Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Mia walked her guest down to the parking lot, needing to grab Henry's bag. "Hey, what's going on? I thought you said you wouldn't come?" Mia asked, curiosity tinged with a bit of confusion. Andre shrugged, "You've wrapped up your classes, so why can't I pop in?"

"But now everyone knows you're my husband," Mia replied, a hint of worry in her voice.

"Am I such a secret, Mia?" Andre teased, though his eyes searched hers for a real answer.

Mia paused, her thoughts swirling before she spoke. "It's not that, honey. I just thought it'd be easier if people didn't know, you know, to avoid any unnecessary drama. But don't forget, you're my world."

Andre made it to the underground parking, stowed Mia's books in the trunk, and handed her Henry's special backpack. Even though he was miffed, he managed a, "Call me when you're done tonight, and I'll swing by to pick you up." With that, Andre drove off, the slight tension lingering in the air.

Mia watched the car fade, then glanced at Henry, nestled comfortably in her arms. "Looks like Dad's a bit upset, huh?" she mused aloud.

Henry gave a serious little nod, "Hmm."

Mia kissed his cheek softly. "After graduation, everyone's going their separate ways. We'll barely keep in touch, so I didn't want you and your dad to become the talk of the town. But trust me, you and your dad are everything to me." Henry babbled back, his little voice full of agreement.

Mia, holding Henry, made her way to the elevator. Once she was sure they were safely inside, Andre revved the engine and headed out.

Cooper, watching his brother-in-law, couldn't resist, "Can I ask you something?"

"Shoot," Andre replied.

Cooper scratched his head, still puzzled. "Besides being drop-dead gorgeous, what's so special about my sister?"

Andre chuckled, "Her only flaw is being too beautiful."

Cooper laughed, slapping his thigh. "Man, married guys really do know how to play it smart!"

Back in the classroom, the air felt lighter without Andre's presence.

Having spent months with Mia, classmates were no longer on edge knowing who she was. With Henry in her arms, Mia turned to her friends, "Yingying, Zhengjun, once you're packed, I'll help you get your luggage to the hotel, and then we'll grab a cab to a steakhouse." Jamie eyed baby Henry, "Mia, is he really your son?"

Mia grinned, "Carried him for ten months, he's a part of me. Wanna hold my little treasure?" She remembered Jamie had been eager to hold Henry before.

Jamie hesitated, hiding her hands behind her back, "His dad's Andre; I don't dare. If anything happens, I'm toast."

Mia rolled her eyes playfully, "Come on, I'm his mom. Andre listens to me, even at home."

Jamie reached out, but her nerves got the better of her.

Classmates gathered around, content just to touch Henry's tiny hand, thrilled to be interacting with Andre's family. Suddenly, Jamie remembered something, "So, are you really the chancellor of Havenbrook University?"

Mia shrugged, "In name only, no real power. It's like I'm not even there."

Henry chimed in with a cute little sound, as if agreeing with his mom, "Yep, I even attend the meetings for her~"

As they prepared to leave, many sought Mia's contact info.

It was Mia's first time visiting the budget hotel where her classmates were staying, as they were all from out of town.

Their rooms were conveniently across from each other. Holding Henry, Mia joked, "What a good omen, a match made in heaven."

Jamie opened the door, "Excuse the mess, I haven't tidied up."

Inside, Mia set Henry down to let him explore. Soon, he was darting into the bathroom, prompting Mia to whisk him out; then he climbed onto the shoe cabinet, needing another rescue. With the bedroom door ajar, Henry bolted into Denny's room.

Denny, never having held a child before, called out nervously, "Mia, your son's on the run!"

Mia appeared swiftly, scooping Henry up and guiding him back, playfully threatening, "Henry, keep this up and you'll get a timeout, got it?"

Back in Jamie's room, Mia settled into a chair, cradling Henry, patting his back with practiced ease. "Close those little eyes, tiger; mommy's taking you out later."

Jamie, surprised by this nurturing side of Mia, sat at the foot of the bed, "Mia, you're different now."

Mia laughed, "Do I have that motherly glow?"

Jamie nodded, charmed by Mia's warmth.

"Every mom's like this. Usually, Henry's with his dad and grandpa. I enjoy my time when I can, but when it's time to be with my boy, I'm alfin. Wait until tomorrow when I'm not with him; I'll be the same

20

"

SuMia."

Henry dozed off in his mother's arms, his restless legs finally still.

Around five, the trio left the hotel, catching a cab to the steakhouse Mia had reserved.

Jamie carried Henry's bag, while Denny hesitated to help with Henry, unsure. Mia reassured him, "I'll hold him. He's got a keen nose and knows if it's not me or his dad. He'll just cry otherwise." Upon arrival at the restaurant, the lively atmosphere and delicious smells roused Henry from his nap.

As they settled in, Henry woke with a start, standing on Mia's lap, eyes wide, taking in the bustling scene, soft cries escaping his lips.NôvelDrama.Org © content.

Mia hugged him close, kisses calming his little whimpers.

Henry stood on Mia's lap, curiously taking in his surroundings. Soon, the food arrived.

Henry, perched on Mia's lap, quickly reached for the utensils.

Mia gently stopped his little hand on the table.

The brief cries from Henry echoed through the restaurant but faded as he focused on a sweet slice of cantaloupe, puzzled by his inability to bite it with his tiny teeth.

"Tonight's meal is to bid farewell to

my two friends, wishing you a

wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year in advance. Also, a big thanks to Zhengjun for all his help. No matter what happens this year, it's important for the three of us to share this meal."

Denny and Jamie sat side by side, Jamie already feeling the bittersweet pang of parting.

Denny chimed in, "I'm grateful too. Tutoring you both helped me solidify my knowledge. Coming from my small town in the east to study in Havenbrook, I wanted to disconnect from social media and focus on my postgraduate exams. I didn't expect to make two great friends and, very fortunately, meet Andre's wife."

"Hey, cut the formalities," Mia interrupted with a smile. "Remember, it's Mia's husband, Andre."