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.

had previously promised Andre she would learn how to drive the luxury car he'd bought her, but instead, she'd let it gather dust in the

a huff, Mia agreed,

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.

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

Mia's culinary experiments, agreed. "It's the thought that counts, Anya. No need to

also had memories

kept her

"Don't worry, I can

same thing. "Really, Anya, sit

by everyone's strange reaction.

to make a

pointed to the kitchen. "It's over there. Go

Naomi, and even Andre watched her go, while Mia kept her

the kitchen with a large portion

serving dish was quickly cleared and Anya placed her dish in the center. At first glance, the pasta looked creamy and appetizing, and the

who was the perfect guinea pig. "Leo,

quickly picked up his own bowl, not letting her touch it. "Whoever

Leo, you're the

as the

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

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 it, he had finished his bowl, even drinking up

for his grandson's reaction. "Leo,

definitely avoid

some for Chad as well. "Dad, you really shouldn't eat this. We'll take care of

housekeeper to