Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Leo was stewing in the car, grumbling, "After being in a relationship for a hot minute, she acts like her boyfriend's just an afterthought. It hasn't even been a year yet. Women can be so unpredictable, stringing my brother along while crushing on his kid brother. What's up with that? Sweetie's cute and a bit clingy, but what else does she have going for her? Oh, maybe a little sweetness, I guess."

On his way home, Leo couldn't stop venting about women, sounding like someone who's been through the wringer in love.

When he got back to his place, Tony was there to greet him. "Leo, can we chat for a sec?"

Noticing Tony's red eyes, Leo paused for a moment. "Sure, come to my room."

Once they were settled in Leo's room, Tony started, "Leo, being a celebrity really pays off. With your looks and the company's backing, you could be raking in millions, even tens of millions, once you make a name for yourself."

Leo was sitting on his girlfriend's plush pink chair, looking calm and speaking steadily. "Tony, if I was after money, I wouldn't be stuck here. Stop trying to talk me into this, and let Jerry know to back off too." Tony wasn't ready to throw in the towel. "Leo, even if you get into grad school, the stipend won't be much -just a few hundred bucks a month. It's not enough to live on. You'd still need a job, and the best you'd earn is maybe a bit over ten grand. But if you sign with the company, they'll guarantee you a steady $20k every month. You've always wanted to move in with your girlfriend, right? With this cash, you could make that happen. And if you hit it big, you could buy a house and marry her. Why settle for this cramped apartment?"

Leo replied, "I'll provide a good life for my partner through my own efforts, reaching our dreams step by step. It's not about selling my face, Tony. Deep down, I'm a traditional guy, maybe a bit old-fashioned. I don't like putting myself out there in front of cameras, cashing in on my looks. If I had a passion for this world, if I could act, sing, or dance, I'd consider it. But I can't. Relying on looks is the least respectable way for a guy to make a living. I'm not talking about you; you're dedicated and professional, even in small roles where you don't get much screen time.

I know you need a platform, a

chance. But it shouldn't come at my expense. Do you realize how much guts it took for me to stand up to my uncle, to give up everything for the freedom to choose? If I let money push me into wasting more time, then all my past decisions would mean nothing."

His uncle could offer him way more. If he just played the part of the perfect Ceditio, the rightful heir of the Cedillo family, he'd eventually inherit Cedillo Inc., becoming the next big shot. How could he

be

tempted by a measly $20k a month?

"Leo, just think about it. Being a star, you could do so much more, have influence, fans, and even..."

"Everyone's got their own path. I

don't want my uncle looking down on me; I don't want my parents and grandfather losing sleep over me And I sure don't want to get caught up with a bunch of female fans, making my girlfriend feel uneasy."

"Leo, you could reconsider..."

"Tony, I've got my own way of life," Leo interrupted.

He stayed cool and collected the whole time, his words steady and unfazed. Tony realized he wasn't going to change his mind.noveldrama

Tears started to roll down Tony's face. "Jerry said if you don't sign, it'll put the brakes on my contract too."