Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

At the dinner table, the four of them sat quietly, but the three who received extra servings from Anya knew exactly whom she was trying to impress.

Mr. Calder broke the silence, "Anya, after dinner, could you head upstairs and pack your bags?"

Before Anya could protest, Mrs. Calder jumped in, "I'll help you, honey."

Just as Anya was about to refuse again, Leo added, "You do have a lot of stuff; it really needs organizing."

"Alright then," Anya conceded.

After dinner, Anya couldn't shake off her worry about her father. After all, Chad had nearly given up on his computer science dreams to take over the family business because of him.

Mrs. Calder led her daughter to her spotless, princess-themed bedroom, which was bigger than two rooms at the Cedillo family's place. Even the door to her walk-in closet was an elegant, creamy white with an arched design.

Anya knew her father wanted to get her out of the way so he could have a chat with Leo.

Sitting on the bed, Mrs. Calder sighed, "It's hard to keep a grown daughter at home."

"I can stay. But, Mom, Chad has been really good to me."

Downstairs, after lunch, Mr. Calder stood up, "Leo, let's take a walk."

She'd walk there and never want to come home. So, her mother and I spent three years creating this corridor for her, with tall trees on both sides, to keep her from envying those elsewhere. We even brought her a forest full of squirrels and allowed her to build treehouses since chopping down trees randomly is illegal here. When no one else could play with her, we would. She used to struggle climbing trees because she was a bit chubby. No matter, I would lift her up on

strolled and chatted, they eventually

in a gazebo. Leo understood; Anya was their beloved daughter, pampered from

our expectations with Andre, hoping Anya's carefree and innocent nature continues even after marriage. I don't want my daughter, whether in love or married, to have a lesser life than when she was single. Do you understand the meaning behind my words today as a

said, and I've thought about it too. If I ever fail, I'd feel I've let Anya down the most. Although I appear casual, every time Anya shows kindness,

relationship, I truly admire you. I'm not an old-fashioned father forcing a union. I came today to ask about your plans for the future and what you're working on. I

Anya anxiously asked her mother,

daughter pack, which was actually done by the servants, said, "Anya, do you

to see Leo

plan but didn't go into details. Mr. Calder, still seeing potential in Leo, asked, "If I were to give you

thank you for your generosity, but I've promised my uncle I wouldn't accept help from family or friends. I

Leo's determined gaze, wished him luck, "Then, I wish you the

longer,

downstairs, prompting Mrs. Calder to shake her head,

you hot? Chad, what did you guys

"About how you used to eat so much you were

"I lost weight

laughed, "It's getting late, and Leo has work tomorrow, plus a long drive. You should

time with Leo, but she knew he had to go, "Alright then, Chad,

computer science studies; exams are coming up." Anya obediently nodded, then suddenly asked Leo, "Hey Chad,