Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Molly walked into Chade Inc., eyeing the pile of documents on the desk, feeling completely worn out. "Hey, boss, got a question. How does maternity leave work around here?" Chad swung by the police station and was puzzled not to spot Conner's usual flashy sports car. That was unexpected.

Andre made it to the office and got a call from his brother. "Andre, can you give me some tips on flaunting wealth without coming off as a show-off?"

Andre rubbed his temples, struggling to reconcile the brother he was speaking to now with the young boy he met all those years ago. "Sorry, can't help you there."

"No way," Conner replied confidently. "If you can't, how did your wife figure out you were loaded?"

"My name just screams money."

Conner reflected on it and realized Andre had a point; the guy was a business mogul, after all.

Was there no hope for Conner then?

He probed further, "What does your wife fancy?"

Andre replied, "Checks."

"That's so tacky."

After hanging up, Conner quickly told his assistant, "Grab me a checkbook."

Back at the station, Annie finally felt some peace. Her coworkers teased, "Annie, are we missing out on some treats today?"

Annie replied, "Not anymore."

Yet, later in the afternoon, an officer rushed in, "Annie, looks like our good luck isn't over yet."

Conner had arrived but didn't disturb her with a call. When the time hit, Annie's phone buzzed. "Annie, I'm waiting for you outside."

As Chad clocked out, he noticed the black car parked outside again. Now, that felt right.

Annie climbed into the passenger seat, and Conner handed her a checkbook. "Isn't this what all girls like?"

Frustrated, Annie tore the checkbook apart. "Conner, what are you up to?"

"Are you dense? I'm chasing you!" Conner argued, feeling justified.

Annie was fuming, "I'm not interested in your pursuit."

Conner replied, "Everyone in Newtown knows you're my fiancée. Your rejection doesn't change a thing. Unless I decide I don't want you, you're stuck being my girl." "And what would make you not want me?"

Conner pondered for a moment, "Maybe if you lost your arms and legs, I'd reconsider. I'm not into that kind of stuff."

Annie: "...Get lost."

She stormed out of the car. Conner, initially chuckling in the car, stopped laughing. Damn, she left again.

He opened the door and ran after her. "Annie, let's grab some dinner."

Annie dashed back into the station, and Conner quickly followed.

That evening, Conner, sporting fresh scratches on his neck, vented in a group chat with his four brothers: From now on, don't take relationship advice from married Andre. Just because he's got a kid doesn't make him a love guru. His advice was pointless and got me into trouble.

The other three replied with "?," confused about what happened.

Conner spilled the beans about the checkbook incident, and Andre, holding his baby in his study, happily texted back: My wife is a money-lover; a checkbook works for her. You don't even know what your girl likes and try to mimic me, making yourself look foolish. Mars: Who are you chasing, Conner?

Asher: Conner's got a lady?

Teddy cut to the chase: It's not shocking he has a woman; what's shocking is he's going after her.

Andre, feeling cheeky, gave a full introduction: Name: Annie, Age: 26, Gender: Female. Occupation: Detective at Havenbrook PD. Hometown: Newtown, Status: Fiancée to the Nettleton family. Notable experience: Runaway bride.

Conner jumped in, @Andre: No need to be so detailed, man.

Mars@Conner: Hotel's open; I'll be there in 30 minutes.

Asher@Conner: Booking a flight now.

Teddy@Conner: I'll be on the 11 PM flight tonight, pick me up.

Andre put his phone down, satisfied.

An annoyed Conner rang Andre, "Are you throwing away years of friendship?"

A baby's babbling came through, "Bababa."

Andre put the phone next to his son's ear, and Henry babbled happily, "Aaah puh puh."

Conner calmed himself, "Good boy, give the phone to your dad."

"Bababa."

Conner encouraged, "Yes, to your dad."

Henry, looking at his dad, lunged forward to hug and nibble him.

Conner called out, "Andre?"

Andre bragged, "My son's giving me kisses, gotta go."

Andre watched his precious son, thinking, despite his flaws-being chubby, clumsy, lazy, gluttonous, and a bit of a handful...

Other kids might be picky eaters, taken to the doctor for nutritional deficiencies. His son, however, ate so well they had to ensure he wasn't over-nourished.

Mia spent her day in class, absorbing intriguing cases, and at home, she listened to her husband's old tales.

Life felt full and joyful.

Jamie and Denny noticed her happiness. "What's got you so upbeat all day, that smile hasn't left your face."

Mia took a bite of her chicken wrap and sipped her soy milk, smiling, "Being in a good mood boosts my study-efficiency, and being more efficient makes me even happier."

en FindNovel

Hanging around Mia, Jamie and Denny found their stress easing.

Cooper called, "How's the studying going, sis?"

His sister hadn't called to scold him yet; was she still clueless?

Mia replied, "It's going fine, what's up?"

Cooper asked tentatively, "What do you think about your law studies?"

"Thoughts? None really."

Cooper hinted, "Like, do you find it difficult?"

"Not at all, didn't you say it was a breeze? My classmates think it's easy too."

Jamie immediately cut in, "No, I find it tough."

Mia shrugged, "Maybe it's not that hard; everyone seems to manage just fine."

Denny coughed and added, "Mia, last year, Cooper lived better than I did. Yet, I still missed out on getting into Havenbrook University. So..."

Mia's smile froze as she looked at Jamie, nodding. "Yeah, you're too innocent."

"Cooper, if I catch the next flight out, you're toast!"

Later that night, in the Cedillo living room.

Mia sat on the couch, her eyes red and swollen from crying, looking utterly distressed. Her speech was broken by sobs, and the table was covered with tissues for her tears and nose.

"You and Andre tricked me." What was supposed to be a joyful moment turned into sorrow for Mia, with Naomi and Molly beside her.

Molly had planned to go back to the

Byrne residence tonight. Halfway

there, Hansen called, urging his daughter to return, "Mia's back to

confront Andre. Get home

now."

Hearing someone was going to confront Andre, Molly excitedly said, "Chad, hurry up, there's going to be drama at home."