Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Mia made a beeline for the home gym, tossing a quick order over her shoulder: "Unless Henry's up to no good again and needs a lesson, don't bother me not even if the world's ending!"

Later that morning, Naomi strolled into the gym. "Mia, if you want to work out, come do yoga with me. The way you're going, you'll end up with muscle legs."

Sitting on the mat, Mia squeezed her own calf. "Naomi, I can't. I need to get strong."

"Strong for what?"

"To fight."

Naomi just stared at her, lost for words.

That afternoon, Andre walked in from work, heading straight for the living room. "Dad, you feeling any better?"

"All good, no worries," his dad replied. "Would be even better if your son wasn't always stirring up trouble."

Andre glanced at his own son. "So, where's your sister?"

Henry shook his head, "Not a clue~"

As Naomi passed by, she called out, "Mia's in the gym, talking about getting stronger so she can fight. You might want to check if someone's messing with her again."

Andre went quiet. The Silent Ring was about to open up its fight night, wasn't it?

He headed to the gym and found Mia, all skinny arms and legs, struggling to lift a barbell-she tried again and again, but it wouldn't budge.

Andre walked over, picked up the barbell easily with one hand, and racked it.

"Hey~ You're home!" Mia grinned, holding out her hand like a little kid. "Help me up, I can't get up."

Andre pulled her to her feet. "What are you doing?"

"Working out," she said, all innocence.

He gave her a look. "Why the sudden interest?"

Mia pouted, eyes wide. "Oh, you know why- Don't make me say it."

Andre glanced around, hands stuffed in his pockets like a man in charge. “Nope. Not happening."

"I'm not listening" Mia sing-songed.

Andre raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you say a few days ago you'd try not to drive me crazy anymore?"

"I said I'd try to drive you crazy less. Never said I'd stop. Not the same thing-" Mia shot back, quick as ever.

She argued herself into a corner, and Andre just sighed, hand over his chest like she'd given him heartburn. "If you go, you're getting a fine."

Mrs. Cedillo grinned. "How much? Maybe I'll just prepay for next year."

Andre took a deep breath, voice softening as if coaxing a kitten. "The Silent Ring isn't for you."

Mia's cheeks puffed out, eyes

defiant and cute all at once. "Why not? Because I'm a woman? Wives are supposed to sip tea, gossip, shop, and max out your cards, right? Isn't that enough?" '

Andre tried to keep up. "The Silent Ring has rules. Women can't participate. Besides, how are you supposed to box and shop at the same time?"

Mia turned her head up to him, stubborn and adorable. "Why not both? Boxing doesn't stop me from shopping or spending money."

Andre was at a loss. "I'm your husband. I don't approve."

"I don't need your approval," Mia replied, her voice sweet but the words pure sass.

Andre took her arm gently but firmly. "Alright, come on. Let's go have a talk in the bedroom."

"Don't pull me, honey-" Mia protested, but she didn't really mean it.

Everyone in the Cedillo family's living room watched as Andre led his tiny wife upstairs, looking like he was ready to scold her-but there was a sparkle in his eye.

Henry, still in the living room, twisted around in his chair, his chubby cheeks

squishing as he craned his neck. "Cuddle~"

Hansen, mid-text, suddenly put his

phone down and leaned over,noveldrama

curious. "Hey, bud, what do you think Mia did this time? Looks like she's about to get it."

Henry shook his head solemnly. "Saving Mom."

He grabbed the banister with his little hands and started climbing the stairs himself.

Upstairs, in the bedroom.

"Honey, I love you," Mia cooed.

Andre just replied, "Sure doesn't seem like it from where I'm standing."