Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Chapter 570

Nobody expected Hansen to agree so quickly, almost like it was the most natural thing in the world. This time, Mia had completely misjudged the situation.

She looked to her husband, seeking clarity. Andre smiled at her and gently placed his hand over her delicate fingers. Their unspoken connection told Mia that her husband had probably anticipated this outcome all along. She still had so much to learn.

Molly couldn't explain why, but her father's gaze today filled her with an inexplicable sense of desolation. The first time the Byrnes gathered at the Cedillos' home, it was to return Molly to her family. This second gathering was to welcome Molly back into the Byrne family as a bride. The emotions of both meetings were worlds apart.

After dinner, Chad focused on savoring every bite. He watched the girl seated beside him eat and couldn't help but smile silently. When Molly looked up, she was met with Chad's adoring gaze, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Beneath the table, Chad's hand found Molly's, his thumb tracing the ring on her finger. He had worked so hard to slide that ring onto her finger.

One knock in the dead of night changed everything. His sweet words went unheeded, and it wasn't until he pinned her to the table, silenced her protests with a kiss, and forcefully slipped the ring onto her finger that she accepted it. That night, Molly developed the habit of locking her door before sleep.

The Byrnes left in the afternoon, soon after the meal. Leo, who was about the same age as Henry, decided to video call his mother Anya with the boy in his arms. Henry, nestled in his brother's embrace, looked more like a little bundle of mischief than a precious gem. Mia, feeling the need to give a heads-up to her best friend, suggested, "Go keep Dad company. He must be feeling down." After making sure her friend would follow her advice, Mia hurried after her husband to the study for some enlightenment. Andre had intended to go to the study, but seeing how closely his wife followed him, with their son not around to interrupt, he seized the moment and steered his "lamb" back to the bedroom instead. By the time Mia realized what was happening, she was already beneath her husband.

"He maintained his stance before, and today, by setting the date in such a manner, he would've been disrespecting the Byrnes. Normally, setting a date involves both families agreeing on the dowry and discussing details. Accepting the dowry signifies agreeing to the marriage. Creating obstacles today would make the Cedillos seem petty."

Mia understood, "Honey, I was naive."

Andre, who had once paid the price of naivety, would never admit his wife was naive! The consequence of seeking knowledge was a locked bedroom door in broad daylight, curtains tightly drawn, dinner in the bedroom, and no more trips downstairs.

Later, Andre went to Leo's room and rescued his son from the clutches of his nephew. The little guy had never loved his father more than in that moment. Taking his son with him, Andre didn't go straight back but went to Naomi instead. He had arranged for a transfer of funds to Naomi's account and said privately, "Naomi, with Mom gone, the women's affairs fall on you. Molly's dowry needs additional items besides what Mom left her. My Mia is young and inexperienced, especially with dowry matters. She's still a new mother and needs to care for our child. Please, take care of Molly's needs. If the money's not enough, have finance transfer more."

Naomi chuckled, "You brothers were so resistant at first, and now you're both giving me money for Molly's dowry." Bruce even discussed with his wife setting aside some of their savings for his sister's dowry. But Andre's focus was slightly different. His emphasis was on Mia, his young, inexperienced, and somewhat lazy feline of a wife.

"Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would've prepared for Molly. You worry about Mia being too busy; I worry too."

After thanking Naomi, Andre returned to the bedroom, cradling his chubby son. That night, Molly stayed up late talking to her father, eventually falling asleep in his arms, crying. Hansen looked at his empty hand, overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness. "I'm getting old; I can't even hold my own daughter anymore."

The last time he'd held her was when she was five, in her little white princess dress and red sandals, her sparkling hair clip shining as she ran toward him with open arms. "Welcome home, Daddy! Hold Molly!" That memory had been Hansen's treasure for fifteen years. With his daughter asleep, Hansen finally allowed his grief to emerge, tears welling until they spilled over, wiped away only to be replaced by more. Afraid to wake her, he stifled his sobs in the quiet of the room. The "sleeping" Molly let her tears drop quietly onto the sleeve of Hansen's pajamas...

As the New Year approached, the little one went for a check-up. The doctor handled him like a toy, examining his limbs with gusto. He hoisted the boy up by his arms, lifting him high. Mia watched anxiously, cautioning the doctor, "Please, he just looks sturdy. Don't dislocate anything. I carried him for ten months; he's my only treasure, so be careful."

The doctor ignored the fretful Mrs. Cedillo and continued his vigorous examination. "He's fine, really sturdy."

Mia protested, "No, he's just chubby. He looks strong, but he's actually quite soft." The little guy turned his face to his mother, his eyes brimming with the need for her embrace.

On their way to the clinic, Mia encountered other mothers with their delicate, thin children and realized just how plump and pampered her own child was. Other mothers even came over to ask for her secret, "How old is your baby? What formula are you using? He's so adorable, you must be taking great care of him."

Mia blushed at the compliment, feeling a tad embarrassed. It seemed like a new mom's badge of honor, getting praised because her little one had chubbed up so adorably. Her son was definitely adding some serious sparkle to her mom-cred.

"He's been exclusively breastfed for two months now," Mia shared with a hint of pride in her voice. "He won't touch formula. His dad tried to feed him a few times, but no dice." Someone in the group looked on with envy, "That means you must have a good supply, right?"

Mia nodded, acknowledging the truth in that. But having a chubby baby came with its own set of woes. Like, for instance, the arm aches from carrying him around.

Andre, save for the moments he stepped out to handle the bills, was the one who mostly cradled their child. Mia playfully ribbed her husband, "And you, Mr. Big Shot CEO, are you short on cash or short-staffed? Having to go pay the bills in person. Everyone else sends their assistant or has the nanny handle it. But not you, you just have to be Mr. Unique. From prenatal checkups to our son's doctor's appointments, you haven't missed a single one." Her tone was teasing, but beneath it lay a current of affection for Andre's unwavering presence through their journey into parenthood.