Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Chapter 541

Naomi sighed and shook her head at Mia's complaint. "It's different now, Mia. Back then, it was all about the excitement of bringing a new bride home. Now it's his baby girl leaving the nest; it's a whole other ballgame."

Mia nodded in agreement. "Exactly, a daughter-in-law is one thing, but his own flesh and blood? That's tough for any dad. And to think, I was practically railroaded into marrying into the Cedillo family. Andre and I hadn't even laid eyes on each other before it was all decided for us." "Look at me now, popping out kids for them," Mia continued with a rueful smile, gently stroking her son's cheek. "Like I'm ever getting away from this family. Dad might as well be deaf to anything I say at this point."

Hansen, holding his plump grandson, retorted with a hint of annoyance, "Cut the sarcasm, Mia. When have I ever not listened to you?"

Mia decided not to provoke her father further. "Okay, Dad, if you're willing to listen, then listen good. Chad's downstairs right now, and we all know why he's here. That alone tells you he's serious about Molly. Love is precious, Dad, and you may not have noticed, but Leo and I have seen how Chad dotes on Molly. He treats her no less than any of us Cedillos would."

Hansen stubbornly refused to engage. "There's nothing to discuss."

Mia persisted. "If we're talking about the in-laws, us women have more say than you men because we've lived it."

Naomi chimed in from the side, "She's right, Dad. Listen to Mia. She wouldn't lead Molly astray after all these years of friendship."

Mia listed off common family woes with growing intensity. "Mother-in-law battles, clueless fathers-in-law, deadbeat husbands, the abusive, the adulterous, the braggarts with no substance. You've heard it all, haven't you? And the gratitude we owe, is convent life really so grand?"

Hansen remained silent.

Mia pressed on. "Any woman can fall into these traps without realizing it. But for Molly-do you want her to end up alone while the rest of us revel in happiness? That's just not realistic, Dad.

The Byrne family has been a savior to Molly, in more ways than one. Now that she and Chad are keen on each other, what could be better? She can repay their kindness and find happiness all at once. She's hoping for this herself, Dad. Maybe it's even fate."

Knowing her father's superstitious nature, Mia played to his beliefs. "You trust Chad, Dad. His actions today, showing up to take responsibility for Molly, that says it all. And his job, it's exactly what you've always respected. Everyone praises Chad: my brother, my husband, and even you. He'll protect Molly and cherish her. He's grounded, honorable, and well-respected. He's a good fit for our Molly, who, let's face it, aside from her looks and sharp tongue, isn't exactly skilled in many areas."

"And with the Byrnes, you've seen how they treat Molly. With them, it's like mother to daughter, father to daughter-no in-law drama. We shouldn't irrationally reject a good match for Molly; Chad is that match."

"Are you thirsty after all that talking?" asked Hansen, looking at his daughter-in-law.

Mia nodded, "Thirsty, but I've still got more to say."

"My mother's gone, and a girl can't always tell her father what's in her heart. So she tells us, her sisters-in-law. Naomi and I have talked it over, and we think the marriage is a good idea."

Naomi agreed, "Dad, if you're still unsure, Chad's right downstairs. You could meet him in person, see how he is with Molly. The Byrnes have been good to the Cedillos-that alone deserves a meeting."

Mia supported Naomi's suggestion. "As her father, you owe it to her to at least meet the man, rather than relying on second-hand accounts."

Hansen seemed moved, deep down he too wanted to go downstairs, but he was afraid of giving Chad too much credit.

Mia took her roly-poly son from Hansen's arms, his eyes shining like polished onyx.

The little guy beamed at his mother, a picture of contentment.

"Dad, let's go downstairs together," Mia coaxed.

"And Dad," Naomi added, "it's about Molly's future happiness."

With a thoughtful look, Hansen finally rose to his feet with the help of his cane and Naomi's steady arm. They made their way downstairs together.

Upon their arrival, Chad was the first to spot Hansen and stood up immediately, "Mr. Hansen."

Hansen's gaze was stern as he faced the man who wanted to take his daughter away, not giving an inch.

Soon, Mia, holding her son who was only capable of making contented "hmm" noises, joined them.

Hearing his grandson, Andre knew without looking that Mia must have brought him down. Indeed, Mia approached, sitting her son on Andre's lap before settling next to her husband.

Naomi took her seat beside Leo and politely inquired, "Chad, when did you get here?"

As Hansen joined them, Andre's eyes met with his wife's. It must've been Mia's doing that brought his father-in-law down.

"What brings you here?" Hansen finally asked.

Chad spoke with earnest conviction, "Molly spilled the beans about us today, so I had to come over, to face up to my responsibilities. I also wanted to reassure her, to tell her not to worry, because I'm here now." Anya peered from behind a pillar, touched by the scene, "Auntie, your brother is so good to you."

From her vantage point, Molly was stealing glances their way.

With Chad's arrival out in the open, their father decided to be blunt, "Now that you're here, I'll lay it on the line-I don't approve."

A tense silence filled the living room for a few seconds, until Chad responded calmly, "I understand, but let me be clear too-I'm not giving up."

Hansen was at a loss for words...

Molly locked eyes with Chad, her eyes brimming with tears.

She stepped out from behind the pillar and approached her father and brother, "Dad, big brother Andre, if he's not giving up, then neither am I."

Anya darted out too, but Leo, fearing the drama might sweep her up, quickly pulled her to sit beside him, whispering urgently, "What are you doing running out like that?"

Anya whispered back, "I was trying to stop Auntie, but I couldn't."