not that. How about my looks?" Madison was caught off guard by Dylan's question. She met his eyes and let a nervous laugh.

Madison breathed harshly before giving Dylan an answer. "Well, the Young Master is indeed handsome and looks like a celebrity on television, and most of all, you seemed a perfect boyfriend material that every girl would dream of." Madison peeked at Dylan, who was silent when she gave him the answer. Surprisingly, Dylan covered his mouth with his left hand and gazed away. His ears were red as a tomato, and Madison found it strange.

"Y-Young Master? Did you eat something that you are allergic to? Why is your face red? Do you have a fever?" Madison was about to reach Dylan, but Dylan raised his hand, telling her to halt and remain seated.

"I-I'm alright, just stay there." He whispered between his entangled thoughts.

When minutes passed, Madison noticed that it was already midnight and she needed to wash the remaining clothes at 5 am, so she broke the silence.

"It's already morning. Excuse me, Young Master," Madison put the plates back on the tray and bid goodbye to Dylan. "The Young Master should rest, have a good night." She said as she smiled at him for the last time and turned back.

When the door closed, Dylan lazily lay on his bed and covered his eyes using his pillow. This was the first time that he had had a conversation like that. He cannot remember when he and Scarlett talked like that. Scarlett only opens the topic of marriage that made his ears hurt and why they constantly argue.

Madison is the first woman who made him at ease with how he will act and talk back. She didn't mind what his mouth would say. Madison is fun to be with, not just as a companion but as a mood booster also. Earlier, he was frustrated and lost himself in anger, but when Madison accompanied him, she just listened and didn't judge him for his selfish request.

"M-maybe...it is because of Green tea and Honey." He murmured to himself, fighting the desire not to smile widely because of Madison, the maid.