Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Denny chimed in, "When kids are young, the law usually leans towards giving custody to the mother, but it really depends on the situation. The court looks at who can best support the child's growth." Mia thought about it for a moment, feeling a little flutter of happiness, and then followed her friends out of the elevator.

Her husband was the possessive type, believing she was his, and only his. If she even whispered the word 'divorce,' she felt like she'd be risking half her life.

Once on the ground floor, surrounded by all the high-end shops, Jamie sighed, "When will I ever be able to afford such luxuries?"

Mia glanced around casually until a familiar little voice piped up from her right, "Mama. Moooom."

That voice was unmistakably her little munchkin. Mia turned to see a dad and son duo in one of the fancy stores. That silhouette, that chubby little face... she knew them like the back of her hand! Her little one, who had been cuddled up in her arms that very morning, was now perched on his dad's shoulder, waving excitedly at her. "Mamaaa."

"Henry, who're you calling?" Andre turned around and locked eyes with Mia.

Without a word, Mia bolted.

Like a flash, she disappeared.novelbin

Henry looked puzzled: Huh? Where's mom?

Jamie and Denny, taken aback by her sudden sprint, called out, "Mia, why are you running?"

They quickly chased after her.

Andre, holding his son, stepped outside, watching the figure that he and his son seemed to have scared away.

The store manager hurried over, eager to please, "Mr. Anderson, is there anything you're unhappy with? We can have a designer make something just for you."

Andre waved him off, his face impassive, showing a hint of displeasure. "No need." His voice had a chilly edge.

Mia, after her dash, was catching her breath, realizing she hadn't exercised in ages and could feel her heart racing from the sprint.

She took a deep breath, and soon her friends caught up with her, "Mia, what's up?"

Mia glanced around, "Oh, nothing, just remembered I needed to use the restroom."

"Uh, there's one inside the mall."

Mia nodded, catching her breath, "Right, I forgot there's one inside. Why don't you guys go ahead, and I'll catch up."

"No worries, I'll wait with you," Jamie said.

Denny added, "Then hand over your backpacks, I'll wait outside."

Mia waved them off, "Nah, it's too hot out here, you guys go on ahead."

Jamie insisted, feeling loyal, which made Mia feel a bit guilty, "I'll stick with you, I don't mind the sun."

Mia pulled Jamie aside, whispering, "Are you nuts? You and Denny should take this chance to hang out more." Mia winked, noticing Jamie's crush on Denny. She whispered, "Don't miss this alone time." Jamie's cheeks turned pink, "Mia, what are you talking about?"

Seeing her friend flustered, Mia added, "Seriously, don't stick with me, I'm fine going to the restroom alone."

Leaving her friends puzzled and blushing, Mia dashed back into the mall to find her "big man" and "little man."

Sure enough, at the store entrance, she spotted the forlorn father and son duo she'd left behind.

The little dumpling, his face scrunched up, was still scanning the crowd for his mom. Upon spotting Mia rushing towards him, Henry waved his chubby arms eagerly, leaning forward for a hug, "Mama, hug." Mia swooped in, scooped up her son, and peppered his face with kisses, "Sweetie, what mischief are you and Daddy up to now?"

"We were picking a gift for you," Andre said, sounding a bit hurt.

Their encounter had been like a game of tag, with Mia running at the sight of them.

Others might avoid being linked to them, but she was unique, afraid of being recognized as Andre's wife, Henry's mom! "Mama." Henry cooed softly.

After another kiss, Mia looked at her jealous husband, wanting to give him a peck but remembering the secrets he kept, she hesitated and let her feet touch the ground again.

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Andre: "..." Not kissing him was one thing, but teasing him like that felt like swallowing a bitter pill.

"Pick me up after school." Mia glanced inside the store, "And no more impulse buys, I'll decide what to get."

She added, "I'll pick the priciest ones. I'll spend all your money, make you sleep on the streets."

Andre chuckled warmly, "Did your allowance come through this morning?"

Mia pouted, "You know it did, so why ask."

Andre smiled

his eyes curious, "Was

that guy earlier Denny?" He quickly added, worried he might upset his fiery wife, "I'm just curious about how things are going with your classmates at the prep school."

Mia teased, "Andre, why don't you open a jealousy factory?"

Andre shot back, "A jealousy factory wouldn't be enough to keep you happy."

Annoyed, Mia blew out a breath and handed their son back to him, "Hmph! Hold him, I've got to get back to class."

After passing their son back and forth, Mia, as if to spite him, showered her little dumpling with more kisses, "Be good, mommy's leaving now."

Before running off, she turned and reminded her husband, "Pick me up tonight!"

Watching her leave, Andre's smile was soft and warm.

The manager commented, "Mrs. Anderson is quite the character."

Andre replied, "When she's mad, not so much."

Since Mrs. Anderson had made herself clear, Andre didn't dare to splurge, "I'll bring my wife back tonight; no shopping spree today."

The manager saw off the only

shopping mogul boss, and turned

back to the employees, who curiously asked, "Manager, why didn't Andre buy anything? Was it for Mrs Anderson? Why was he trying on jewelry on the baby's hand earlier?"

The manager said, "You'll find out tonight."

Mia hurried back out to see her friends still waiting at the entrance, puzzled.

"Mia, that was quick. Did you find the restroom?" Jamie asked.

Mia replied, "Didn't find it, didn't go, let's head back to class."

Both friends looked confused.

Mia took one last look back before leaving. The father and son were standing at the door, watching through the glass as Mia crossed the street and walked away. Andre, ever the concerned dad, remarked, "Look at your mom crossing the street-even with the green light, she runs. Rushing like that is dangerous too." Henry absentmindedly agreed.

Andre then turned to his son's adorable little face, "And you, you're a boy now. You've got to start refusing those kisses from mom. Learn to say no!"