Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Leo gave Chunky's belly a playful slap. "Still hoping to drop ten pounds in your sleep?"

Firecrackers snapped and popped in the distance, thickening the air with smoke until everyone turned into hazy silhouettes.

Andre's car was parked far off, headlights dim. He sat quietly, watching the tall kid standing by the edge of the neighborhood.

In the rearview mirror, Noah caught Andre's expression calm but unreadable—- as they watched the fireworks get set up, lit, and burn out. Andre didn't say a word.

Leo had his arm around Chunky, laughing with a few of their buddies, all of them soaking in the fun at their little hangout.

Noah looked back again. Andre's eyes held pride, but seeing the place-old, rough around the edges-maybe there was a bit of sadness, too.

Beside Andre on the seat was Chunky's file. Noah knew these two-uncle and nephew—were stubborn as hell, both proud, both secretly looking out for each

other.

One of them left Cedillo Inc. but still kept a close eye on the company, sharp enough to spot trouble like Greg. The other, quick to say the harshest things and kick people out, but the moment Chunky got close to someone new, he ordered a background check-only relaxing when he knew there was no threat.

"Boss, want to go down?" Noah asked quietly.

Andre pulled his gaze back. "Let's go. Back to work."

The fireworks finished, the party was winding down, and Andre signaled that it was time to leave.

As their car drove away, Leo was still grinning, waving everyone back inside. But just as he turned, he caught a glimpse of that black car driving off. His smile faltered. He stared after it, a bittersweet ache settling in his chest.

"Leo! Why are you still standing by the door?" Chunky called.

Leo turned, forcing a grin. "Coming!"

He glanced one last time at the empty road, but the only thing left was a shadow in his heart.

Back at home, Anya was fuming about missing the celebration. "Chad, you didn't even let me be part of it! I'm not talking to you."

Leo, a little drunk, leaned against the wall and called her. "Babe, I just didn't want you running around tonight. It's too much hassle."

"Then don't come running after me either! I'm tired of all this back and forth," Anya huffed.

Leo slipped into a quiet corner, trying to win her over with sweet words.

One of the college juniors piped up, "Hey Chunky, how come Leo's not back yet?"

"He's on the phone with his girlfriend. Let him be, we'll keep drinking." Chunky popped open another beer.

But another student reached over, blocking him. "Hey, Leo said you're only allowed three beers tonight-this is your fourth!"

"So Leo bosses me around, and now you kids do too?"

"He said if you can lose a hundred pounds, he'll hire you at our company for five years and teach you everything he knows. We're just making sure you get the best of both worlds!"

Chunky glanced out the door at Leo, still talking on the phone, and grumbled, "I have zero freedom. It's been so long since I've had fries or fried chicken, I can't even remember what they taste like."

"Chad, you keep calling me the boss's wife, but I didn't even get to show up," Anya complained.

Leo laughed, "Real boss's wives stay home and wait for the money to foll in. You've gotta keep a little mystery, babe. Be good, okay? When I'm done here, I'll come see you."

"So much running around."noveldrama

"For you? I'd do it all."

After smoothing things over with Anya, Leo headed back and dropped into his

seat. Chunky asked, "All good?"

"All good," Leo replied, putting his phone away.

Chunky grinned. "Guess dating's made you smarter. Used to be, if she was mad, you'd run to our group chat for advice. Now you handle it yourself."

"Gotta grow up sometime."