Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"Leo, you haven't had dinner yet, come on in," Mrs. Calder said warmly, ushering Leo back inside.

Leo smiled, "I grabbed a bite on the way. Just wanted to check in on Ms. Anya and then I'll head out."

"Head out where?" Mr. Calder inquired.

Anya chimed in, slightly annoyed, "Chad can't stay over, so he's probably booked a hotel."

The Calders had offered Leo a place to stay, but he politely declined, "I already booked a room. It's easier for me to stay outside. Thanks for the offer, Uncle and Aunt."

With Leo around, Anya felt like the carefree princess of the Calder household again.

Sensing the young couple needed some time alone, Mr. and Mrs. Calder discreetly retreated to their room. In the cozy living room, Anya vented to Leo about the day's frustrations. Leo picked up a grape from the coffee table, gently feeding it to her. Watching her cheeks puff up, he felt a wave of happiness wash over him. "I'm here now. I'll swing by their place soon. Being the eldest grandchild of the Cedillo Group should come in handy. Have another one." He fed her another grape, and as her cheeks bulged, he wished he could pull her in for a deep kiss, but decorum held him back at the Calders'.

After about half an hour, Leo headed to his hotel alone.

Anya, in high spirits, went upstairs to bed, spotting her parents lingering on the staircase. "Goodnight, Mom and Dad," she called out.

She then retreated to her room, leaving her parents exchanging knowing glances.

The next morning, a car was waiting outside bright and early to take Anya. She dashed off with Leo, her boyfriend, without a second thought.

Caught up in the excitement, Anya forgot why she had brought Leo along in the first place. Later, recalling her purpose, she dragged him to the shop where they'd had a tiff the day before. "Oh, they're not here," she noted.

Anya bought some rice crispy treats to take home.

That evening, Mrs. Calder, seeing her daughter return with the treats, realized Anya had indeed gone to that shop to flaunt her boyfriend. She pulled Leo aside, "Leo, I know you're fond of Anya, but she's still young and naive. You can't indulge her whims. Those people are already embarrassed from yesterday; they probably won't gossip again. Don't let Anya stir things up."

Leo reassured her, "Don't worry, Aunt. With me around, Ms. Anya won't cause too much trouble. She just needed to blow off some steam today and didn't manage to. I doubt those folks will visit that shop again. Aunt, if you ever run into them, please let them know they're not on Ms. Anya's level-only I am."

"Leo..."

He gave a polite smile, "Thanks in advance, Aunt. I wanted to tell them myself but didn't get the chance. Please pass on my message."

"Chad, what are you and my mom talking about?" Anya asked, rushing out, worried her boyfriend might have been cornered, and wrapped her arms around Leo's protectively.

"We were just chatting about

sticking up for you. Ms. Anya,

remember who they are. When we

get married, they can stand front and center to get a good look," Leo chuckled.

en FindNovel

Anya's eyes sparkled with joy, "Yes, yes, my dad will remember."

Since Leo arrived, Anya did everything with a beaming smile, even preferring to hop and skip instead of walking.

Leo strolled leisurely beside her, holding her hand.

Seeing this, Mrs. Calder whispered to her husband, "Time to prepare the dowry."

Mr. Calder, hands clasped behind his back, eyed Leo as if he were a thorn in his side. Yet, frustratingly, he couldn't find a single flaw.