Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Molly grinned and said, "Looks like Donnie finally got his act together, huh?"

Mia, cradling her son, chimed in, "So, without buying a house, are you planning to bring her back to your hometown?"

Stephania responded thoughtfully, "We'll start with a hotel wedding. We've talked it over and decided not to rely on our families for the house. I make more than Chris, so I'll handle part of the down payment. Chris has a solid pension fund, so his monthly mortgage payments will be lower, and he'll take care of those."

Mia and Molly exchanged glances, feeling that this was what a simple life was all about-walking side by side, understanding each other, and offering mutual support.

Anya, holding her little brother, stayed quiet but was clearly engrossed in the conversation.

With her sharp eye, Molly noticed Anya's focus and teased, "Look at Anya listening so attentively. How much dowry do you think Leo should give you someday?"

Mia joined in the fun, "We should've brought Leo along. These talks about dowry, houses, and cars shouldn't be just for Anya's ears."

Anya blushed, "Aunties, I'm not talking to you anymore."

Feeling hungry, Anya took her brother to find their mom.

As the feast kicked off, Henry spotted his dad from afar and waved, "Hey, Dad!"

Andre smiled warmly and shook hands with his son, "Hey, buddy."

Someone chuckled, "Andre, is Henry already shaking hands with you?"

"He's a quick study," Andre laughed. "Picks things up fast saw us shaking hands and jumped right in."

Laughter rippled through the crowd as they shared funny anecdotes.

When it was time to eat, everyone found their seats. The guests ranged from execs and business bigwigs to friends and family, so the meal was held in private rooms.

Chad and Molly didn't make the rounds together but went from room to room, raising a toast and saying hello.

With Mr. & Mrs. Byrne in tow, the couple first stopped by the elders' table. After greetings, Chad, holding his son, headed to his dad's room, where Bruce and a bunch of politicians were gathered. "Time flies, doesn't it? I remember when Chad started his job, you guys dropped him off. Once you left, Molly sat waiting at the door for him to finish work. In a blink, that young lad is now the team's backbone. Married last year, a dad this year. Let me hold Wayne," said a figure getting up, dressed like a seasoned old-timer, reaching out for the baby.

He took the sleeping baby, whose sweet, milk-scented face was utterly charming.

"What a well-behaved kid, still snoozing away," someone remarked.

Kendrick beamed, "Wayne's a little angel, loves his naps."

Bruce then stood to take his nephew, handling him with ease. "You've been

practicing at home, huh, Bruce?" someone teased.

Bruce roared with laughter, "Oh, for

sure. I was always holding my second brother's kid, and now it's the third brother's turn." It was no secret that the second brother was a business mogul. And everyone knew the third was none other than the lady of the Cedillo family here with us.

After a bit, Bruce handed the baby back to Molly, reminding her gently, "Watch those high heels, take it slow."noveldrama

Molly playfully pouted, "Got it, big bro. You and Andre are tag-teaming me."

In another room, Andre sat with his son at a table full of men, sans Mia.

Chad lifted his glass to toast everyone, and as glasses clinked, Henry tilted his head, his attention shifting curiously.