After the long drive from Manila to the north, the air gradually turned chilly as Matthew's SUV navigated the ascending, winding roads of the Mountain Province. However, they did not head toward the lofty, steep mountain ranges of Sagada where they had previously conducted a mission; Matthew brought her to a hidden valley below, a flat expanse of land encircled by towering pine trees, vast fields of plump cabbage and lettuce, and the scent of fresh earth mingling with the cold drizzle.
The vehicle stopped in front of a spacious yard enclosed by a wooden fence. Standing in the middle of it was a stunning vacation home. It wasn't a soaring or modern mansion like the ones in Manila; it was built from a blend of hardwood logs and solid stone, featuring a wide veranda out front, large glass wi
