Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"Still hanging around? Planning to ring in the New Year in the parking lot?" Andre called out as he walked over, fresh from washing up, only to find the sisters still deep in conversation.

The moment he spoke, both sisters straightened up like soldiers.

Even Leo jumped at Andre's voice, snapping to attention and hastily ending his call.

Anya was startled too. She pouted, eyes darting around guiltily before sneaking a look at her boyfriend.

The parking lot was nearly empty, making the awkward silence even more noticeable.

Noah stood behind Andre and shot Mia a playful salute, as if to say, "Good luck."

"Go wash up and get yourselves home!" Andre barked.

He was honestly exasperated. He'd shown up expecting to lay down the law, maybe even send someone packing, but instead, not only did these two avoid trouble-they'd actually made progress.

All that effort to keep secrets, but the tiniest clue—a familiar silhouette, a whiff of perfume, one little "hmm"-was enough for Andre to see right through them.

He'd barely taken two steps when Mia called out, "Babe~"

Andre knew that tone by heart. Whenever she got cutesy like that, it meant she wanted something. He sighed, turning back. "What now?"

Mia pointed at her and Molly's car. "The space is too tight. Molly can't get the car out~"

Andre glanced at his sister, who couldn't even meet his eyes. When they'd parked earlier, the spot next to theirs was empty. Now, someone had boxed them in, and there was barely any room to maneuver.

Molly's driving wasn't exactly pro-level, and she was too shy to ask Andre herself. So, she left it to Mia-Andre's soft spot.

Noah caught Andre's look and almost burst out laughing.

Annoyed or not, Andre still had to play the hero.

He walked over and held out his hand.

Molly handed him the keys with both hands, looking like a kid in trouble.

Andre gave the guilty sisters a look, then resigned himself to the task. The space was so tight anyone else would've just given up-Andre, though, squeezed in, tried twice, and got the car out like it was nothing.

He stepped out, ready to scold them, but before he could say a word, Mia was already by his side, clappin like he'd just won gold. "Babe, you're incredible!"

Andre shut the car door, and Mia instantly latched onto his arm. “Babe, I love you."

Andre: "..."

He tried to shake her off, but Mia just reattached herself, determined.

"Where's Henry?" Andre asked.

Mia let go of his arm right away. "Maplewood Estates. Nothing to do with me."

Andre headed off to pick up the kids.

Noah slid into the driver's seat, grinning as he started the car.

Once Andre was gone, Jade finally let out a breath she'd been holding. "Oh mi god, Mia, your husband is intense. I thought he was going to eat us alive."

Mia kept her eyes on the car driving away, muttering, "Why was Noah here too?"

"He's Andre's assistant-wouldn't it be weird if he wasn't here?" Molly replied.

But Mia was lost in thought, licking her lips and shaking her head. "Don't distract me, Molly. I'm trying to figure out what feels off."noveldrama

On the drive, Andre called Chad.

When they pulled up at Maplewood Estates, it was Andre's first visit to his nephew's place.

Inside, the three kids were causing chaos. Anya watched them, then reached up to gently smooth her boyfriend's shoulder. "Chad, relax. They're just your little brothers-give them a break."

The doorbell rang. Anya figured the aunties had arrived, and skipped over to open the door.

But as soon as she swung it open, she found herself face-to-face with her uncle's stern glare.

Anya froze, then spun around and darted behind her boyfriend.

"What's there to be scared of? Those two rascals-" Leo started, turning to the door, but the words died in his throat.

He shot to his feet. "Uncle, you-you're here?"