Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Chapter 578

As the New Year's bells chimed, another year began to unfold. Time marched on, year after year, day after day. Andre gazed at the newest addition to his family, his son's very first year in this world. He hoped for nothing but health and happiness for his little one.

At the stroke of midnight, the baby let out a yawn, snuggled and cozy, and nestled into his father's arms for sleep. Andre carefully pulled a crisp bill from his wallet and gently tucked it into his son's onesie, a modern twist on the traditional red envelope. It was Andre's first year as a father. The next morning, the baby was startled awake by the sound of fireworks booming outside. His grandfather had decided to set them off at the crack of dawn, the loud crackling and popping sending the little one into a fit of tears.

Mia tried her best to shield her son from the noise, but it was of little use.

Hearing the commotion, Andre rushed inside, knowing his son might be frightened. He took the baby from his wife's arms, comforting him, "Don't be scared, daddy's got you."

Once the fireworks ceased, the baby's tears slowly dried up as he peered out at a world unlike any he'd seen before.

Outside, a blanket of white covered everything. Overnight snow heralded a year of bounty.

The yard was dazzlingly white, the snow like a cleansing for the world. The remains of the vibrant firework wrappers dotted the landscape as the housekeeper swept them up with a broom.

The fireworks had been Leo's doing. Clad in slippers, he stomped the snow off his feet at the entrance, making a bit of a mess.

The baby's gaze followed his older brother.

Leo, still in his pajamas under his coat, approached and clapped his hands playfully at the baby, "Come here, let big brother hold you."

The sweet smell of milk lingered as the infant settled once again into his brother's arms.

The house was filled with a warmth it had never known before.

Hansen sat in the living room, chuckling and answering New Year's calls from friends and family.

The fireworks didn't manage to wake Jade, though. She continued to sleep.

Even after Henry had dressed and missed breakfast, Jade was still in bed.

Mia took her son to her best friend's bedroom, laying him beside her on the bed.

"Molly, Henry's next to you now, be careful not to roll onto the baby."

It took a moment, but Molly finally stirred, her hair a mess as she sat up, blinking away sleep.

She yawned and looked at the little bundle next to her, then turned over to tuck him in, patting him gently, "Babe, snuggle with auntie for a bit."

Jade thought her friend was showing love by sending her son over. After more than five minutes of silence, a yell came from the bedroom, "Mia, come and get your son!"

Mia didn't budge.

Hansen praised his daughter-in-law, "Mia, that's a brilliant move!"

Nobody could wake Jade, except for a visit from Mia with the baby.

The baby could keep his aunt company for a little while, but prolonged crying would fill the house.

And so, the little one successfully woke his dear aunt, who had to continue to dote on him as the precious baby he was.

Once downstairs, Molly laid next to Mia, looking utterly drained, "I don't even know when I fell asleep last night. I was on a video call with Chad for four hours, and by the end, I was so tired I barely knew what was happening. I just kept nodding off and have no idea who hung up."

Jade realized that for the Byrne family, Chad had the magic touch, and for the Cedillo family, it was the little one.

Hansen gave Andre some instructions before sending him off with the three little ones and the youngest to visit relatives.

Naomi and her husband stayed behind to host any visitors.

On the second day of the New Year, Mia visited her parents, while Molly went to her future in-laws.

Chad's bedroom was ready, and the walk-in closet was Molly's favorite part.

Before Chad could even persuade her, Jade spoke up on his behalf, "Since it's perfect, why not just move all my clothes in now? It'll save the hassle later."

Chad replied with a smile, "Are you saying exactly what I was thinking? So, do you agree?"

Molly grinned, "A new closet calls for new clothes!"

Chad laughed helplessly, "Then after the wedding, I'll continue to shop with you."

At dinner, Coleen asked her daughter, "Have you picked out a wedding dress yet?" Molly fell silent.

Understanding, Coleen pressed, "You haven't even looked at dresses?"

Molly remained quiet.

Coleen set down her utensils, frustrated, "Molly, are you planning to get married in casual wear? There's no time left, do you understand? Your father has set the date for March, and look at what month it is now. You were out and about with Chad often before the New Year; what were you doing? Your wedding seems like someone else's affair; you're not involved at all." Kendrick tried to calm his wife, "Our girl is barely in her twenties; it's normal for her to be unbothered and clueless. Don't get worked up over it."

Molly bit her lip, realizing she indeed knew nothing and had no idea where to start or any sense of urgency.

Coleen's anger subsided somewhat, aware of the Cedillo family's situation. With Mrs. Cedillo gone, Naomi had her hands full and couldn't attend to her, and Mia was still too naive to know anything about weddings. It wasn't entirely Molly's fault that no one had reminded

her.

In the end, Coleen, both mother and mother-in-law, took the reins.

After a scolding at the Byrne household, Molly returned to the Cedillos, this time taking her preparations seriously.

As everyone else lounged in the living room, Jade sat in her bedroom making arrangements, not wanting to disturb Chad who was busy.

The Byrnes visited the Cedillos on the fifth day of the New Year.

When Chad picked up the baby, the joy of the festive season shone on his face.

He slipped another generous red envelope into the baby's blanket. The Byrnes were known for their lavish gifts to the Cedillo children, starting in the thousands.

If not for the confines of the envelope, they might have given even more.

Mia eyed the thick stack of envelopes with a mix of amusement and embarrassment. "Chad, you've already given a gift to Henry. Really, no more."

It was the first time that a gift made Mia blush, a testament to its generous size.

Chad, however, insisted. In his mind, he was the kids' soon-to-be uncle by marriage, and it was his duty to spoil them.

Later, Leo awkwardly accepted two envelopes from Chad. "Man, I'm an adult. I shouldn't be taking this." It was a hit to his pride.

"One's for you, and one's for Anya," Chad explained, trying to smooth things over.

The living room felt empty without the one person Chad was hoping to see. "Where's Molly?" he asked.

Naomi, ever the informant, replied, "Who knows what that girl's up to lately. Buried in her bedroom studying all day. Go on up and call her down."

Setting the youngest family member down, Chad made his way upstairs in search of Molly.

"Hey, what are you guys doing here?" Molly looked up, surprised, her ancient laptop open and forgotten in front of her.

Chad leaned in, only to find that she was diligently taking notes on wedding planning.