Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Andre whispered into his wife's ear, "Sleepyhead, time to rise and shine. Gift card time!" With that, he gave her earlobe a quick peck. He couldn't quite grasp why he was so head over heels for her, but he was. The moment she heard the words "gift cards", she was up like a shot. "Are we talking big bucks here?" She asked, glancing at her husband.

Andre replied, "Well, they're handpicked by me, what do you think?"

She was not the kind to get spooked by a gun to her head but if gift cards coming her way, Mia's only ask was, "Throw 'em at me, the more the merrier.!"

She sat up, clutching the duvet, reaching out for the cards, "Hand them over."

Andre said, "Give me a kiss first."

Mia gave him a look. If it wasn't for the gift cards, she wouldn't kiss him. But for money, she could play along.

Hansen was also on the gift card mission, "We should give more to our daughter, and our son's wife, she's our daughter too. A bit for Leo, Bruce, and Andre should do. Don't forget."

The butler was busy jotting down names on each card, "Don't you worry, Mr. Hansen. All set."

A rare scene unfolded in the Cedillo family's living room that morning.

"Mia, here's a gift card from your dad. Merry Christmas! Give me a grandchild this year, will you?"

"Mia, this is from your brother and me. Merry Christmas! Be good with Andre."

"Mia, this is for you from me. Merry Christmas! We are all expecting your babies."

"Mia, this is from your husband."

...

her hands, her lips curling

visit all their relatives over the year. First thing in the morning, Andre took

switched to a big handbag. It was roomy and had no zippers. "That way, when people give me giftcards, I can pretend to refuse while they slip them in."

kid, and they'll bring gifts for our

already see herself

old house, they'll notice you taking our son's gifts and money. But if

good. Wait, you're tricking me!" Mia nodded, then realized she

"Too late,

me!" Mia

know if you take his money. But if you take it secretly from the old house, our father, brother, sister-in-law, and the nosy Molly and Leo will know. There are no absolute secrets in the world, but you need to learn to discern what can be

Mia was tempted again.

to take her son's money. Perhaps

Coming home, Mia was all giggles. She dumped all the gift cards from her handbag

another run and came back with even more gift cards, "There's still

Molly went to help.

kids huddled on the floor, opening gift cards, all excited.

busy calculating the gift cards, "Five hundred, eight hundred, plus

jotted it all down, Leo said, "That's five

put them aside

living room, she said, "Mia, Molly, Leo,

still

his wife. He laughed and told the kitchen to save some food

looking at her full safe, caressing the gift cards, "Marriage is a money-maker. I feel like getting married again this year." Molly was intrigued, "I want to get married too." Then, they took the

up and sat at her dressing table, finally ready to open her husband's special gift card. Mia held the card with reverence, gave the envelope a kiss, and opened it. "Empty?" Mia looked at the blank check. She glared at her husband, "You gave Molly and Leo checks worth a hundred grand.

darling, is for