Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Chapter 832

Leo was doing his best to stall, "Who even cooks on vacation?"

Anya's eyes twinkled with mischief, "My family does."

As Anya whipped up breakfast, she kept the conversation light with Leo. Before long, Leo was wide awake, shaking off the sleepiness and heading to freshen up. With a plate in hand, Anya called out, "Mom, breakfast is ready."

Leo quirked an eyebrow, "Doesn't the hotel have breakfast?"

"They do, but it's not exactly health food," she replied.

Soon, Mrs. Calder appeared, spotting her daughter, busy as a bee, "Anya, you don't have to cook every day, you know. Take a break and sleep in sometimes."

"It's necessary, Mom," Anya replied with a playful grin, then turned to Leo, who was now fully awake. "Chad, I'm flying back home tonight."

Leo asked, "Want me to pick you up?"

"Nope." Leo: "..

"1

Anya waved him off with a smile, "I don't want to trouble you. My dad's got it covered."

Leo took off for the city library, while Molly and Chad headed to Mount Artis to see the elders off.

Mia made a beeline back to her parents' place, catching up on sleep now that her little one was elsewhere.

...

After spending most of the summer break traveling, Anya and her mom finally made their way back home. Mr. Calder was already at the airport, pacing anxiously with his driver in tow. "What time is it? They should be out by now. Maybe the bags are too much for them. Go check inside, and let's help them with the luggage," Mr. Calder instructed his driver. Though he was in a rush, Anya and her mom took their sweet time. Anya couldn't stop dropping things; she'd walk a few steps, pick up what she dropped, and repeat the process. Mrs. Calder offered to help, but Anya stopped her, "Mom, you don't need to bend over. Just push the cart, and I'll handle these bags."

As they finally exited the airport, Mr. Calder was waiting by the entrance, arms wide open. "Daddy!" Anya rushed into his embrace. Mr. Calder gently caressed her face, "Welcome back, sweetheart. You've been amazing." After greeting his daughter, Mr. Calder turned to his wife, enveloping her in a warm hug and a kiss right there in the airport. "Honey, you've been a trooper."

Mrs. Calder teased him, "We were off having fun, and you were working. Who's the real trooper here?"

"It's not about that. How are you feeling?" Mr. Calder asked, glancing at her tummy.

Mrs. Calder placed a hand on her stomach, "Anya's been the real hero, looking after me so well, even chatting with chefs to ensure everything I ate was healthy." Anya, ever resourceful, used her phone to translate on the fly, making sure her mom only ate the best.

One evening during the trip, Mrs. Calder pulled Anya aside for a chat, "Anya, do you like kids?"

"Of course I do."

Mrs. Calder pressed on, "I don't mean like Henry, but what if you had a little sibling? Would you still be happy if mom and dad's love was shared?"

It had always been just Anya in their hearts. Now, with another child, their attention would inevitably be split.

The pregnancy was unexpected, especially since Mrs. Calder had struggled to conceive. They hadn't been particularly cautious, thinking they were beyond those years. But here they were, expecting in their forties. With Anya away at school, they'd considered having another child but worried about her reaction. The surprise pregnancy left them both nervous and excited.

The trip was partly to give Anya a good time before breaking the news.

"If you're not okay with it, we won't go through with it. We'd never want you to feel less loved," Mrs. Calder assured.

Without a moment's hesitation, Anya nodded, "I'd absolutely love a sibling, Mom! I've always wanted you and Dad to have another child. I was just worried about you having a baby at your age. But I'm thrilled!" Anya sat up suddenly, "Wait, Mom?!" She looked at Mrs. Calder in shock.

Mrs. Calder nodded, smiling, "It was a surprise, but it's been two months."

Anya was stunned, then overjoyed, covering her mouth before leaping into her mom's arms, "Why didn't you tell me sooner? I'm going to be a big sister! I love you, Mom."

Mrs. Calder called her husband, who was equally anxious, "How did she take it?"

Passing the phone to Anya, she exclaimed, "Dad, congrats on your late-in-life surprise!" Mr. Calder: "..."

Anya and Chad had spent so much time together that they often teased each other.

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of Mom for you," Anya assured.

The Calder family decided to keep the news private for now. Anya kept it from her boyfriend, dedicating herself to looking after her mom, transitioning from being her mom's little princess to making her mom feel like one. Back home, Anya and her dad accompanied Mrs. Calder to her check-ups.

Leo called, "Do you wanna come back? I'll give you a ride."

"Nope."

Frustrated, Leo ran his fingers through his hair, "Anya, be honest, is there someone else?"

Anya: "...Chad, are you doubting my feelings for you?"

Leo: "Something's off."

Before they parted, Anya had been glued to his side. Now, she seemed distant, not reaching out, not returning, forgetting their video calls... She seemed like a woman who'd moved on.

Leo hung up, pondering in bed. In the dead of night, he got up, grabbed a box from his drawer, and hit the road before dawn.

His car had been idle for a while, and he drove through the night.

By six in the morning, Anya was barely awake, roused by her phone's ringtone. She sat up, yawning, and padded barefoot across her princess-themed room. After freshening up, she picked up her phone to video call Leo. Leo switched to audio. "You're up?"

"Chad, it's time to rise and shine."

"Yeah, I'm up."

Anya yawned again and headed to the kitchen, where chefs, all neatly attired, greeted her with respect, "Miss, are you hungry?"

Anya shook her head, "What are you making for Mom's breakfast?"

Learning that the chefs were also nutritionists, Anya nodded knowingly and grabbed a smoothie from the fridge to wake up.

"Chad, why aren't you sleeping in today?" Anya asked, curious.

Leo's car had just pulled up at the Calder family gate. He turned off the engine, "Come out."