Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"Don't mention her name." Mars, already tipsy and on edge, let his irritation spill out. "From now on, just don't bring her up. Hic. We're done. There's nothing left between us."

Conner grabbed Mars by the arm, trying to soothe him. "Yeah, yeah, it's over. Here, drink some water."

Back then, Conner couldn't wrap his head around it just a breakup, right? Was that really worth getting blackout drunk over? Life goes on, with or without a

woman.

What he didn't realize was that, someday, he'd run into Annie again. And when that day came, he'd shamelessly chase after her, begging her to marry him.

At the time, Andre was busy searching for his little sister, while Hansen's family kept pushing him to settle down. But Andre had enough pull at home to stand his ground-no marriage, no arranged dates with society girls, no matter what his parents wanted.

Andre never could have imagined that one day, he'd end up completely smitten by Mia. When she laughed, he couldn't help but laugh too; when she was upset, he'd do anything to cheer her up. She'd get herself into trouble, and he would always be there, picking up the pieces with a smile, never once complaining. Even when he was mad, just thinking about her would soften him, his anger just for show.

And he definitely never expected to have a clingy little son, running through the house calling him "Dad," with his tiny butt always in danger of a playful smack.

After Milka moved overseas, she stuck by her mom, helping her settle into a new company. Once her mother got the hang of things, Milka started job-hunting, hoping to find something that made her happy.

Maybe back then, she was a little lost-bouncing between options, not quite sure of her path.

me while you were away?" Years later,

afraid he'd see every feeling she'd tried so hard to hide. "Sometimes. Not

her new apartment, she remembered Mars calling her, asking what kind of place she liked. When she was job-hunting, she'd sit on a bench, eating a sandwich, watching

home, heart racing. If Mars had been with her his easy swagger, his

breath, and think of Mars, and of the home she used

the truth was, they had

even changed her phone number, but Mars never

a good job, settled into her new life, made friends,

her mother always giving in, always letting a

could be ruthless. When

And he didn't try

things out either.

you?" Milka asked, looking at him across the

neither of them picked up their chopsticks. Mars was the first to

without thinking, Mars

surprised at himself.