Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

The other roommates had shown up too. "Hey, Leo, congrats on getting into National University! We all knew you'd pull it off."

Leo thanked them, pulled out a chair for his girlfriend, and then sat down himself. "It was a mix of luck and taking a chance. Tony's doing great too; he just joined the company and already snagged a role as the third lead. Real talent always finds its way."

Tony chimed in happily, "I owe a bit of it to Leo, actually."

Curious, Anya tilted her head. What did this have to do with her boyfriend?

Leo quickly waved it off with a grin, "No more thanks, please. I still can't wrap my head around how it happened."

Tony began to explain, "Remember when Jerry and Kathy tried to get me to mess up Leo's contract signing? I hadn't even taken off my makeup when I called to say no, right near the supply closet. Turns out, the director was in there and overheard everything. I never thought he'd remember me from that.

So, when he came to our company looking for new talent, he spotted me immediately and picked me on the spot. I was floored! Took me a few hours to process it all. Even my agent was shocked, wondering why such a tough director would pick a newcomer. When they asked him, he mentioned he heard about what I did back then.

He said the third lead role, although ordinary, carries a depth of sincerity and kindness, and he thought I fit it perfectly. He even has high hopes for me, wanting me to stay true to myself. After signing the contract yesterday, I just wanted to thank you all again."

Leo smiled, "That's all you, man. Nothing to do with me."noveldrama

The other roommates nodded in agreement, "Yeah, Tony, hard work pays off."

Someone joked, "Tony, make it big in Hollywood so I can name-drop you when I'm showing off."

Tony was buzzing with excitement, "By the way, Leo, did Kathy and Jerry try to get in touch with you again?"

"Nope, they can't find anything on me." Leo had made sure of that.

Tony nodded, "I cut them off. Later, they called, threatening to blacklist me. But when they realized I was already signed with a top company, Jerry tried to lure me with a half million annual salary and

top tier gigs. My agent handled it."

Leo nodded approvingly, "Smart move. Your agent's got your back. Always good

to listen to them."

Anya, still curious about Tony's

acting career, asked, "What show are you in? Have you met any big stars at the company? Can you, maybe,"

"What, looking for a celeb autograph?" Leo teased, sounding a bit jealous.

Anya quickly denied it, "No, no, just curious, that's all!"

Leo wrapped an arm around her, "Tony, if she ever asks you for an autograph, you better not give it to her. It's bad enough dealing with three rivals at home, she doesn't need more."

Anya pouted, clearly not thrilled.

Tony burst out laughing, "Leo, you're overreacting. Since when does being a fan

make someone a rival?"

Anya shot back, "That's just how the Cedillo family rolls."

Leo, feigning indignation, asked, "Who said that?"

Anya replied confidently, "Auntie did."

Leo: "..." Can't win this one, moving on.

"Alright, let's eat, everyone."

Midway through dinner, Leo's phone buzzed. He got up, "I need to take this call.

Be good, okay?"