Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"Oh!"

Leo kept a firm grip on Anya's hand as he took care of checking in their luggage. The rest of the group, including a little one, had an afternoon flight. They arrived at the airport around noon since the ladies were eager to do some shopping.

"Mia, when we watched the sunrise yesterday, what was Andre about to say to the ocean before you suddenly stood on your tiptoes and kissed him, stopping him from speaking?" Molly asked, curiosity in her voice.

Mia smiled to herself, remembering her playful request. She never imagined her husband would actually try to say it out loud. Just as he started with "I lo-", she cut him off with a kiss.

She had only meant to tease him; her husband, not typically one for grand romantic gestures, had surprised her by setting aside his pride. If he had shouted a love confession by the sea, it could have affected his image as the head of the Cedillo Group. No matter how he acted at home, Mia wouldn't let his public image take a hit because of her. After all, he was the face of Cedillo Inc.

"It's nothing," Mia replied with a grin while browsing through makeup.

From the hot city of H to the chilly Havenbrook, the plane ride masked the temperature change. But as they descended, Mia felt the chill and quickly dressed her son in a quilted jacket and pants, despite his fussing.

When they got off the plane, his dad wrapped him snugly in a blanket, only his eyes showing.

Hansen's heart nearly burst with affection. As soon as they exited the airport, he tossed his cane to the butler and hurried to scoop up his beloved grandson. "Henry, your grandpa has missed you so much," he said, kissing him through the blanket. Henry, showered with so much love, seemed unfazed, a stark contrast to his brother.

Behind them, Molly and Mia walked side by side, heads leaned together, puzzled. "Why does Dad carry Henry like he's weightless but always has a cane for show?" Molly wondered.

Mia speculated, "Maybe it's like men's watches, women's handbags, elderly folks' walking sticks, and chubby babies? Just for show?"

The sisters exchanged a knowing look, both agreeing with the thought.

"But why a walking stick for the elderly?" Molly was still perplexed.

Mia responded, "Well, it can't be hearing aids or reading glasses, can it? Our dad may look his age, but his hearing and vision are just fine. He doesn't fake it."

"Mia, you sure Dad's hearing is okay? If we gossip, do you think he'll catch on?" Mia sauntered out of the airport, "Why don't we test it by whispering something?" Molly nodded, "Great idea."

Ahead, Hansen, overhearing: "..." Unbelievable, these kids!

The family home was freezing, and everyone huddled and shivered as they walked.

At dinner with the Cedillo family, Andre announced, "Mia and I are spending the holidays with her parents this year."

Hansen looked surprised, "What's wrong with our place?"

Andre explained, "Mia has been with

us for nearly three years, always celebrating here. She's an Irvin, and all children should be treated equally. It's about time we spent the holidays with her side too.novelbin

Mia wanted to chime in, but Andre discreetly squeezed her hand under the table, signaling her to stay silent to avoid any friction with his parents.

Her father-in-law, though elderly,

sometimes held old-fashioned beliefs, thinking a married woman should host and entertain at her in-laws during holidays.

Naomi also married into the family and wasn't on good terms with her own family, so Wayne always spent the holidays with the Cedillos.