Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Jack sat next to his wife, Emily, while Nick cozied up beside Grace. Lucy sat alone on the couch, her head down, wiping away her tears.

Harold's voice cut through the tension. "Alright, everyone's here. Let's get this out in the open."

Samantha felt like an outsider and was about to leave with little Oliver, not wanting to interrupt the adults' conversation. But Alex held her hand firmly, guiding her to sit beside him. "Stay put," he said gently. "Big brother Jack, I... I want to marry Dylan," Lucy managed between sobs.

Jack's brows furrowed instantly. "Absolutely not."

Nick, usually the easy-going one, showed his displeasure. "Lucy, I don't agree either," he said firmly.

The Smith men stood united, surprisingly over Lucy's situation.

Seeing his sons agree, Harold's anger subsided a bit. "Lucy, no one in this family agrees. If Dylan doesn't want to embarrass himself, he should just give up."

Grace finally spoke up, stating her position clearly. "Dad, Lucy's a grown woman. She's going to get married eventually, and Dylan..."

"I said no means no," Harold cut her off, raising his voice.

Even Mia, who usually had the highest regard in the household, stayed silent after Grace was reprimanded. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.

Jack glanced at his wife; he knew she was Lucy's closest confidant. Yet, she hadn't spoken up this time.

Perhaps Lucy could count on a sudden show of support from Grace, but surely she had not forgotten Mia's suggestions. Otherwise, how could Grace have so quickly accepted Lucy and Dylan's relationship? Anyone else would need time to ponder before offering support. Only after Mia's prompting would Lucy have realized who in the family could be swayed to her side.

Mia looked down at her son's sleeping face, aware of her husband's intense gaze. She didn't dare meet Jack's eyes, feeling intimidated.

ally in Alex. "Grandpa, if you're opposed, at least give us a

I need? Can't I just dislike Dylan?"

Lucy from the table.

rare moment of boldness, Alex continued, "Aunt Lucy and Dylan are fine together. They're the ones

walking stick at Alex. "One more

and

quickly stood up, rocking her baby back and forth

"I'm the father

warned, "Just don't scare Samantha

to herself, "I'm not

his prospective granddaughter-in-law and lowered his

in the room, cooed to her son.

spoke coldly, "Lucy, you're too young. I don't

retorted, "Your wife was even younger than me

pacify the baby, thought, "Caught

she marveled at her

Yet, she had the nerve to challenge Jack, the man everyone feared! Jack demanded, "Is your

is, one was a disgraceful forced marriage, the other is fighting for what she

her, "Lucy, this

was furious, and Lucy didn't dare

precedent with Mia, skirted around the issue of age. "Lucy, I just don't think you and Dylan are

similar values, so there won't be any major differences in their fundamental beliefs. Furthermore, we all know the Byrnes very well; we're familiar with how they treat our Lucy.

brothers dead? Or was the