Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Chapter 717

fantasies. They're called dreams because they're hard to achieve. We have to face reality.

Leo leaned back in his chair, looking at Molly who was giving him a hard time. With a sigh, he said, "Honestly, I've been thinking about this a lot. I feel like I'm better off following my family's wishes. Who says dreams have to come true anyway? Dreams are just unrealistic Taking this job, first, it's something I can do well. Second, it makes my family happy. Third, it keeps everyone pleased. Plus, I've been at this job for a while now and I think I'm doing alright. Sure, it's monotonous and lacks excitement, but life isn't always what you want it to be. After enjoying more than twenty years of a comfortable life thanks to the Cedillo family, I owe them something in return." Leo added, "It's a good job."

Molly glanced at Mia, who was frowning slightly, just like her beloved son had been.

"There's another reason you haven't mentioned, isn't there?" Mia asked. Leo was puzzled. "What?"

"Having a respectable job would make the Calder family accept you. You could be with Anya openly, and her parents wouldn't object," Mia said slowly. "Your uncle mentioned the Calders' wishes to me. Is that why you've been hesitant to define your relationship with Anya?" Molly was confused. "Mia, what's the deal with the Calder family?"

Mia looked at her sister and explained, "Calder Corporation only has Anya as an heir. With her tender-hearted and simple nature, she can't lead Calder Corporation. So, Anya's partner could only be one of two types: a capable man who joins the family, or someone from a family that can protect Calder Corporation through marriage. Leo marrying into the family is absolutely not an option; our dad would never approve.

But think about the status of Calder Corporation in the business world. To protect Calder Corporation, you'd have to be even more powerful than they are. Even if Leo started his own business from scratch, how many years would it take for him to become Mr. Calder's ideal candidate?

Anya is their only daughter. Mr. Calder wouldn't let his precious girl spend her life with an unreliable man. If Anya insists on Leo, it would surely cause a rift between her and her father, and Anya would be the one to suffer. So, the quickest solution is... Leo joins the family business, gradually taking over Cedillo Inc.

Cedillo Inc. was initially the main enterprise that the Calder family relied on. As long as Leo enters the company and gains a certain position, coupled with Andre's mentorship, his relationship with Anya would be set in stone."

Molly finally understood. "No wonder. I thought Leo was clueless about love. Anya made it so obvious, yet he always kept her at a distance without making things clear."

Mia said, "Leo hasn't made up his mind. Choosing Anya means giving up his dreams. Choosing his dreams means he might end up without Anya."

"Isn't Andre Mr. Calder's idol? He..."

"Molly, you don't understand because you're not a parent. Never underestimate a parent's love for their child," Mia said, now a mother herself. "No matter how impressive your Andre is, Anya is Mr. and Mrs. Calder's treasure. They will never compromise when it comes to her." Leo chuckled bitterly, asking himself, "Do I look like someone who's hopelessly in love?"

Molly nodded seriously. "We, the Cedillo family, are like that. If we love, we commit to that person for life. Leo, tell me the truth, have you fallen for Anya?"

Leo licked his lips, bowed his head, and looked at his palms.

The girl hiding by the wall held her breath nervously, waiting for Leo to give an answer.

After a few seconds of silence, Leo feigned a casual smile. "Is it that hard to notice?"

At that moment, the girl by the wall felt her eyes welling up, not sure if it was from overwhelming joy or the pain of empathizing with Leo.

Molly felt a weight lift off her chest. "Go on."

Leo said, "What else is there to say when Mia has said it all?"

Mia spoke up, "Then tell us why you suddenly accepted all of this. I can't wrap my head around it."

The trio had been friends for many years, so they could sense whether Leo was truly happy or bittersweet.

Now, Leo spoke the truth, "There's no point in dragging this out any longer. If I don't give Anya a clear answer, she'll keep guessing whether I like her or not.

Mr. Calder might also wonder if I'm stringing his daughter along, deceiving her at home while dating other women outside. Plus, my hesitation has put my uncle in an awkward position with Mr. Calder."

Leo looked towards the lush green lawn, paused for a few seconds, took a deep breath, and continued, "Anya has been living with our family, and everyone knows about it. If I don't take responsibility for her, this poor girl might never be able to marry. Mia got it right. It's her or my dreams. I just chose... her."

Anya, silent by the wall, let her tears fall to the ground. She pressed her lips together, raised her sleeve, and wiped her eyes.

She had always thought her presence in Leo's life was to encourage and support him. She knew many of Leo's secrets, always backing him, admiring him, and continuing to explore his interests. But she never expected... to end up holding Leo back. Without her, Leo surely wouldn't have had so many concerns.

"Choosing Anya. I got a girlfriend, a career, a clear future ahead. My uncle's happy, my mom's thrilled, my grandfather's satisfied, and my education is put to good use. The whole family's living in harmony.

I've come to terms with it, let's leave it at that." Leo stood up, unwilling to continue the conversation.

Molly quickly stopped him, "Leo, will you regret this in the future?"

Leo paused for a moment, standing there lost in thought for a few seconds, "Who knows what the future holds."

With that, he walked past his aunt and uncle and entered the living room.

He subconsciously looked around for Anya but didn't see her, so he went up to one of the household staff and asked, "Where's Anya?"

"Ms. Anya just went upstairs."

Understanding, Leo headed over to his grandfather, wrestled Henry out of Hansen's arms, "Henry, did you drool on Anya's face again? You're such a messy boy, aren't you?"

Henry, with his cheeks bulging and his drool-covered little fists, immediately wiped them on Leo's clothes.

Leo: "...Oh, holding a grudge, are we?"

Hansen scolded his grandson for snatching away his little treasure, "I've only held him for a little while, I was just starting to enjoy it!"

Leo hugged the little bundle of joy, "Then you can sleep with him tonight, hold him all you want. I'm sure Uncle would be delighted."

Bruce was preparing to swoop in and take Henry back.

Soon after, the butler announced that dinner was served.