Chapter 2031: A Dream

As they emptied the refrigerator of its contents, their conversation flowed increasingly freely. Madilyn noticed the accumulating empty bottles—seven or eight, she counted.

"Jonathan," she said, "I hope you'll try to break the habit of pushing yourself so hard. Setting impossibly high goals only leads to suffering, and I don't want to see you fall into depression again."

The alcohol loosened her inhibitions, allowing her to speak from the heart. She genuinely wanted Jonathan's happiness.

Jonathan nodded, his gaze rising to meet hers. Her flushed face betrayed the effects of the drink. He stood, leaning towards her, taking her hand.

"Let's not drink too much," he said gently. "We have a whole day tomorrow. Let me help you lie down and rest."

His handsome face and captivating eyes, coupled with his nearness, sparked something in Madilyn. She rose on tiptoe and kissed him firmly.

He responded with equal passion, the unexpected kiss igniting his senses. Their kiss deepened, his intensity leaving Madilyn breathless, her body flushed with heat. A soft moan escaped her lips as she surrendered to the moment.

Just as the passion reached its peak, Jonathan stopped. He gently scooped her into his arms and laid her on the bed.

"I love you, Maddy. Now sleep." He kissed her forehead lightly.

Another wave of dizziness washed over Madilyn; the world swam. She realized she was drunk, her mind hazy and drifting. Sleepiness claimed her, and she drifted off.

Jonathan watched her sleep, a soft smile playing on his lips. He wasn't sure of his emotional state or what the future held, but he knew he couldn't bear to see Madilyn unhappy.

I'm not ready, he thought. If I get together with her too easily, it'll seem insincere. The time isn't right yet.

He returned to his desk, finishing his work. An hour later, he closed his laptop, a feeling of contentment settling over him as he looked at Madilyn's peaceful slumber.

After changing, he went to the bathroom to bathe.

Meanwhile, Madilyn awoke in a dream, parched. She searched for water, running through a forest until she reached a waterfall. The thirst consumed her; she drank deeply from the clear pool below, but the more she drank, the thirstier she became, an intense heat overwhelming her.

She looked around, surrounded by lush grass and vibrant flowers, the air thick with a sweet fragrance. Then, she felt her soul lift. Fluffy white clouds descended, enveloping her in a gentle embrace. Afloat amongst them, the soft breeze tingling her skin from head to toe.