Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Chapter 817

Using Chad's method, it took less than two minutes.

Jade finally sat up in bed, her hair all over the place. "Mom, I'm exhausted, and you're not even letting me catch my breath. Guess being a daughter-in-law doesn't count for much, huh?" Molly sighed, feeling a bit put out, "When you were just my daughter, you were the center of my world. Now you're okay with stifling me."

Coleen was momentarily speechless at her daughter's playful complaint. "Chad put me up to it."

Hearing Chad's name, Molly perked up. "Is he back?"

Molly got up from the couch, glancing around but not seeing any trace of Chad. If he were back, he'd definitely have carried her to bed.

Coleen just shook her head when Molly looked her way.

Molly reached for her phone, ready to call him, but noticed an unread message. Opening it, she saw a late-night text and picture from Chad. "Oh, I must've conked out by 2 a.m." She thought she'd manage to stay up all night.

Molly headed upstairs, glanced at the unmade bed, gave it a couple of shakes to clear away the lingering vibe from last night, and then went to freshen up in the bathroom. Morning came, and Chad sent another message, but Molly didn't respond.

Mia woke up with her little one snuggled close, realizing her husband wasn't in the room. She lay there with Henry, not wanting to get out of bed. Henry was fussing to get up and play, but Mia had to be mindful of her wrist-it still hurt if she held him too long. She could deal with the pain, but her biggest fear was not holding Henry tight enough, worrying someone might take him from her.

To distract him, Mia cuddled her son and video-called her sister, Mo.

"Mia, I'm drowning in work, what's up? Oh, my little darling, still snuggled in bed? Having fun? Tell your aunty all about it," Molly chirped upon seeing the video of Mia and her son.

Mia: "You're in a good mood, huh? Things with your Chad going well?"

Molly twisted a lock of her hair, her mind elsewhere. "He was stuck working overtime at the station last night and didn't make it home." She then focused on the chubby cheeks on her phone. "I'm happy 'cause I saw my little nephew. Just seeing him makes my day. Isn't that right, Henry?"

Henry looked up at his mom, puzzled by his aunt's words. Mia and Henry shared a look. "Your aunt thinks you're adorable."

Hugging her son tighter, Mia asked through the call, "Molly, how do you feel knowing Chad has an ex?"

"Doesn't bother me," Molly shrugged it off, having known all along.

Mia pressed on, "But what if he rekindles things with her and starts treating her the way he treats you now? What would you do?"

Molly, lounging alone in a big conference room and procrastinating, felt her sister's question hit her deepest fears. If Chad showered that woman with all his affection, Molly couldn't help but visualize Chad doing everything with her that he'd shared with Molly-shopping, date nights, sleeping beside her...

Her grip on the phone tightened, and her changing expressions were caught on video. Henry, sensing the shift, lay quietly in his mom's arms, growing more wary of his aunt's stern look.

Molly's playful demeanor darkened. "If Chad ever betrays me, I'll make sure he leaves me a child, then I'll deal with him."

Mia: "Wow, you're thinking of keeping a child?"

"I don't have a choice; he pulled me into loving him, then betrayed me. If I don't make him pay, I'll hold a grudge forever. I won't let jealousy and bitterness mess up my life. Having a child is for my family's sake. The Byrne family counts on Chad to carry on the name, not because I still love him."

Molly seemed genuinely contemplating Mia's question, making Mia believe Molly might just follow through.

Molly chuckled, jokingly, "If I really took him out, my dad and big brother Andre would have my back. My family wouldn't press charges. I'd take the kid and live life abroad."

Mia: "You've got it all figured out, huh? I kinda like your plan. If Andre ever betrays me, I might not even want Henry."

The little one, sensing the tension, suddenly called out to Mia, tugging at her heart. She hugged her son tight, showcasing a touching mother-son moment for her sister, "I want you, always. Wherever I go, you come with me."

Henry felt at ease, knowing his mom's love was unwavering.

Molly: "Can't handle all that mushy love, gotta get back to work."

She quickly hung up, not to work, but because Mia's question had shaken her up.

Unable to focus, Molly soon received another message from Mia: "Molly, my earlier question was just to see how much Chad means to you. Now, I think we both know. Find some time and talk to Chad. Since he's so important, don't let misunderstandings or doubts torture you."

Molly put down her phone, stood up, and headed to her manager's office. "I need the afternoon off."

At the hotel, around noon, Andre was on the phone as he returned, "... You said you'd come in a few days, but did you give a date?"

"Stop nagging. If you can't wait to see the kid, get to Australia. If you can wait, stay put. I've got Mia and the kid here."

Andre returned, and Henry, peeking out from under the covers, gleefully kicked his little legs, smiling at his mom. Mia: "Did you hear your dad?"

Henry watched as his father entered, effortlessly shedding his black coat, a move that charmed both wife and son.

Mia rested her chin on her hand, her eyes full of love. Henry lay on the bed, kicking his legs in excitement.

Andre hung his coat with one hand and walked over to the bed, giving his wife a kiss before scooping up his son. "Find a hotel for now; we're not heading back for a few days. Mia and the kid still need their fun." Conner's voice boomed from the phone, "Andre, what do you mean you need more fun? Why now?"