Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Andre sometimes found household chores to be a real headache.

But when Leo promised to help out, he meant it. Faced with a mountain of tasks, Leo initially felt overwhelmed. His efficiency dropped, and he occasionally had to burn the midnight oil. Twice, he forgot to pick up Anya from school.

After wrapping up his day and handing off documents at his uncle's office, Leo checked his phone and realized the time. He quickly called Anya, "Hey, Anya, you still at school waiting for me? Looks like it might rain soon, find somewhere to shelter, and I'll come get you after work."

"No worries, Chad, I caught a cab home," she replied, having waited at school for half an hour before noticing the ominous weather and deciding to head home on her own. "Chad, I texted you, did you see it?" Anya didn't sound upset at all. She was always so understanding.

Summer rains brought muggy weather and dark, heavy skies. Thick clouds made it seem as if the sky was pressing down, a prelude to a storm. The darkened sky hastened the evening's arrival. By six, it was already dark.

The big screens in the Cedillo Group's lobby warned of an impending heavy rainstorm, advising everyone to take precautions. Cedillo Inc. even offered free umbrellas for employees in need.

As the wind picked up, Andre reassured his wife over the phone not to worry. Everyone reporting to him had to be quiet, giving him space to comfort his family back home.

Leo waited patiently aside.

"Son, make sure Mia's safe, okay? Don't cry too much, and try not to cling to her," Andre advised over the phone.

"Uh-huh," came the muffled reply.

Andre ended the call with a chuckle, taking the documents Leo offered. "Didn't pick up Anya?"

"Got swamped and forgot. She took a cab home," Leo admitted.

skimmed the documents, he advised without looking up, "City's expecting heavy rain.

it. I'll let the office staff know to leave

nodded, still focused on

only to return shortly, "Uncle, you should head home early

looked up, appreciating his nephew's

home, it was seven. Rush hour combined with the heavy rain led to severe traffic. Passing a bakery, he debated for a moment before making a

were about equally matched in their gaming skills, making for a

you," he said, hiding the fact he'd taken his time choosing the

Chad!" Anya beamed,

Got caught

obligated to pick me up, and you were busy with work. But this cake you got is

let down by Leo's forgetfulness, she was

feeling ignored, left the two

was relentless, with windshield wipers

such conditions, her mom, Coleen, insisted on driving. Stuck in traffic,

on, Mom, I'm calling

phone rang, "Hey, Chad,

his office. We're heading home now. How about

our way," Molly

Chad's car and immediately

for their loved ones, each was worried about their