Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Andre's side of the bed was right next to the walk-in closet. He stared at the little "surprise" under the covers, swallowing hard. Turns out, he'd just missed this playful side of Mia.

He was about to throw back the blanket and get up when-click-the closet door shut. When Mia came out, she'd changed into different pajamas and shot him an icy glare. "Andre, let me show you how a real silent treatment works!"

She grabbed her pillow, spun on her heel, and stormed out.

Andre watched her go. "Where are you off to?"

SLAM-the bedroom door rattled in her wake.

Andre: ...

In the kids' room, Mia gently scooted her three little ones into more comfortable positions, made herself some space, and slid under the covers with them. But no matter how she tried, she just couldn't fall asleep. After a while, she crawled over to take a closer look at her adorable Henry.

She counted his tiny toes, compared his chubby foot to her own hand, and then took his little hand and kissed it softly.

With Henry sleeping peacefully, it felt like the whole world softened—a sliver of moonlight seemed to wrap him in a gentle glow. He rolled over, head tilted back, lost in his own dreams.

His hand landed on Ash, who was sleeping nearby. Mia pulled Ash close for a cuddle but kept a little distance from her precious Henry. Wayne, meanwhile, was sleeping soundly with no pillow, no blanket-out like a light. Good thing their aunt was there to tuck him in and adjust his covers.

A little while later, someone tried the doorknob from outside, but it wouldn't budge -the door was locked.

Andre: "...Open the door."

Usually, the kids' room never got locked. The three little ones couldn't even reach the lock, and parents were always coming in to check on them. But tonight, Mia had made sure to lock it-she wasn't about to risk any awkward run-ins.

Andre knew immediately that Mia was inside. He started knocking.

But Mia wasn't about to give in. If it's a cold war he wants, she'd show him what that really meant.

Andre knocked again, his voice softer now. "The bed's too small. You'll be uncomfortable. Come back to our room."

No answer.

He tried again. "I'll sleep somewhere else. Just come back to our bed." Mia ignored him.

Just then, Chad's bedroom door opened. He'd come out to check on his own little rascal, but found Andre standing in the hallway knocking at the door. "Andre?" fo

Seeing the locked door, Chad immediately understood what was up.

"Where's Molly?"

Chad glanced toward his own room. "...She's asleep."

Meanwhile, Jade was flopped at the edge of the bed, catching her breath and silently cursing the entire Byrne family tree for ever producing someone like Chad.

Andre started chatting with Chad by the door. "How do you usually talk to Molly? She's a girl-you should remind her to mind her language."

Chad looked awkward. "When she was little, was scared she'd get picked on since she didn't know how to fight, so I just let her talk back as much as she wanted." Now, She's basically unstoppable.

Andre shook his head. A perfectly good girl, and the Byrnes raised her into... this.

Inside the bedroom, Mia was

eavesdropping through the wall. She

pulled out her phone and texted

Molly "Andre told Chad you should

watch your mouth-he thinks you're

too mouthy for a girl."

A few seconds later, Molly replied: "Mia, can you beat Chad up for me?"

"Nope."

"I thought we were sisters?"

"Our rule: when there's nothing going on, we're sisters. When things get serious, it's every woman for herself."noveldrama

Molly tried to play the best friend card, but realized it wasn't getting her anywhere.