Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Chapter 973

As the weekend finally approached, Anya was up and buzzing with excitement, a feeling that seemed contagious among her classmates-perhaps it was the Friday magic in the air.

The moment the final school bell rang, Anya darted through the crowd of students, making a beeline for the school gates. She spotted her ride instantly, her eyes locking onto the cleanest, shiniest car waiting for her. She swung open the car door with a grin, "Chad, I knew the brightest car would be here for me."

In the backseat, Leo had stashed away some study materials and a bag of fresh fruits. He picked up the fruits, placing them on Anya's lap. "I washed them for you. It's a long drive, so munch on these to pass the time." As they hit the highway, Naomi called with a gentle reminder of care, and Mrs. Calder rang to express how much she was looking forward to seeing her daughter again.

The afternoon sun gleamed off the road, and Leo, with sunglasses on, smoothly accelerated. Anya, taking her snacking responsibilities seriously, occasionally popped a piece of fruit into Leo's mouth. "Chad, did you book the hotel?" "Yep, booked and checking out on Sunday," Leo replied.

Anya pouted playfully, "I was hoping you'd stay at my place."

Leo chuckled, "Silly Ms. Anya, even if you tell me not to, I'd still end up staying at your place," he teased, infusing Anya with a warm sense of security.

Anya, feeling the love, found the tart fruits tasting sweeter than ever. "Chad, why are you so good to me?"

"Because you're easy to trick," Leo teased, though his smile betrayed the affection in his words.

Anya puffed her cheeks in mock indignation, "That's not it. It's because you love me. I heard you talking to your aunt that night, saying I'm the one you love most."

Leo couldn't help the grin spreading across his face as he looked out the window. "Who fell for whom first? Who was it that clung to me at four and wouldn't let go?" "I thought you were my hero back then."

"And who at eighteen declared I was her 'Isaac'?" Leo continued.

shrugged, "I don't

around all day, calling out

laugh, "Chad, you're the kind of guy who needs a

shot her a playful glance, "If you're bringing that up, we've got a lot to talk about. There's a rest stop coming up; how about

backtracked, "No, no, Chad, I was wrong,"

she kept

sun dipped

painting the sky

highway grew busier, but Anya kept the conversation lively, occasionally reaching over to massage Leo's neck. "Chad, isn't it tiring to stay in the same position while

few stops at service areas, where Leo refueled both

her husband a hard time, and over at the Byrne family, Molly was playing mind

decided to visit Maplewood

Hansen babysat, and Andre, with a walnut in each hand, cracked them open to appease his slightly

beside Mia grew taller every day, a

to his nephew, sharing morning greetings and laughter. Henry, the little bundle of energy, managed a few wobbly steps before Andre

the Byrne family, Chad, worried about Molly slipping, joined her in the bathroom under the guise of caution. What should have been a quick shower turned into

a rosy pink, playfully

with the doctor today, and it's all good." His words made

the evening settled