Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Henry had just woken up, his tiny hand nestled in Mia's as they strolled along. But it wasn't long before Henry's steps started zigzagging off course.

Mia would gently steer him back, only for him to wander away again. At one point, he even tried walking backwards, much to her amusement.

They made a few pit stops-a pushcart for some snacks, a beverage shop for ice cream, and a cozy roadside stand for an extra bite. The university break had the place buzzing with students making the most of their pre-holiday freedom.

Andre glanced around at the couples, hand in hand, capturing memories with their phones. Then he looked at Mia, who was juggling her lively little boy, too busy to worry about selfies or social media check-ins. "Henry! Quit running off, or next time, it's no playtime for you," she called out, laughing despite herself.

While others were snapping photos and cuddling, Mia's focus was entirely on her son. Holding him made her arms tire, so she'd put him down, only for him to get up to his usual antics. She half-joked to herself about needing a leash to keep him close.novelbin

Andre watched with a tender look, a lump forming in his throat, while Chad seemed a bit exasperated with the chaos.

Molly, ever the romantic, admired the passing couples. "Look at them! They're like a perfect match, aren't they?" she mused.

Anya, on the other hand, was more interested in what was cooking. "What's in that sauce?" she asked the vendor, eyeing the sizzling tofu on the griddle.

"Secret sauce," the vendor replied with a grin.

"Could I taste some? And maybe you could teach me how to make it?" Anya was nothing if not persistent.

"Why the sudden interest in sauce?" Molly teased.

"Chad's never had it, and I thought I'd whip it up for him back home," Anya explained, a hint of pride in her voice. Leo, watching nearby, felt a bit of relief at this. Mia, still holding onto her son's hand, called out to her friends, "Molly, Anya, hang tight. Henry's got too much energy, I'm taking him for a walk."

Molly nudged Anya, "Alright, niece, you're in charge here. I'm off to scout for some charming guys."

The group split up, each on their little adventures.

Mia bent down, guiding her little "chick" through the bustling crowd. Andre trailed behind, his eyes glued to his wife and child, a soft smile playing on his lips.

As they reached a chain blocking the path, Mia patiently taught her son how to step over it. Henry, more inclined to crawl under, was gently persuaded by Mia, who knelt down, supporting his shoulder and lifting his leg to show him how to tackle the obstacle.

From his vantage point, Andre watched, the world around them fading to a blur, leaving only the vibrant image of his family. He

rubbed his eyes, reminded that net

nothing mattered more than the happiness of his wife and son.

"That's it, lift your foot, and the other one too," Mia encouraged.

Once Henry managed to step over, he leapt into his mom's arms, beaming with pride. Seeing their matching smiles, Andre clapped quietly for his little champion. "Let's go find your sister Anya; our tofu's waiting," Mia said, carrying Henry back.

Meanwhile, Jade wandered the streets, mumbling, "Nobody here compares to Chad. How dull."

Officer Chad felt a little lighter at that.

Back at the stand, Anya had fully embraced her role as the "Tofu Goddess." "So, sprinkle the green onions like this, right? What's next?" she asked eagerly.

"Brush on the sauce first, sprinkle a bit of water, and then add the green onions last, the vendor instructed succumbing to Anya's enthusiasm. Leo watched with slight concern," hoping Anya's delicate hands wouldn't get splattered with oil.