Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Leo sighed and agreed, "Alright."

They had already started a video call on the way back to the hotel. Anya tiptoed upstairs, speaking softly with Leo, as everyone at home was already asleep. "Everyone's asleep?" Leo asked.

"Yeah, without the little one, everyone here goes to bed early. When he's around, the house stays lit up even at ten at night," Anya replied.

Leo chuckled, "That Henry is something, huh? Next time, his mom should bring him over so I can see if he's gotten any chubbier."

"Definitely... he's grown. Aunt visited him today. Seems like the little rascal ended up at the police station again yesterday," Anya said with a laugh.

They chatted as Anya virtually accompanied Leo back to his hotel. Only after seeing Leo safely back did Anya feel at ease enough to sleep.

At Maplewood Estates, the lively Henry yawned mightily, exhausted and limp in his mother's arms. After seeing the Chadwicks off, Andre lifted his son from his wife's arms, Henry's eyes barely open. Henry nestled into his dad's cozy embrace, drifting off to a comfortable sleep.

"All he does is eat and sleep. You two might as well be raising a little piglet," Mia teased, poking her son's cheek.

Andre couldn't help but smile at the sight of their little one. Truly, children are the most adorable beings in the world.

The family of three enjoyed peaceful, happy dreams. Meanwhile, Anya, still spooked by her boyfriend, had nightmares. In her dreams, she ran endlessly, fear attacking from all sides, waking up in a cold sweat.

Frustratingly, it was only 3 a.m. when she checked her phone. Anya turned on every light in the house, made a quick bathroom trip as if chased, kicked off her shoes, and dove into bed, wrapping herself tightly, leaving no gaps as if something might sneak in to grab her.

Lying in bed, echoes of Leo's voice and scenes from movies played in her mind, keeping her awake. When dawn broke, Anya dozed off but was rudely awakened by her alarm, reminding her of her exam.

She stumbled to the dining room, eyes barely open. With Henry away, Grandpa Hansen's sleep was undisturbed, ensuring he was full of energy the next day. "Anya, did studying turn you into a panda overnight?" he teased. Naomi noticed her fatigue, "Anya, what's wrong?"

watch scary movies. I woke up terrified and couldn't fall

an exam today? With Mia not around, no

worry, Anya. I'll give Leo

through breakfast but perked up after brewing herself a strong coffee,

from his mother and grandfather, both scolding him for frightening

this, you'll have me to answer to,"

"Just wait until

Hansen. After a "brief and to the point" summary, she got the message, "So,

a fee. No

money

between brothers, accounts must be clear. Being my dad won't cut

am

give

Mia called back, "I'll throw in an extra evil-repelling

"What's that?"

the phone near her son, "Cry for your

up again, Henry, confused, hadn't even started crying. Mia,

coming downstairs, remarked, "Stop kissing him. Too much affection will spoil

"Honey, you might not realize

surrounded by toys from his godfather, played in a corner filled with them. Mia set him down in a play area, lounging nearby in a rocking chair, basking in the morning sun, reviewing her notes. Andre questioned, "Can you really study with him

finds peace in

"Heading to the