Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

While Naomi was getting a bottle ready for little Henry, she suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, I forgot something!"

As the young folks hustled about, the older ones and kids were enjoying their downtime, totally unhurried.

Over at Waterlily Apartments, Anya was busy packing up to leave. She was so excited, she even thought about taking all her clothes with her, like she wasn't planning to come back next year. She dashed around the place, thrilled about finally leaving, gaining her freedom, and getting away from Chad-finally, she'd have a peaceful night's sleep.noveldrama

The difference between Leo's reluctance and Anya's excitement was striking.

Just then, Leo's phone rang. It was his dad, probably calling about their holiday plans.

Leo answered, "Hey, Dad."

"What?" After hearing the news, he glanced at his excited girlfriend and then quietly stepped out to the balcony. "We're going on a holiday for New Year's?"

His dad, Bruce, replied, "Yep, we're flying out the day after tomorrow at noon. You should pack some summer clothes for you and Anya."

"Anya's coming too?"

"She doesn't know?" Bruce was surprised. "It's a New Year's trip for our families- the Irvins, the Byrnes, the Calders, and us."

Through the sliding glass door, Leo watched Anya bounce around like an excited bunny, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Got it, Dad. Thanks!"

He hung up and slid the door open, stepping back into the cozy apartment.

Leo perched on the coffee table, watching Anya as she stuffed a puffy jacket into her suitcase. "So, you're happy to be ditching me, huh?"

Anya immediately wiped the smile off her face, shaking her head and pretending to be sad. "Not at all, Chad. I'm really going to miss you. I'm not happy one bit."

Leo watched her, noting how her eyes had been sparkling with joy just moments ago.

He approached her, and Anya instinctively flinched.

Leo wrapped an arm around her waist, bent down, and scooped her up in a playful princess carry. "About to leave me alone for New Year's? Why don't you spend today with me, make it special?"

Anya tried to resist, but Leo added, "I thought you said you'd miss me? Or was that just talk?"

Anya took a deep breath, "Alright, alright. I'll spend today with Chad."

Leo grinned, stepping over Anya's suitcases, carrying her back to their bedroom...

The two of them didn't come out again, but soft, breathy whispers could be heard from the living room.

Leo savored the moment, holding Anya tighter...

Anya felt a pang of guilt about leaving Leo alone and decided to endure her discomfort to make sure he was happy.

Unless it became too much, she never said no.

The result of her indulgence was waking up at 2 PM the next day, even though she'd promised her parents she'd be home by noon.

In a playful whine, Anya said, "Chad! I told my parents I'd be home by noon, and now I'm late!"

Leo, sitting at the edge of the bed, reassured her, "No worries, I've already called your parents and explained everything. They're cool with it, and I'll take you home tomorrow."

Anya checked his phone and saw the call log with her dad.

Satisfied, she playfully scolded him, "I need to get to bed early tonight, and you're not laying a finger on me!"