Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Chapter 594

After indulging in a cozy dinner of chicken and dumplings, Mia's perfect day seemed to come to an abrupt end.

Earlier, Andre had spent the day with Mia, picking up a few back-to-school essentials. Since she wasn't staying on campus, they didn't need much. The shopping trip was more of an excuse to spend time together and visit the Cedillo family. Hansen, ever the persuasive patriarch, tried to get them to stay, but Andre, who had grown fond of the unfettered life at Maplewood Estates, wasn't having it. At the Cedillo household, any displays of marital affection had to be restrained. But back at Maplewood Estates, as long as their son was being looked after, Mia could spend the entire day in her room without a peep from anyone.

"Andre, listen to your old man," Hansen began, not waiting for anyone's consent before signaling the staff to prepare a room. "Mia can stay here with Anya, they can carpool to school, and since Leo isn't tied up with classes, he can be their chauffeur. It's settled, you're moving in."

Andre shook his head firmly, "Maplewood Estates, the office, and Mia's school are all on the same route. I'll take her to and from school when I head to work with Henry."

Hansen frowned, "Isn't that a bit of a hassle? Wait, you and Henry? What do you mean?"

"I can't leave the kid home alone. Mia and I wouldn't be comfortable. So, I've decided to bring him to the office."

"Are you out of your mind? You want to bring him to the office to cry and fuss all day? You don't trust the nanny or your own father?" Hansen retorted.

"I'm just worried he might disturb you," Andre replied, though not entirely truthfully.

Hansen shot back sarcastically, "Oh, look at you, suddenly so considerate. Where was this conscience when your sister was getting married?"

Sensing the tension, Mia quickly interjected, "Dad, please don't be upset. Andre's just worried about your age and whether it's suitable for you to look after the baby. Spending time with him occasionally is great, but regularly would be tough, even for me. For someone your age, it's even more demanding.

"He can't go to the office, though. That's a place of work. Besides, we have Naomi, you, and the butler at home. Can't we all take turns?"

Mia had thought about asking Naomi for help but felt it was unfair to burden her, especially since she had her own studies to resume, and Naomi would already be busy with Molly.

"Don't worry, Dad. I don't have much coursework left, so I can manage. Plus, my mom's at home with not much to do. She can look after the baby occasionally."

Their minds made up, nothing could change their decision. After a family meal at the Cedillo household, they left.

On Anya's first day back at school, Leo, having nothing better to do, played the role of her personal chauffeur again.

Andre, holding their child and hand-in-hand with his wife, also arrived at the school.

The little one, nestled in his father's arms, gazed at the bustling campus, starting his journey of dropping off mommy at school at just a few months old.

Surrounded by college students returning from the holiday break, Mia felt a profound shift within herself. Despite being the same age, she suddenly felt years older. Was it marriage or motherhood, she wondered, that made her feel this way?

"Honey, how old do you think I look this year?" Mia asked her husband out of the blue.

Andre turned, looking at his young wife's still round and adorable face, her cheeks rosy and eyes gentle. "Eighteen."

Mia burst into laughter, playfully shaking her husband's arm. "What are you talking about? You've never even seen me at eighteen."

"You look even younger than Anya."

"Don't be silly. I feel like an old maid standing next to them. The once campus beauty turned into a country bumpkin."

After being a full-time mom at home, Mia's world had shrunk to her child and husband. Returning to the bustling campus, she saw other students in over-the-knee boots and stylish waves, some with bold hair colors, wearing sweaters that barely kept out the cold for fashion's sake. The contrast made Mia, in her simple hoodie, jeans, and bulky coat, feel out of place next to her chic husband, Andre.

"Actually, I can be chic too. But if I catch a cold, Henry will get it from my breastmilk," Mia explained, taking the baby from Andre's arms and playfully tapping his little face. "You need to learn to drink formula quickly, so mommy can be beautiful on her own, okay?" Henry, with a cheeky face, seemed to protest in his own way.

Andre, typically reserved, gladly wrapped his arms around his little wife in broad daylight. "How do you know we won't be together in the next life?"

"Uncle, Auntie, it's really you!" Anya, pulling Leo along, hurried towards the family of three.

The next moment, Anya snatched the baby from Mia's arms. "From a distance, I saw you holding a child, and I bet with Chad it was you."

Turning to Leo with a triumphant smile, she said, "See, Chad, I was right."

Leo shrugged, "Even if you win, there's no prize."

Anya pouted, pretending to ignore Chad.

"Wow, baby Henry, your sister is going to kiss you, mua-"

Chubby little Henry nestled in his sister's arms, a picture of reluctant obedience.

Before long, Leo scooped him up and, with evident affection, kissed his other cheek. "Your little face is all cold, buddy. What were mom and dad thinking, bringing you out in this weather?"

No sooner had his brother's lips brushed his skin than Henry, feeling the slight, began to wail.

Leo stood dumbfounded.

Mia couldn't help but laugh at her son's reaction. "Alright, no more tears, sweetheart. Mommy's got you. No more kisses from your brother, promise. Haha!"

Anya chimed in with a playful jab at Leo, "Chad, could it be your chapped lips? Maybe that little stubble of yours is too prickly for our baby's tender cheeks?"