Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Below the stage, Leo and Molly felt the weight of the moment. Henry was desperately searching for his mom, but she was nowhere to be found. He wandered around the campus, tears streaming down his face, feeling that no matter how great Dad was, only Mom would do right now.

Seeing his brother cry set Wayne off too. The sadness hit them like a tidal wave, with no warning or time to prepare. Even cartoons, their usual go-to distraction, failed to lift their spirits. Henry clung to his dad's hand, his voice trembling, "I want mommy."

Meanwhile, Henry's mom had just wrapped up her thesis defense and was sitting at the back of the classroom, a whirlwind of relief and exhaustion. "Number 11, Molly, you're up next."

Since both little ones were yearning for their mom, the dads had brought them to wait outside the defense room. Ten minutes later, Molly's turn was over, and with a shared glance, the trio discreetly slipped out from the back of the classroom.

As soon as they were outside, the two women playfully punched Leo. "We nailed it, right? We totally passed!" they teased.

Leo grinned, "Absolutely, we did. After all these years together, we're finally here, graduating side by side."

Their excitement bubbled over as they made their way down from the third floor. The moment they exited the building, two little voices rang out, "Mommy!" "Wah!"

Henry latched onto his mom's leg, pouring out his woes, while Chad quickly handed his son to his wife, "Here, he's hungry."

Molly sighed, "So I'm just a mobile milk bar, huh?"

Andre stood there, hands in his pockets, his eyes fixed on his wife's hands, saying nothing. Leo, sensing the tension, looked down to find Mia still holding onto his arm. For his own safety, he quickly shook her off and opened his arms wide, "Come here."

Anya stumbled over, and her boyfriend wrapped her in a hug, "Chad, I'm not jealous!"

Leo quipped, "But someone else is."

He shot a look at the uncle, pulling his girlfriend away to a safer distance.

Late at night, Cooper, ever the concerned brother, rang his sister, "Hey, did you pass your defense?"

Mia checked the time, a bit irritated, "Cooper, have you been up all night on coffee again?"

The defense results came out soon after, and while joy filled the air, Mia felt a twinge of sadness, "Next up is graduation, and then we'll start drifting into new circles."

Leo was headed to State University, Mia had found new friends, and Molly was ready to join Chade Inc.

Molly scratched her head, trying to lighten the mood, "Letting Leo go feels

strange. I was hoping he'd keep doing my homework."

Leo protested, "Can't you guys cut me some slack?"

Mia and Molly chimed in unison, "Nope."

Graduation day arrived, and the trio donned their caps and gowns, stepping into

the ceremony, their last grand hurrah together.noveldrama

As the farewell song played, Mia and Molly felt a lump in their throats.

"Leo, don't let anyone push you around at State. If things get rough,

come right back to us," Mia said,

tears in her eyes.

Leo hurriedly handed her a tissue, "Remember, my uncle said fighting comes with

a fine."

"I've got money, plenty of it. I'm not scared of any fine," Mia retorted.

Leo replied, "With Andre as your husband, I don't doubt you're rolling in it."

Molly smiled, patting her

grandnephew's shoulder, "We might be apart, but keep in touch. Take care of yourself, and remember, only Mia, Anya, and I are allowed to give you a hard time."