Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Molly was downright spineless in front of Andre.

After hanging up the phone, Chad couldn't help but tease her. "How come you're not all fire and brimstone with Andre like you are with everyone else?"

things."

Molly had just been ordered by Andre to be home within half an hour. She glared at Chad, who was clearly enjoying her predicament, and retorted with a hint of mischief, "What's so funny? Andre just told me over the phone to steer clear of you, and not to marry you, of all Chad's smile faltered, then slowly faded away.

"I heard Mom's been talking about you stepping up to take over Chade Inc.," Chad said, pretending to be clueless.

Molly leaned against Chad's desk, looking annoyed. "That's why I think I can't marry you. If we tie the knot, my taking over the company becomes even more justified.

But if we don't get hitched, I'm still Daddy's little girl, right? If I take over Chade Inc., some shareholders are bound to kick up a fuss. If anyone gives me a hard time, I can just slack off for a few more years.

But if I become your wife, then I'm Mom's daughter-in-law, and if she hands me the company, even the naysayers wouldn't dare to object." Coleen had gone through major surgery and needed regular chemotherapy, leaving her unable to handle the stress of work. Passing the company to her "daughter-in-law" was the natural order of things, and nobody would dare oppose it.

Molly's mind was racing, and she concluded that it was best not to get married yet and to play hooky a little longer.

Chad chuckled, "Yet, I think marriage might just buy you more time."

Molly frowned, "What do you mean?"

Chad launched into his explanation, "Do you think just because Mom wants you to inherit the company, you can escape her machinations if you're not married to me?"

Molly pondered for a moment; her mother was indeed a force to be reckoned with. Whatever she set her mind to, she achieved. Molly was just a small fry; she couldn't outwit her mom.

Before Molly could respond, Chad went on, "You think getting hitched is as simple as saying 'I do' and going through a ceremony? Let me break it down for you."

Chad pulled out a sheet of A4 paper from the printer and grabbed a pen from the desk, scribbling something on it.

sidled up to Chad. She tilted her head, trying to figure

this stuff together, you think you can wrap it up in a month?"

the wedding photoshoot. Wait another two months for the finished album. Then there's buying

in all, you're looking at at least four months of busyness if you decide to get married. You're in your junior year of college, about to start the second semester, and with

surely want you to get

in agreement,

pleased, his plan taking

do you really think Mom is going to pull you into the company to work? I'm a cop; I can't help you

the time you're a senior, we'll be married, and then you'll need to go on a honeymoon, right? After that, you'll have your thesis to write. Once you're done with your defense, you'll have graduated, then there's the grad trip. After that's all done, you might even be thinking about having kids, and that's a year out

incredulous, "Chad, I may not be the smartest cookie, but

kept a straight face, "Your goal is to avoid taking over

Molly nodded, "Yeah."

think what I've just laid out could

would indeed keep a bride-to-be busy. An unfinished education would keep a

idea might

in Chad's favor.

Chad had a fox's tail, it would be wagging triumphantly by now.

nodded vigorously, without

obvious how much she feared

grinned, "Once we're married, the only person who can tell you what to do will be

Molly was speechless.

she got married, does her family boss her around? It's her husband who does. Everyone knows I dote on you. After we're married, won't we both have a say? I'll be the one cleaning up your messes, never yelling or berating you, but instead spoiling you. I'll earn

are you going to come over and

eyes, falling headlong into the

smile hinted at victory,

the punctual Andre was on the phone again. "You home