Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

In Mia's bedroom, the bed wasn't as grand as the one in the Cedillo family mansion. It was just a cozy little bed that would snugly fit two people. Mia, who was a pregnant woman with a big belly, took up most of it. Returning to her room for the night, Mia eyed the small bed and suggested, "Honey, why don't you take the guest room?"

Andre replied, "I could just sleep on the edge."

Whether he'd purposely tried to make himself sound pitiful, Mia didn't know. All she could tell was that her heart clenched at his words.

"No," she said, "I like being in your arms at night. This bed is enough for us."

She'd been the one to suggest he leave, but now she was the one asking him to stay.

Once she was wrapped in her husband's arms, Mia turned to face him. "You purposely made yourself sound pitiful to make me feel sorry for you, didn't you?"

Andre, ever the strategist, shot back, "What are you feeling sorry for?"

Mia was taken aback. Had she been overthinking things?

Andre shifted closer. In the quiet of the night, his voice was a seductive whisper in her ear. "Tell me, what are you feeling sorry for?"

"Nothing..."

Mia had the habit of sleeping face to face with her husband. As she lay in his arms, her thoughts whirled.

Before she knew it, she'd thrown one leg over his, and was lulled to sleep in the comforting cradle of his arms.

His pregnant wife was finally lulled to sleep. Andre allowed a sly smile to creep onto his face.

at her sleeping form, her chubby cheeks resting against his arm, Andre felt his heart fill with affection. He brushed a hand over her cheek. "So hard to soothe. I had to resort to

been relegated to the guest room for the

oblivious to

family home, Chad had returned with Mr. & Mrs.

son was back home. But before she could hear him come in, she heard her daughter's voice. "Chad, don't be mad. I was just asking. I didn't cause any trouble. Look at you, all cold-faced. Chad, I'm sorry, okay? You left me in your office and I got bored.

It was almost ten o'clock.

surprised. "Weren't you

angry Chad and started explaining, "Oh, no. Andre and Mia had

at her son. His face was dark with anger.

upset about some work stuff. I'm sure he'll feel

She'd heard her children arguing when they came in. "What did you find in your brother's office?" Molly's eyes flickered. "Mom, why

Don't mention introducing me to your friends anymore. Don't even think about it. And tell Dad, and Grandma and Grandpa. My marriage is my business, not someone else's." Coleen was completely lost. She wasn't just surprised about Chad's declaration to remain single until 30, but curious about why he felt the need to say it

avoiding his gaze. "Did you hear me?"

didn't answer, pretending like he wasn't

said. His

realizing he was angry. Feeling a bit intimidated, she turned her back to him and

"Chad, why are you suddenly

"I just wanted to make it clear to you and Dad that nobody needs to worry about my marital status." He glanced again at Molly's back. "And I also wanted to make it clear to certain people that I will not be dating anyone

"He's not talking about

never thought her son's words

the station for a night shift. Coleen looked at him sympathetically. "Chad, you've been working so hard lately.

she didn't want to face him. She could feel his intense gaze on her, which made her