Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Henry was desperate for a place to let out his tears. Outside, the wind had a bite to it, and in the rush to leave, he'd forgotten his water bottle-perfect timing for a warm drink, too. But the meeting dragged on. Henry shifted uneasily, eyes glued to the screen. Everyone reporting knew Andre well enough to keep things brief, but somehow, time slipped away, and it was already eleven.

Through the door, Henry's heart-wrenching cries reached Andre. Watching the security feed, Andre saw Henry resisting comfort, his little hands pushing everyone away, eyes fixed on Andre's office door. Finally, Andre announced, "Let's take a three-minute break." It was the briefest pause they'd ever had.

He stood up, fetched some warm water, and opened the door.

Henry, tears streaming down his cheeks, ran to him, wailing, "Daddy!"

Andre picked up his tearful son with one arm, handed him the water bottle, and gently wiped his face. "Daddy's in a meeting. You can come inside, but no crying or getting into things, okay?" Henry clutched the bottle, nodding silently.

With Henry in his arms, Andre returned to his office. The sight of him with his child made everything clear to his colleagues. Henry, curious, tried to approach the screen to see the people on it, his tiny hand reaching out. Andre quickly pulled him back, "Let's keep going."

Letting Henry roam around the office was asking for chaos. He crawled, tugging at flower pots and spilling water, which Andre tolerated with a strained patience.

Sitting on his playmat, Henry didn't try to eat it since he was perched on top of it-another moment for Andre to endure. Soon, Henry was on the couch, tossing the thin blanket he usually napped with, then reaching for a tray with a glass teapot and cups... Andre's patience finally snapped. He disappeared from the video call for a few seconds and reappeared with the same adorable troublemaker in his arms.

"Blah blah blah," Henry babbled, as cute as ever.

Andre, previously stern, now shifted Henry from one arm to the other, searching for something to keep him entertained. When Henry nearly munched on a pen tip, Andre swiftly took it away.

As Henry grew restless, Andre handed him some A4 paper to tear up. Before Henry could eat a piece, Andre snatched it away again.

Then, Andre gave him a smartphone. With clumsy fingers, Henry accidentally dialed an emergency contact. Mia's phone rang in the middle of her class.

Seeing "Tiger" on the caller ID, she found it odd for her husband to call unless it was urgent. She quickly stepped out to answer, "Hey, honey?"

No response, just Henry's babbling.

Mia softly asked, "Where's your dad?"

With no answer, the call ended after two minutes.

Andre, watching Henry's antics, saw how much he took after his mom.

Not long after, Mia received a text from Andre: "I'm in a meeting. Henry accidentally called you. Focus on your class, don't worry about him."

Reading the message, Mia's worry melted away, "You little rascal, already calling your mom. Getting too smart for your own good."

Andre tried giving his son the phone again, but Henry managed to lock the screen after too many incorrect tries...

Once the meeting was over, Andre could finally relax. He glanced around his office: pen caps under the desk, paper everywhere, his son's handiwork resembling a shredder's job.

After several failed attempts to unlock his phone, Andre looked down at Henry, who was innocently fiddling with his tiny feet-the mastermind behind the mess.

Andre took a deep breath, reminding himself to stay calm. Today had been long enough; he couldn't lose his temper again.

Noah entered, expecting to discuss lunch, but was taken aback by the "crime scene" in the office.

Plants overturned, water and soil everywhere.

With the playmat skewed and paper scraps scattered, Noah stood in shock.

Henry, trying to charm his dad with a cheeky smile, seemed to think he was being praised and waved happily.

Andre shot his son a look, "Keep it up, and you'll still get a spanking."

Planning to have lunch with his wife, but with his phone locked, Andre had to use the office phone.

Mia, not recognizing the number and assuming it was a sales call, initially hung up.

On the second try, she answered,

"I'm not buying insurance, can't

à house, not upgrading

plan, can't get a credit card

Andre: "...It's me."

"Hubby?! Where's your phone?"

Mia, opening her takeout box with Jamie and Denny, knew her secret would slip out one day but didn't expect it so soon.

Jamie and Denny looked at Mia in surprise.

"Henry locked it, haven't waited out the time yet. Have you eaten?"

"Just about to. What's up?"

Andre: "The office is a wreck thanks to Henry. I was going to join you for lunch, but since you're about to eat, we'll stay put."

Henry's attention shifted to the corded phone.

What's this curious thing?

In a blink, Henry nearly pulled the phone off the desk, "Ah, mama."

Andre, seeing more mischief, sternly warned, "Henry!"

Henry, startled, pouted in grievance.

"Mia, I'll call you back, he's pulling on the phone cord."

Ine

Mia's laughter was infectious, lifting. the mood and making everyone around her smile for no apparent reason. "Honey, I want to see a video."

Soon, the chaos of the office, mixed with baby cries, was sent to Mia.

Watching the video, Mia burst into laughter again. When she was joyful, it was contagious, lightening everyone's mood. When she was down, it felt like a cloud hovered over them all.

Some people have a magical way of affecting those around them, which is why she always tried to stay upbeat.

Mia laughed so hard she nearly cried.

Jamie asked, "Mia, have you already called him your husband? Are you engaged?"

Mia replied, "...Married."