Mia frowned, "Not really feeling it."

Andre pressed on, "Okay, so what do you want to do?"

"Make a ton of money."

"I'll give you a hundred million."

Mia, already used to Andre's grand gestures, shook her head, "Not enough."

"Five hundred million."

She shook her head again, "Still not enough."

"I'll give you a blank check, write whatever you want."

"Honey, I want ten of those."

Andre wondered if his wife thought checks were just scrap paper, but he quickly said, "Alright."

Mia pouted, reluctantly agreeing, "Fine, I'll go for my Master's."

In the end, it was Andre's wealth that swayed her decision to pursue further education.

Cooper chimed in, "Now I see what it means to be part of a wealthy family. Brother-in-law, you really do seem like a business mogul."

Looking at the mountain of books, Mia asked, "Cooper, are you sure you're not setting me up?"

Cooper replied, "Sis, if I was setting you up, I'd be a terrible person."

Andre added, "Cooper stayed up all night researching this for you. You just focus on studying; we'll handle the rest-applications, school choices, everything." Mia pointed at their little one, "What about him?"

Henry, chewing on his hand, looked at his mom and then his dad, just as Andre glanced down at him, "Worried about not having anyone to look after him?" During the day, the Cedillos were always keen to pitch in.

Madison eagerly volunteered, "I'll take care of him."

Mia laughed, "You might age ten years; my son isn't like other kids."

Madison reassured her, "It's all good. We raised you just fine, I'm not worried about your son."

Mia handed the little bundle to her mother, "Try it for a night and see."

Henry scrunched up his face, not wanting to leave his parents.

Before bedtime, Cooper took charge, "He's bunking with Uncle tonight."

Returning to the bedroom, Mia scoffed at a book, "What even is this?"

She picked up another, "And this?"

Andre, seeing Mia's confusion, sat beside her, taking the materials and started reading seriously.

Before bed, Madison and Aaron checked on Cooper, "Sure you want to sleep with the little munchkin tonight?" Cooper replied, "We've done it before, right, nephew?" He gave Henry another kiss.

The little guy was now too tired to resist.

Madison closed the door and said, "In a few years, Cooper will be talking marriage, yet he still looks like a kid."

"Do you know why Andre wants Mia to get her Master's?" Aaron asked.

Madison shook her head, then nodded, "Isn't it because he wants Mia to get into society sooner? Plus, being a student is the easiest gig-no pressure, no money worries, loads of time and freedom. I'm even thinking about going back to school myself."

Aaron explained, "That's not the

whole story. Mia married him in her sophomore year, then got pregnant, spent her junior year preparing, had the baby, and missed most of her studies. Now, she's a senior and hasn't really enjoyed college life. Andre wants her to go for her Master's so she can have that experience."

Madison realized, "That makes sense. Andre usually goes along with whatever Mia wants. This time, offering checks and convincing her to pursue further education did seem a bit off. So, he had his reasons."

Aaron lay back, "He probably feels a

bit guilty. Marriage, kids, raising them, it's all tied to him. Sometimes,

you

men can be more sensitive than think.nPlus, Andre didn't consult the Cedillos about Mia's future; he came directly to us. Why? Because he values our opinion. Even though Mia married into the Cedillos, she's still our daughter, and her big decisions should be discussed with us."

Madison nodded, "Andre's thoughtful. I wouldn't have thought of that."

Madison then teased, "Speaking of sensitive men, what about you?"

...

Late at night, unable to sleep, Mia said, "Honey, I'm taking our son for his shots tomorrow and Anya's coming with us."

"I'll come with you," Andre offered.

Mia replied, "You don't need to. Molly

has a blood test tomorrow too.

Without Ghad there, she's already

feeling a bit down. If you keep

coming with us, especially for

simple vaccine, it'll just highlight her

loneliness. We three women can manage with your son."

Andre asked, "Chad's not back yet?"

"Nope. Molly said they still haven't figured out the fire incident at their company. The Byrnes have been swamped lately." Mia added, a bit anxious, "I'm about to have a lot on my plate too." Andre chuckled, pulling her close.

The next day, Mia looked at her brother with dark circles and her still-sleepy son, and it was all clear.

Cooper went back to bed as Mia dressed her sleeping baby, placed him in the stroller, grabbed his little booklet, and headed out.

Cooper yawned, then went back to sleep.

Waking up, he still had to worry about his sister's studies. Being a brother was exhausting.

Meeting up with Anya, who was as excited as if going on a picnic, "Auntie, Aunt, I brought you sun hats, thermoses with hot water, fruits if you get thirsty, and snacks."

Every outing with Anya felt like she was a one-person supply store, bringing regular and alcohol wipes. "Auntie, Aunt, I also brought tissues."

Mia, feeling bad for Anya carrying so much, took her backpack and hung it on Henry's stroller.

Molly quickly opened a sun umbrella for Anya, "You always go above and beyond. Leo would be upset if he saw this."

Anya shook her head, "No worries. Chad knows I'm here to cuddle the baby."

Henry was still half-asleep.

Anya felt a bit down.

At the hospital, since Molly hadn't eaten, they first took her for a blood test on an empty stomach, with everyone tagging along for the check-up.

Finding a moment, Chad called, "Did you get your blood drawn?"

"Chad, I did, and I'm eating now. Anya even packed breakfast," Molly said between bites.

Chad hummed, "Finish up and head back early. I'm on my way home and should be there tonight."

"Really? Chad, I can't believe it!" Molly was thrilled.

Chad felt a twinge of emotion, "Yeah, heading back. Molly, make sure the check-up is thorough and head back early."

"What's wrong?" Molly asked.

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