Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Leo watched Tony's helpless expression and sighed, "I figured as much."

When the talent agency couldn't get through to him, they'd pressure his roommate to guilt-trip him. Tony, usually a cheerful and earnest guy, had been coaxed by the agency so many times that Leo suspected they must have threatened him.

"Tony, showbiz just isn't for me. I don't know what your dreams are, but I'm not going to waste my time in this industry. My family, my girlfriend, and I, none of us want me stepping into this world."

Tony nodded, tears streaming down his face openly, "Got anything to drink around here?"

Leo headed to the fridge, "Just Sprite. My girlfriend's got me on a short leash, no booze allowed. But she loves her Sprite."

Normally, Anya didn't meddle much in Leo's life, but during exam season, she turned into quite thenoveldrama

taskmaster. "Chad, if you drink, you're just throwing in the towel. You throw in the towel, you won't pass

your exams. If you don't pass, your uncle's going to be disappointed. If he's disappointed, you'll feel bad. f you feel bad, I'll feel bad. And I don't want to feel bad. So, no drinking."

If

But she did enjoy sipping Sprite while binge-watching her favorite shows or occasionally while tackling her English proficiency practice exams. So, every time Leo hit the supermarket, he made sure to stock up on Sprite for her, even though he wasn't big on fizzy drinks himself. He'd just take a few sips from her bottle now and then.

He handed Tony a Sprite, opened another for himself, and asked, "What's on your mind?"

Tony, with tears still fresh on his cheeks, took a sip and wiped his eyes, "If you don't want to go, I can't make you give up your goals for my dreams. It's not fair. If we're not signing, then I guess," his eyes filled with tears again, "I'll just keep playing bit parts for a few more years, build up a solid portfolio, and then try another agency."

Leo wasn't well-versed in the industry, but he'd heard that if you don't make the most of your best years, the opportunities dry up as you age.

The two chatted for a long time in Leo's room, As Tony was leaving, he mentioned, "Jerry asked me for your girlfriend's info today. I didn't spill Watch your back, they might try to follow you. They've got their tricks."

Leo thanked him, watching Tony leave before spinning his chair to gaze out the window, feeling deeply moved. Since leaving home, in just over half a year, he felt like he had fa experienced so much. It wasn't about seeing majestic mountains or rivers but about meeting different people, encountering diverse personalities that had calmed his restless nature and matured him. Maybe that's why stepping into the real world speeds up your growth.

Leo went to take a shower.

At home, Anya was cuddling her imaginary little sad creature, sitting on the couch, watching "Boonie Bears."

Andre came downstairs to collect his son, "Henry, time for bed."

Henry seemed to understand, dressed in his pajamas, clinging to Anya and refusing to go to sleep, "Daddy, nooo."

But his dad wasn't having it, he scooped him up from his cousin's embrace, "Anya, you should hit the hay early too."

Before they could finish the episode, the Cedillo family's little darling threw a tantrum in his dad's arms, not a tear in sight.

Andre was used to the racket, carrying him back to the bedroom.

Mia, under the covers, was still on her phone chatting, and Andre reminded her, "Time to put the phone down."

Mia replied, "Babe, Carol's asking if

I'm still planning on going for my Master's. She's thinking of moving to Haverbrook to prep again. She also asked if I'm taking any prep courses because if I do, she will too."

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