Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Anya's cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson when she heard Leo refer to Chad as "your Chad." She cast her eyes downward, ready to start the game, and then the full implication of Chad's words hit her.

If Chad was a "glitch" in the system, this glitch somehow managed to not only restore her rank after every downfall but also level her up. Such miracles don't just happen unless Chad, the so-called "glitch," was secretly grinding through the levels every time she faced a setback.

Was it possible that she was such a terrible player, always dragging her team down and causing them to lose ranks? Maybe Chad felt guilty and took it upon himself to carry them back up through the ranks every single time.

Lost in thought, Anya sat there staring into space until Leo caught her daydreaming. "Earth to Anya, you okay?"

"I don't want to play anymore, Chad," Anya declared suddenly.

Leo glanced at her screen, checking if anyone had spilled the beans. He had warned them all-if anyone dared to tell his "girlfriend" about him secretly leveling up their ranks, they'd face his wrath online.

"Did someone say something to you?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

"It's nothing like that. I just... lost interest. Maybe I'm more cut out for Candy Crush and Poker," Anya clarified, her tone soft but resolute.

Leo checked her phone again, confirming no one had breached their pact. "What's going on?"

"Just not feeling it anymore. Guess I'm over the whole gaming thing," Anya replied, pulling out her phone. "You keep up the good work, Chad. I'm off to binge-watch my shows."

She then opened a pack of snacks, munching away as she got lost in her drama series.

For Anya, a girl who had never been picky with food and had the metabolism of a hummingbird, having snacks by her side meant she could keep eating endlessly.

the girl so engrossed in her series. He smiled softly before

down on the snacks a bit. Have some fruit instead, and don't forget

cause

below the horizon, Mr. Hansen called Anya. "Kiddo, the sun's gone to dinner. Why aren't you back

at the office with Chad, Grandpa," Anya replied from her spot next

grandfather, frowned. "Why bother keeping company with a workaholic? Let me send a car for you. Let Leo manage on his

was gentle yet firm. "I can't, Grandpa. I don't want to leave Chad

about not leaving Leo alone," Mia observed. "Exactly. Anya won't come home, not even if Leo has to pull an all-nighter. She'd rather sleep on the office couch and call

Hansen sighed, "That boy's struck gold with

dinner,

"Another night shift?" After a moment of paternal concern for his son-in-law, he called out, "Molly, walk Chad out, will you?" Caught off guard, Molly protested, "Why? He's practically family. He knows his way

his cane-a threat usually reserved for Leo-Molly capitulated, "Fine,

with Molly, grateful for the chance

to comfort, stood by Hansen, remarking, "Who would've thought? Dad's

not one to miss an opportunity to brag,

her son, offered, "Be a good boy, Henry. Don't be a schemer like Grandpa. But do grow up to be as wise and

couldn't help but

Chad slowed his pace, "Heard you're joining the company soon. Giving up on your downtime?" Molly shrugged, "Enough slacking off. Any more and I'd turn into a real

bums," Chad quipped, trying