Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

The night had settled in deep, and Mia finally had a chance to catch her breath. She held her little boy, who was crying his heart out, and with a touch of humor, asked, "Has the 'Lake of Tears' run dry yet?"

Her little bundle of joy, already miffed by his mom's teasing, began to cry even harder. The little chub, soft and adorable, nestled in his mom's arms, wrapping his tiny fingers around her neck, sobbing away. Andre found himself once again tempted to find a quiet spot for some peace.

Meanwhile, in their cozy rented space, Leo was getting ready to head out. He grabbed his girlfriend's purse, threw on his thick coat, and took Anya's hand to lead her out.

Their roommates, already in their pajamas, couldn't help but tease, "Off again, Leo? You two heading to a hotel or something?"

"Get lost," Leo retorted with a grin, giving his roommate a playful punch. "I'm just walking Ms. Anya home."

In the elevator, Leo casually draped his arm over Anya's shoulder and gently pulled her into a warm embrace.

As they stepped out into the chilly night air, Leo quickly slipped his coat over Anya's shoulders. "Here, put this on so you don't catch a cold," he insisted.

Anya pouted, clearly not thrilled. Leo, always the direct one, reached out and playfully pinched her cheeks, squeezing the pout away as she muttered, "Chad.."

Without missing a beat, Leo leaned in and kissed her softly. The faint taste of wine lingered-refreshing rather than overpowering. Anya closed her eyes, letting herself melt into the tenderness of the moment.

Under the quiet night sky, beneath the soft glow of streetlights, it was just the two of them. Anya felt the warmth and care in Leo's kiss, his rare tenderness enveloping her like a gentle breeze.

Leo's gentle touch gradually turned more passionate, like a storm brewing after a calm rain, making Anya's back ache with the intensity. She tried to speak but words escaped her.

In a bid to slow him down, she gave Leo a playful pinch on his side. He softened his approach, finally easing off and letting her catch her breath.

When he looked into her eyes again, Anya's gaze was misty, full of softness and trust.

Leo swallowed hard, a little flustered, and quipped, "Good thing we weren't in the bedroom."

Anya blushed, catching the cheeky undertone in his words.

"Let's get you home," Leo said, gently helping her with her coat.

As they wandered out of the complex, the road was silent, not a car in sight, just the streetlights standing guard over the peaceful asphalt.

The autumn breeze was biting, and the night air carried a chill that rustled the fallen leaves, adding a soft whisper to their walk.

Leo held Anya's hand as they strolled along the empty street.

Anya exhaled, watching her breath form a cloud in the cold air. "Chad, look at that!" she exclaimed, pointing at the mist, delighted by the sight.

Leo chuckled, his eyes twinkling with warmth as he looked at her. Anya turned back to see his affectionate gaze, and her mind flashed back to the kiss, making her blush even more. "Chad, when you're quiet, you remind me of an uncle." "How so?" Leo asked, amused.

"You just do. Uncles always treat their wives like kids they cherish, and you're just like that. You think I'm still a kid. So, when things get tough, you keep it all to yourself because you don't want us to worry," Anya said, looking out at the endless road ahead, her voice carrying a hint of melancholy. "Sometimes, we just want to help, even if it's just by making you laugh."

Before Leo could reply, Anya sighed, "You never give me the chance."

Leo paused, realizing she was still troubled by not being allowed to support him that evening.

"Ms. Anya, whether we're dating or married, everyone needs their own space. I've got someone I love, so I won't pretend to be strong. I keep quiet not because I want to keep things from you, but because I don't want to burden you," Leo explained, meeting her gaze. "Sometimes, not knowing can make you unhappy. But knowing and feeling helpless-that's even tougher," he said. "I don't treat you like a kid because I'm doting on you. I love you as my girlfriend, my future partner."

Anya felt her nose tingle with emotion, unsure if it was the cold air or her tears, but her eyes were definitely stinging.

She spoke, her voice trembling, "But, Chad, I want to be someone who's there for you, not just a girlfriend who can't help."

Leo gently wiped the tears from her

eyes. "Having you beside me is the

biggest comfort. Ms. Anya, you're

amazing. You don't need to prove your love by doing something for me. Even if you do nothing, Chad still loves you."

en FindNovel

Touched, Anya's tears flowed freely as she buried herself in Leo's arms. "Chad, I just care about you."

Leo chuckled, rubbing her head affectionately. "What's there to fret about? Life's got its struggles. How else would grow strong enough to be your pillar? Stop crying now. Did you borrow all those tears from the little crybaby at home? No more tears, or I might just go home and give that little guy a talking to."

Anya looked up, her eyes still glistening. "Chad, why punish the baby if I cry?"

"To vent my frustration. His dad used to scold me all the time when I was young," Leo replied, trying to lighten the mood.

Anya giggled, the tears drying up. "Chad, revenge isn't the solution. If you scold our baby, what if he grows up and scolds your grandbaby?" Leo was at a loss for words; she had a point there.

They continued walking until they finally found a taxi. Leo made sure Anya got home safely.

Early in the morning, as everyone slept, Anya slipped back into her home.

The next morning.

The "mascot" was sleeping in the living room, and everyone who walked by gave him a gentle poke or a pat on his little hands as they said goodbye. When Henry woke up, Andre had already brought his wife home.

Father and son exchanged looks, and Henry, just waking up, waved his tiny fists at his dad, signaling for a cuddle or else there'd be tears. Andre picked him up, and the nanny handed little Leo a bottle.

In the morning, Henry clung to his dad like a little koala, later following him happily to work.

When Leo arrived at work the next day, Paige greeted him, "Did you sober up? I called last night, but you didn't answer."

"Oh, I hung up," Leo replied casually.

"Why? Afraid your girlfriend would get jealous?" Paige teased with a smile. "Come on, she wouldn't be that petty. You love her so much, and she still gets jealous?" Leo grinned, "You're overthinking it. I just didn't want you to overhear anything you shouldn't."

Paige's expression cracked at his reply.

Yesterday, Chad had mentioned that having her by his side made him happy. So, Anya made sure to be there for him even more.