Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

As word got around about who she was, it wasn't always the best news.

Take today, for example. More strangers than ever seemed to find their way to her. "Hi there, Mrs. Cedillo! I'm Mae, the heiress of Morris Corporation, one of the country's top four business giants."

Mia felt a strange sense of déjà vu. Wasn't someone from the Hernandez family nearly cursing someone out earlier?

"Hello, I'm Mia. Is there something you need?"

"I just had to say, Mrs. Cedillo, your gown is breathtaking! Is it custom-made? You look like the star of the show tonight."

Mia flashed a polite smile. "Thanks for the compliment. But the real star tonight is the baby's mom. This dress? Just something my mom picked up at a local boutique."

Mae was momentarily thrown off by Mia's straightforwardness. "Well, Mrs. Cedillo, you obviously have a knack for finding stunning outfits, even from a local shop."

Mia smiled again. "My mom has the eye for that."

Another awkward silence followed.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be off. Take care."

Mia turned away, lips pursed, mulling over the encounter: All those sweet words— definitely trying to butter me up. And where there's buttering up, there are usually strings attached.

Time to make a quick exit.

"Oh, so you are Mrs. Cedillo. Seeing you today, it's clear you're something special. No wonder Andre fell for you."

Mia replied modestly, "I'm really just ordinary."

"Mrs. Cedillo, how did you and Andre get together?"

With a smile, Mia said, "It was an arranged marriage."

"I finally meet you, Mrs. Cedillo! You wouldn't believe it, but I was at Henry's christening."

"Mrs. Cedillo, love your handbag! Where did you get it?"

"Mrs. Cedillo, who did your hair and makeup?"

"Mrs. Cedillo..."

Mia's smile was wearing thin as she rattled off, "Dress by mom, bag from my sister-in-law, jewelry from my husband. Hair by our maid, makeup by me. Excuse me, I need to find the restroom."

She made a beeline out of there, high heels clicking briskly.

"Hey, Mrs. Cedillo, mind if I join you? I was headed there too." "Same here."

Mia: "......"

After freshening up, Mia smiled, "I'm off to find my husband."

And she made he her escape once again, genuinely startled by all the flattering attention, all thanks to her husband's impressive reputation. She got why he often kept a stoic face if he didn't, he'd be swarmed by strangers.

As she made her way to find him, a familiar silhouette caught her eye.

She hesitated, confusion replacing her smile.

Watching the man as if he were on a mission, Mia followed, clutching her gown, curiosity piqued.

Moments later, she saw him halt, and she quickly ducked behind a wall, peeking out with a puzzled look. "Weird, what's a member of The Silent Ring doing here?"

Meanwhile, Andre, on his own quest

to find Mia, scanned the room but

didn't spot her. Overhearing anoveldrama

conversation about "Mrs. Cedillo, he caught snippets like, "Youth is

amazing, isn't it? Look at Mrs Cedillo's figure, her makeup she did herself-so fresh and radiant. She's stunning."