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."

corridor lined with towering trees. "Anya used to envy the shaded avenues in other towns. 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

chatted, they eventually

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

realistic; we don't expect her to stay unmarried forever. We want her happiness. That's why we've set our expectations with Andre, hoping Anya's carefree and innocent nature continues even after marriage.

"Mr. Calder, I understand everything you've said, and I've thought about it too. If I ever fail, I'd feel I've let Anya down the most. Although I

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 know your field is tough; how do you plan to stand out in

hour. Inside, Anya anxiously asked her mother,

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

to see Leo from the window, sat beside Mrs. Calder, feeling

a broad plan but didn't go into details. Mr. Calder, still seeing potential in Leo, asked,

generosity, but I've promised my uncle I wouldn't accept help from

wish you

a while longer, they returned

Mrs. Calder to shake her

what did you guys

"About how you used to

"I lost

has work tomorrow, plus a long drive. You should head back before it gets too dark; it's

knew he had to go, "Alright then,

"It's hot outside; no need. Just remember, don't go ice skating alone. Even if you're skilled, accidents can happen if others aren't. Mia is brave but fears ice skating for a reason. And don't forget your computer science studies; exams are coming up." Anya obediently nodded, then suddenly asked Leo, "Hey