Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Molly had spent the whole afternoon in Chad's office, not even bothering to check her phone. She was trying to wear him down, hoping to convince him to give up whatever he was so stubbornly working on.

By evening, she saw how swamped Chad was. It was way past dinner time, and neither Chad nor his team had eaten. Feeling a pang of sympathy, she decided to do something nice. She went out, bought dinner for the entire police squad, and dropped it off at the station before heading home. When Chad finally finished his case and looked around for Molly, he realized she had already left.

Back at the Cedillo residence, Mia was waiting at the door with a knowing look. "Back from your little stroll?" she asked.

Molly met her gaze, feeling as if Mia could see right through her.

"Mia-"

Mia glanced at Molly's outfit and teased, "Do you want to spill the beans, or should I?"

Molly hesitated, wondering if she should confide in her best friend. Maybe Mia could help her out of this mess.

"Let's go to my bedroom."

Mia followed Molly upstairs. Once inside, Molly sat on the edge of the bed while Mia, still in her pajamas, sat beside her. Mia reached out to touch Molly's neck but stopped at the collar of Molly's turtleneck. Molly's cheeks turned red as she closed her eyes. Mia paused and asked respectfully, "Can I see?"

Molly didn't say a word, but Mia understood. She gently pulled the collar aside, revealing faint marks. These were all too familiar to Mia.

Shocked but composed, Mia looked at Molly's blushing face and withdrew her hand.

"Talk to me," she said softly.

Molly hesitated before blurting out, "Do you have any idea who could've left these... marks?"

"Chad," Mia replied without missing a beat.

Molly was silent.

wouldn't have a chance to meet any other guy who's

that

promise me you won't freak

"Don't

took a deep breath. "Chad and I...

just boasted about being prepared,

what you think. We didn't... you know. It was just... he saw me undressed, and he told everyone we had been intimate, implied

idea that her friend had finally found someone, perhaps secretly dating Chad. But she never

disbelieving reaction, Molly realized what it would mean to come clean to the

we didn't go that far. It's all a lie,

Chad lied, without evidence, Coleen and Uncle Sub wouldn't

is that I shot myself in the foot, and it's like the universe is conspiring with Chad! That day at noon, I stole a kiss from him, my first bold move, and sent it to Vivian just to tick her off. And that night, it really happened..."

"Where?"

even redder. "Then he saw the birthmark below my collarbone and used it to deceive my parents, and they believed

was so shocked she forgot to blink. "And then

recounted everything that had transpired over the recent days, her head

level with me. Do you have

lip. "I think... maybe

understood her friend's intentions.

Mia. "How can I bring it up without getting killed? How can Chad ask for my hand

plainly, "Don't be

night, the sisters talked until

family, Molly's fear of Andre was

was honest. "Let me tell you straight, my husband is a stickler for propriety. Even though he adores me, if he disagrees with something, a hundred words from me won't make a difference." Molly felt disheartened, but Mia reassured her. "Don't worry, I won't leave you hanging.