The night breeze was gentle, wrapping around Anya as Leo occasionally pulled her close or tapped her head, igniting a warm surge in her heart. She couldn't quite pin down the feeling, but the wind felt kinder, and the night more splendid with him by her side.
Anya's cheeks would blush a soft pink whenever Leo was close, hiding her youthful secrets under the dim moonlight, much like a shy peach.
The streets were deserted, but Anya wasn't scared. With Leo by her side, the silent night roads felt less intimidating.
She was tempted to walk along the curb, hoping it might encourage Leo to hold her hand.
But Leo, ever so straightforward, would block her path, guiding her to walk on his side. "It's too dark, you might trip. And I'm not carrying you if you do," he'd say.
She should've known, Leo's tenderness had a three-second shelf life!
Anya retorted, "Then I'd call an ambulance, but I won't let them take you."
Leo couldn't help but pinch Anya's cheek, "Getting cheeky, huh? Planning on not riding shotgun with me anymore?"
"Leo, that hurts," she protested.
But his grip eased, and he continued to drape his arm over her shoulders as they walked under the stark streetlights, the cold moon above them, occasionally accompanied by a twinkling star or two.
Their shadows stretched long on the pavement. From a distance, Anya's soft voice could be heard, "Leo, how much did you make?"
It was like any other couple's nightly stroll, the boy protectively walking the girl home.
"Have you been spending too much time with your aunt? Picked up her money-grubbing ways?" Leo teased.
Anya pouted, "No, I'm just worried you might not have enough. I could lend you some...with interest."
Leo laughed, a sound filled with the clarity unique to youth, "Save your money for something big. I can afford a decent car."
As they descended a hill, their figures gradually disappeared into the distance.
Back at Maplewood Estates.
Mia walked around with her little one for about ten minutes, careful not to make too much noise and disturb the little emperor of the Cedillo family in her arms.
Watching him sleep was a shared pastime for the couple, until he finally drifted off, and Mia gently placed him in the middle of their bed.
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