Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Chapter 684

Andre sometimes found household chores to be a real headache.

But when Leo promised to help out, he meant it. Faced with a mountain of tasks, Leo initially felt overwhelmed. His efficiency dropped, and he occasionally had to burn the midnight oil. Twice, he forgot to pick up Anya from school.

After wrapping up his day and handing off documents at his uncle's office, Leo checked his phone and realized the time. He quickly called Anya, "Hey, Anya, you still at school waiting for me? Looks like it might rain soon, replace somewhere to shelter, and I'll come get you after work."

"No worries, Chad, I caught a cab home," she replied, having waited at school for half an hour before noticing the ominous weather and deciding to head home on her own. "Chad, I texted you, did you see it?" Anya didn't sound upset at all. She was always so understanding.

Summer rains brought muggy weather and dark, heavy skies. Thick clouds made it seem as if the sky was pressing down, a prelude to a storm. The darkened sky hastened the evening's arrival. By six, it was already dark.

The big screens in the Cedillo Group's lobby warned of an impending heavy rainstorm, advising everyone to take precautions. Cedillo Inc. even offered free umbrellas for employees in need.

As the wind picked up, Andre reassured his wife over the phone not to worry. Everyone reporting to him had to be quiet, giving him space to comfort his family back home.

Leo waited patiently aside.

"Son, make sure Mia's safe, okay? Don't cry too much, and try not to cling to her," Andre advised over the phone.

"Uh-huh," came the muffled reply.

Andre ended the call with a chuckle, taking the documents Leo offered. "Didn't pick up Anya?"

"Got swamped and forgot. She took a cab home," Leo admitted.

As Andre skimmed the documents, he advised without looking up, "City's expecting heavy rain. Drive safe and head home early."

"Got it. I'll let the office staff know to leave early too," Leo replied.

"Good," Andre nodded, still focused on his paperwork.

Leo stepped out, only to return shortly, "Uncle, you should head home early too."

Andre looked up, appreciating his nephew's concern, "Yeah, will do."

By the time Leo got home, it was seven. Rush hour combined with the heavy rain led to severe traffic. Passing a bakery, he debated for a moment before making a detour for some sweet treats.

Anya and Hansen, both novices, were about equally matched in their gaming skills, making for a lively atmosphere by the time Leo arrived.

"Anya, saw some cakes on the way and grabbed one for you," he said, hiding the fact he'd taken his time choosing the perfect one.

"Thanks, Chad!" Anya beamed, accepting the cake.

"Sorry for forgetting to pick you up today. Got caught up with work," he sat next to her, apologizing.

Anya reassured him with a smile, "Don't feel bad, Chad. You're not obligated to pick me up, and you were busy with work. But this cake you got is really sweet."

While Anya sometimes felt let down by Leo's forgetfulness, she was also understanding, which made Leo feel even more guilty.

Hansen, feeling ignored, left the two to their moment.

The storm was relentless, with windshield wipers barely keeping up against the torrential downpour.

Molly was driving her mom back from a medical check-up when the rain became too much. Not fully trusting her driving in such conditions, her mom, Coleen, insisted on driving. Stuck in traffic, Coleen expressed her concern, "Molly, call your dad. Check if he's home safe. Tell him to drive carefully."

"Hold on, Mom, I'm calling Chad first."

Chad's phone rang, "Hey, Chad, you home yet?"

"Just picked up Dad from his office. We're heading home now. How about you and Mom?"

"We're on our way," Molly replied.

Kendrick, shielded by an umbrella, got into Chad's car and immediately asked about Coleen's doctor's visit.

Caring for their loved ones, each was worried about their spouse, each concerned for their partner.

The little one, fascinated by the heavy rain, peered out the window with wide eyes, snug in his mother's embrace.

Once Andre reached home, sheltered from the storm, the warmth of family contrasted sharply with the violent weather outside.

Despite the storm's fury, the little one's curiosity was undiminished, eagerly watching until darkness made it impossible to see, visibly upset.

"Quit your fussing, kiddo. Even your dad can't make the sun stick around just for you," Mia teased, drying her hair.

Suddenly, a thunderclap and lightning briefly turned night into day, startling everyone, especially the little one, who burst into tears.

Mia, hair still damp, rushed to comfort him, embodying the warmth and safety of family amidst the storm.

Little Henry clung tightly to his mom's clothes, tears soaking into Mia's blouse. "Mom and Dad are both here, Henry. Don't be scared. We'll protect you."

Andre closed the windows to muffle the thunder's roar. He then drew the curtains and went over to his son, gently wiping away his tears. "That was loud, huh? It scared you."

The Byrne family was startled by a sudden peal of thunder and a flash of lightning, making Molly jump too.

"Put the phone down and go to bed," Chad said with a half-smile. "Playing with your phone during a thunderstorm is asking for trouble."