Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Cedillo Inc.

Andre gazed down at the little troublemaker in his arms, tears streaming down his cheeks as if he was the one who'd been wronged. Andre felt his patience wearing thin, "You're even better at getting under my skin than your mom."

The little guy kept sobbing, convinced that as long as he cried hard enough, he was in the right. Andre reached for a tissue, gently wiping away his son's tears. Henry, soft and cuddly, snuggled into his dad's shoulder, then burst into giggles, babbling away. As the cleaning crew went about their business, Andre, with his little bundle in tow, stepped out of the office. Noah trailed behind, "Sir, what would you like for lunch?"

Andre pondered for a moment. It was just him and his son, and the idea of two grown men with a child dining out seemed awkward. "Let's just head to the cafeteria," he decided.

Noah was taken aback. The CEO rarely made appearances in the staff cafeteria, and showing up with adorable Henry was sure to be a spectacle. "I'll make arrangements right away," Noah offered.

"No need for anything special," Andre replied. "Consider it an impromptu inspection of the cafeteria's cleanliness." A surprise visit would ensure authenticity.

Noah nodded. "Understood, sir."

By noon, employees began trickling into the cafeteria, some opting to enjoy their meals out on the patio. Andre, holding his lively son, entered the elevator. Henry was sucking on his fingers, giggling with delight, drool-covered hands patting his dad's shoulder. Noah glanced at Andre but kept silent. It was true; marriage and fatherhood changed a man.

Andre, understanding his assistant's silent observation, chuckled. "Wait until you've got a wife and kids. You'll see how it builds patience."

His patience, after all, had been honed by his family. In the beginning, when frustrated, he'd take it out on his staff with flung documents and slammed desks. Now, he controlled his temper, calmly saying, "Revise it and get me a new proposal in three days."

At work, his team was competent, and his calm demeanor often made them more fearful and eager to meet his expectations. But at home, reasoning was futile. With his young wife, taking her side meant he didn't love her enough to argue. And his dear son? Even if he listened, would he understand and not repeat the mistake?

Thus, Andre had softened, become more gentle. Yet, his staff remained cautious around him.

"Married life isn't easy," he remarked as they exited the elevator, a seemingly random comment.

Noah, following closely, quipped, "Guess I'll enjoy the single life a bit longer."

Andre added with a smile, "It's a kind of happy hard."

Overall, it was happiness. Occasionally, he felt overwhelmed, but weren't these little troubles also tiny joys?

Andre, carrying his son, stepped into the cafeteria, instantly drawing the attention of the employees. They whispered among themselves, sneaking glances at Andre and murmuring, "Look, the CEO is here."

"He usually doesn't eat here, right?"

"And he brought Henry!"

"Wow, Henry is adorable. It's my first time seeing him up close. I've only heard about him."

"I heard from the CEO's secretaries that Henry's cute, whether he's laughing or crying. It's rare to see a baby who's adorable both ways."

"Gotta admit, the CEO's genes are strong. Henry is just too cute."

A secretary chimed in, "According to the CEO, Henry takes after his mom."

"Really?"

"Yeah, Henry looks more like her. The CEO and his wife's genes are unbeatable. She was a campus beauty queen before they married." "I heard, Henry's practically perfect."

Andre looked down at his "perfect product." Apart from his looks, his little one's temperament was still work in progress. Whenever Henry was in his father's arms, observing the bustling cafeteria, he'd pout cutely, babbling "ba ba ba

"What do you want to eat?" Andre asked.

Noah inquired, "Sir, what can Henry have?"

Andre scanned the counters. "Let's get some porridge."

Porridge was an uncommon lunch choice, but it was always available just in case. Andre had inspected cafeteria's hygiene himself, appointing a stringent health

manager he trusted. After his visit,

he felt reassured.

At the porridge counter, Andre realized he had no meal card, so Noah stepped forward. "One yam and beef porridge, an omelet, and four small sides, please."

Henry watched the porridge being

served, oblivious to being the center

of attention; babbling away as he tossed his water bottle, grateful for the strap around his neck that Mia had insisted on to prevent it from faffing.

Seeing the bottle, Andre picked it up, holding his son's bottle in one hand and carrying the tray with the other to a quiet spot. Several department managers stood, offering seats. Andre shook his head. "I've got my son with me; he's a handful. We'll sit somewhere quiet."

Noah approached again, "Sir, anything else you need?"

Andre surveyed the area. "Get some fish, ask them to make it fresh without spices."

"Got it."

Noah asked again, "Anything else?"

Andre, watching his son try to grab the bowl, said, "That's all."

Minutes later, Andre was feeding Henry, who insisted on holding the spoon himself. Andre fetched another spoon, continuing his efforts.

Henry, with a mischievous grin, bit down on the spoon. Andre warned him, "There are people around, don't make me discipline you here." Henry let go immediately, his little eyes sparkling with understanding.

Meanwhile, during a study break, Mia watched a video on her phone, laughing every time.

"Mia, are you and your boyfriend that serious?" Jamie asked curiously.

Mia replied, "I told you we broke up, and you didn't believe me. I even said I became a mom, and you still didn't believe me."