Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

The familiar sound of a baby's cry echoed through the cozy living room of Maplewood Estates. Andre, lounging on the sofa, picked up the morning newspaper from the coffee table, crossed his legs, and leisurely began to read.

Outside, a gentle drizzle fell, some folks opting for umbrellas while others enjoyed the rain. It wasn't heavy, so an umbrella was more of a choice than a necessity. Anya, despite having an umbrella in her bag, never got to use it because Leo, with a mischievous grin, kept it closed, deliberately keeping them in the public eye.

As they strolled along, just as expected, many eyes followed them. The freshmen were yet to arrive, but the upperclassmen already knew who the campus heartthrob was. It was quite the surprise seeing these two as a couple.

While people whispered and gossiped, Anya was puzzled, "Chad, why'd you park at the east gate if we're heading to the west gate to register?"

Chad seemed to enjoy leading them through the busiest routes. Even someone as directionally challenged as Anya could tell he was doing it on purpose.

Once they reached the most crowded spot, Leo halted, turned to his sweet girlfriend, and she asked curiously, "Chad, why are we stopping?"

"To eliminate the competition," he replied, before tipping her chin up and planting a bold kiss on her lips, right there in the middle of the bustling path.

Seeing the couple kissing, the passersby stopped, pulling out their phones to capture the moment. As Leo kissed her, Anya froze, like a paused robot, her whole body tensed up.

Even Leo's ears and neck betrayed his nerves, turning red. He held Anya and kissed her right in front of everyone, drawing gasps from the onlooking crowd.

Finally, Leo released Anya, clearing his throat awkwardly. Anya, blushing deeply, buried her face in his chest, "Chad, I'm too embarrassed to face anyone now," she whimpered.

Leo glanced around, his face just as red. This was his first time pulling off such a public romantic gesture, and it was clearly outside his comfort zone. Still, he deemed it necessary for future peace of mind.

He reached into Anya's backpack, pulled out the umbrella, opened it, and shielded them both, "There, now no one can see us."

When Anya went to get her advisor's signature, she wore two face masks and her boyfriend's sunglasses, trying to hide her identity. The advisor, peering at her through the disguise, tilted her head, "Are you Anya?"

Later, the picture of Leo and Anya kissing made its way to the Havenbrook University forum. Sitting at his computer, Leo saw it and smirked, "Just what I was waiting for!"

At Havenbrook, a peculiar thing occurred. The post of "Campus Heartthrob Leo" and "Campus Beauty Anya" kissing stayed at the top of the forum. Despite its popularity, it never budged from the top spot, raising eyebrows.

Even university officials discussed asking the poster to remove it, to clear the space. Yet, despite countless attempts, the poster couldn't delete it, "Professor, I can't control it, it's stuck."

Even the computer science department took a crack at it but to no avail. Mia, the university president, was baffled, "What? I have a school to run? Can I get a scholarship for being the president?"

The photo lingered from Anya's sophomore year right through to her graduation. For three years, Leo ensured no other guy dared approach Anya, fulfilling the Cedillo family's aim.

As a sophomore, Anya was still bashful. She avoided the school forum, knowing full well that everyone had seen her and her boyfriend's shameless public display of affection.

Her boyfriend, the campus heartthrob, was also a senior and the Cedillo family's heir. Luckily, Leo had shielded Anya, so no one saw their faces clearly.

"Wow, Anya, how far have you and the heartthrob gotten?" Her classmates were keen on the gossip.

Molly, scrolling through the forum, remarked, "Well, well, the classic clueless guy's had a revelation if Leo claims he had nothing to do with that pinned post, I'd twist my head off."

Mia, clutching her grad school prep books, was on the brink of tears. "My husband won't let me take the easy way out."

Molly patted her back, "I support you in spirit, but that's about it."

"Molly, will you study with me?" Mia implored.

Molly pulled back, "I'm pregnant, are you serious?"

Mia nodded, "I studied while pregnant."

Molly, knowing her limits, retorted, "This is for grad school! Sister! You want a

examgnant woman waddling to

exams? Pass or fail, I'd be the talk of the year."

Mia deflated.

Molly added, "Besides, Chad wouldn't let me study law."

"Why not?" Mia asked.

Jade chimed in, "Chad's afraid I'd know too much and exploit legal loopholes."

Feeling wronged, Jade sighed, "Does my husband trust my morals too much if he wants me to study law?"

Jade shook her head, "Or maybe Andre

knowiants you to find loopholes,

knowing you're fierce. This way, you can defend yourself in fights and save on lawyer fees."

Trying not to cry, she looked just like her son, "Andre's rich, can't he afford a lawyer for his beloved wife?"

Jade scratched her nose, "Andre is wealthy, but his cards and accounts... are all with his wife."

Mrs. Cedillo, feeling targeted, couldn't cry anymore, "Molly, maybe hush for a bit. I was about to cry, now I don't feel like it."

Molly asked, "Mia, did Andre take you to your grad prep course on the 3rd? Did your classmates get excited?"

Mia snorted, "I didn't let Andre come with me."

"What? Shouldn't Andre have personally taken you to class, comforting and pampering you?" Molly asked.

Mia replied, "He wanted to, but I didn't let him. My parents dropped me off on the first day."

Feeling like a kid again, Mia cherished the moment, especially after being a wife and mom, feeling her parents' love anew.

They took her to class, found her a good spot, and ensured she was comfy and ready to study.

"Could I even keep Andre at bay?" Mia wondered aloud.