Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Leo, who had no status in the Cedillo family, disdained it. "What's this?"

"A shield against punches," she replied.

Leo was speechless.

Mia laughed loudly before pulling out her own gift. "Molly's gift only treats the symptoms. Mine treats the root cause."

"And what's that?" Leo asked.

"A secret martial arts manual."

Again, Leo fell silent.

Andre, his uncle, stifled a laugh behind his hand. Leo stood, gesturing to his empty chair. "Come, come, who wants to be the birthday boy? Let's switch seats."

Laughter erupted around the table. Hansen, Leo's grandfather, looked at his grandson with love in his eyes. "Sit down now."

Chad handed over his pre-prepared gift - a fountain pen. "I hope this helps you make progress in your studies, Leo."

"Thanks, Chad," Leo replied, accepting the relatively normal gift.

Andre, always one to do things differently, simply tossed his car keys to his nephew.

Leo's eyes widened. "A McLaren sports car! Uncle, I love you!"

Mia turned to her husband with wide eyes. "Honey, I want one too."

"First, learn how to drive the car I already bought you, then I'll get you a new one," Andre replied.

she would learn how to drive the luxury car he'd bought

a huff, Mia agreed,

came in a hurry, hadn't managed to bring a gift. Looking at the table laden with food, she offered, "Leo, I didn't have time to get you a birthday gift. Let me make you some

Cedillo family, having previously suffered under Mia's disastrous cooking, immediately refused. "No need, Anya," Hansen said. "Your presence is gift enough. We have plenty

culinary experiments, agreed. "It's the thought that

also had memories he'd rather

the table, only Mia kept her head down, silently sipping her

stood, "Don't worry,

promised him the same thing. "Really, Anya, sit down and enjoy the meal," he

puzzled by everyone's strange reaction.

She was keen to make a dish for

believing in Anya's capabilities, pointed to the kitchen. "It's over there. Go

Naomi, and even Andre watched her go, while Mia

from the

At first glance, the pasta looked creamy and appetizing, and the sause was neatly arranged with a sprinkle of pepper powder.

looked at his grandson, who was the perfect guinea pig. "Leo, Anya made this especially for you.

but he quickly picked up his own bowl, not letting

Leo, you're the birthday boy,"

the

guest. She made this dish out of kindness. However, you're not only

but eventually gave in. He served himself a small bowl and bravely took a bite. "Hmm? This is actually good!" He took another bite, relishing the perfectly cooked pasta and the delicious, creamy sauce. Before he knew

and Hansen waited for his grandson's reaction. "Leo, is it good?"

grandpa. You should definitely avoid it," Leo replied, continuing to

portion. After taking a bite, she quickly served some for Chad as well. "Dad, you really shouldn't eat this. We'll take care of it for you," Molly

housekeeper to serve him a portion