Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"Mia, is this the kind of diamond ring a guy only picks once in his life?" Jamie asked, examining the ring on Mia's hand. Mia nodded with a smile, "Yep, this is the engagement ring the 'mystery man' got for me, along with his little treasure." Jamie grinned, "And that little treasure is you, right?"

Mia laughed, "Exactly, my one true love."

Wearing the ring was her way of letting everyone know she was taken, and it also hinted at her partner's financial prowess. Sure, she could have worn any ring or even turned it into a necklace, but a custom-made ring like this said she was serious about her relationship. People got the message and gave Mia her space.

Andre, feeling a bit jealous and curious about Denny, subtly asked his wife, "So, what do you think of Denny?"

Mia, always straightforward, replied, "He's quite handsome and nice. He's really smart, does well in his studies, and is always eager to help me and Leo with ours. He did show off a bit at first, which I didn't quite get, but as I got to know him better, I found him reliable. It's understandable; he's always been the top achiever in his family, the one with the most potential according to his teachers. Everyone has their little quirks. He's a good guy, and he has this gentlemanly vibe. He often shares study tips with me and Leo. As a thank you, I often share some snacks and fruits from home with him, and occasionally treat him to a meal. Leo, though, has developed a little crush on him."

Andre listened intently, his brows furrowed. Mia rarely talked so much about someone else.

He wasn't worried about her straying; he just didn't want anyone trying to steal her away, knowing how charming she was.

But the last part of her statement put him at ease. "Your desk mate's got a crush on your back desk mate?"

That evening, as their son slept, Mia cuddled up to her husband, excitedly sharing gossip, "Yes, darling, you're the only one I've told. Leo's got a crush on Denny. She hasn't said anything, but I can tell. I think Denny might feel something for Leo too. They've been quite taken with each other recently. Whenever we walk, I let them walk side by side. And, oh,"

Andre half-listened, already knowing what he needed. He held Mia close, feeling no threat, and they drifted off to sleep together.

Their little one, with his chubby cheeks, slept peacefully, dreaming sweet dreams.

---

One chilly autumn afternoon after school,

Mia stood at the doorway, phone in hand, "Hey, honey, where are you? I can't find you."

On the other end, Henry was fussing. "I'm in the parking lot, just follow our little guy's cries." Andre was pacing the parking lot with Henry, his son's cries echoing around.

Within minutes, Mia emerged from the elevator, following the familiar cries. She handed the backpack to her husband, scooped up her son and wiped away his tears, "Sweetheart, what's got you att upset? Did Daddy do something

While I was away?"

"Mhm.dada," Henry pouted.

Andre, holding Henry's bottle, explained, "He bit through his pacifier, and I was worried he'd choke, so I took it away for a bit. He thought I wasn't going to feed him and cried so much he broke into a sweat."

Mia checked the pacifier, sure

enough, it was, bitten to bits by tiny teeth. "Those little teeth are strong! If they bit someone, it would hurt. Let me see your little tiger teeth."

She comforted her boy, cheet het

teeth, and hid the bottle. "Sweetie, he's almost a year old. We should start weaning him off the bottle."

his

Henry, lying in his mother's arms, looked up innocently, wondering why he wasn't getting his milk.

Mia hugged him tight, "Weaning off the pacifier doesn't mean no more milk, silly boy."

After calming down the almost-crying baby, Mia turned to Andre, "For Henry's first birthday, should we have a big celebration or just a small gathering?"

"Let's keep it simple. We'll go to a restaurant and invite Leo. Honey, promise me something, okay?"

"I'll be careful," Andre replied with a touch of pride.

Mia continued, "There's something about my studies I want to talk to you about."

Andre, always understanding, said, "Don't stress too much."

Studying was a journey. It started with excitement, which could be dampened by setbacks and confusion, Andre noticed it all and never pushed her. Instead, he often suggested, "Mia, I'm free today How about a drive with Henry?" "Mia, darling, let's take a break from studying and go to Majestic Dining Enclave." "Want to go out and have some fun? You need to relax

sometimes."

Henry, always excited at the prospect of going out, would end up disappointed when Mia said, "I'm not in the mood," keeping them all at home. But cheering Mia up was Andre's focus, and he'd drive her around to lift her spirits. Henry was thrilled, hands on the car window, face pressed against the glass, babbling happily.

Mia playfully placed her husband's sunglasses on Henry's face, causing a moment of tension before he grabbed them to examine curiously.

"Honey, have you thought about what gift to give him for his first birthday?"

Andre replied, "He's just a little guy. What do you want? I'll give it to you. You've been the one working hard this year; he's just been enjoying himself."

Mia held Henry, who was again gnawing on his sunglasses, close. She hugged her little one tight, "All I want is for him to grow up healthy, happy, and blessed."

Andre smiled, promising, "With me around, he will, and so will you."