In Mia's bedroom, after gently rocking her child to sleep and settling him into his crib, her husband Andre couldn’t help but ask, “So, when did things start heating up between those two?”
“Over the summer break,” Mia replied, tucking a light blanket around their son.
“No way,” Andre said, shaking his head.
“What are you getting at?” Mia asked, making sure their son was snug.
“How far have they gone?” Andre pressed further.
“Exactly as far as you’re thinking,” Mia said candidly.
“Stop beating around the bush with me.”
“If I were direct, you wouldn’t approve anyway,” Mia retorted.
“You’re right, I wouldn’t,” Andre admitted.
“Then I guess we’re back to beating around the bush,” Mia said with a smirk.
Andre sighed as Mia disappeared into the bathroom. Moments later, she emerged in her pajamas, trying to sound fierce, “If you don’t let me get some rest tonight, I’m taking the baby and heading to my mom’s!”
To Andre, Mia’s attempt at being intimidating was as threatening as a kitten swatting with its tiny paws—cute but not at all scary.
He chuckled softly and then said, “I’ll be in the study.”
Andre’s unexpected return home meant his work calls followed him, and to avoid disturbing their son’s rest, he retreated to the study with his phone, conveniently dodging Mia’s playful threat.
Meanwhile, Molly had worked up the courage to call Chad, “I told them.”
Chad, caught off guard and unprepared, could only respond with silence.
Hearing the heaviness in Molly’s voice, Chad guessed she’d been crying, “I’m coming over to the Cedillo place right now.”
Molly stopped him, “My dad and brother are against it. Don’t bother coming.”
“It doesn’t matter if they agree or not. I have to see them in person,” Chad insisted.
“They’ll turn you away,” Molly warned.
“I know, but I have to try,” Chad said firmly.
After hanging up, Molly texted Chad the Cedillo family’s likes and dislikes.
That evening, Chad showed up alone at the Cedillo house.
Mia thought Chad’s move was bold, almost reckless. The Cedillo family was already fuming, and his presence could potentially fan the flames.
Upon his arrival, it wasn’t Hansen who greeted him, but Bruce and Andre, the brothers who decided to face Chad.
Fortunately, no one was turned away. Mia found Naomi and asked her, “Isn’t Chad’s coming here like poking the bear? Why would he risk it?”
Naomi smiled knowingly, “There’s something you’re missing, little Mia.”
Mia was genuinely confused, “What is it?”
Naomi explained, “If he didn’t show up today, it would look like Molly was facing our family’s wrath alone. His presence sends a different message. It shows he’s standing with Molly against the Cedillo’s disapproval. Even though Dad didn’t meet with Chad, I bet he secretly respects the guy for it.”
The two women stood at the corner of the third floor, overlooking the foyer, “So, you mean Dad actually wanted Chad to come? Because his being here means he’s ready to face the Cedillos with Molly, not leaving her to fend for herself?”
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