Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Mrs. Calder was a mix of surprise and relief. "It's actually kind of nice. I never imagined our little one would argue, much less almost get into a scrap. Mr. Calder, clearly peeved, tapped the table with a huff. "I'm right here. I'd love to see who thinks they can lay a finger on my baby."

"Alright, alright, don't let her sweet-talk you too much. I'm going to check on Anya, see what she's chatting about with Leo upstairs." When Mrs. Calder got there, Anya had just finished sweet-talking and obediently said, "Okay, Chad, got it. Bye, Chad."

Hanging up, Mrs. Calder sat down with her. "Anya, what were you talking about with Leo?"

"Chad said he'd help me show them what's what, make them realize that only someone from the Cedillo family is good enough for me." Mrs. Calder just sighed.

Once Leo had hung up, someone came out of the villa. "Leo, what are you up to? Hurry, it's almost over."

Leo looked at his phone and smiled, before heading back inside.

"Leo, who was on the phone? Almost cost you the game."

"My girlfriend. Someone upset her, and she came to me to vent." Leo said with a grin, settling on the couch with his laptop. "Quick victory this time. Remember our bet-if I win, you owe me a favor." "You little schemer. Fine, a deal's a deal."

Leo stayed in the villa for the next couple of hours.

When he finally emerged, he stretched and said, "Remember, you owe me one. I'll call it in when I need."

"Leo, aren't you gonna eat?"

Seated in his car, Leo replied, "Nah, Ms. Anya's waiting for me to cheer her up. I'm heading straight over."

He didn't head home; he hit the highway straight away.

It was the first time he realized how pricey dating could be.

But it was money well spent in his book.

During dinner, Anya was somewhere else entirely. Mr. and Mrs. Calder piled her plate high, but she kept glancing at the door.

Someone invited Ms. Anya out, but she turned them down.

Mrs. Calder said, "You've been away studying, hardly ever home. Now you're back, go hang out with your friends. It's a bit dull just hanging with your parents."

"It's not dull at all. Plus, Chad said he's coming over."

Anya nibbled on her dinner, constantly checking the time.

Around nine, the Calders nudged her to head to her room. Just then, Anya's phone buzzed. "Hey, come out."

Anya darted out like a breeze, not bothered by the cold, still in her light nightgown, excitedly running to the door.

When she reached it, Leo was already there, leaning against the car with open arms. "Chad! I knew you'd come today."

Anya dashed into his embrace, and Leo, holding her close in her dress, said, "Aren't you cold? Hop in the car."

Once Anya was seated in the passenger seat, Leo drove her inside. If I knew you'd come out in something so light, I'd have driven right up to the door."

He thought it was too late for a doorstep chat and planned to head to a hotel, but Ms. Anya had other ideas.

When they got to the Calder's living room, her parents were waiting at the door. As soon as she got out, they started in, "Why'd you run out in just a dress?"

Anya looked down. "Dad, it's a teddy bear dress, with fur and everything."

Seeing the now slightly plumper Mrs. Calder, who looked quite prosperous, Leo greeted, "Good evening, Uncle and Auntie."