Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Elysia bit her lip, trying not to show it, but she was deeply touched. Having Blossom as her BFF was like winning the lottery three times over!

Tarquin surveyed the cozy atmosphere of the room, his heart swelling with emotion, feeling a sense of peace settling in. Lowell had dropped off a gift and left, and Blossom went down to the basement to fetch something, leaving as well.

Tarquin said his goodbyes to Elijah, "Whenever you miss daddy, just give me a call, okay?"

"Okay! Take care of yourself, daddy." Elijah looked up at him with big, watery eyes.

Tarquin felt a lump in his throat; goodbyes were always bittersweet, especially since this was the first time he'd be away from Elijah. He tousled Elijah's hair, feeling reluctant to leave.

Elysia felt a pang of softness, "Whenever you miss Elijah, you're welcome here anytime. Just give me a heads-up."

"Thanks, it means a lot."

Tarquin gave her a meaningful look before turning to leave. Elysia and the kids walked him to the door. That's when the unexpected happened, catching everyone off guard-

Keith suddenly showed up!

As the door swung open, there stood Keith, wearing blue jeans, a black hoodie, and a creamy-white down jacket, with a large suitcase by his side, as if he had just traveled from afar. His hand was still mid-air, frozen, apparently about to ring the doorbell when the door suddenly opened, leaving him startled.

The household stood inside, Keith on the outside, separated only by the doorstep. Elliot, Evan, and Emmett's faces changed instantly upon seeing Keith, their hearts jumping to their throats, "!!!"

Elysia was shocked, "Keith?!"

Tarquin squinted at Keith, a flicker of recognition, yet unable to place where he'd seen him before. Keith, equally stunned, quickly greeted Elysia politely. Then, his gaze shifted from Tarquin to Elijah, and finally landed on Elliot and Evan,

"Are you two Elliot and Evan? How come you..." (What happened to you? Disguised?)

"Happy New Year, Keith!" Elliot quickly interrupted, dashing outside and slamming the door shut behind him, leaving himself and Keith outside, and everyone else inside.

Standing outside, Elliot said, "Mom, give us a moment, I need to have a quick word with Keith at the door."

Elysia was gobsmacked, her eyes wide as saucers, breathing heavily, heart pounding! Keith was Elliot and Evan's teacher, familiar with their true identities, thus his curiosity upon seeing their current appearances.noveldrama

Had Keith finished his question, the secret of Elliot and Evan's disguises would've been out in front of Tarquin. Wouldn't that mean Elliot and Evan's cover was blown? Wouldn't Tarquin discover the truth?!

And now, Keith knew about the disguises! He must have figured out the father-son relationship between Tarquin and the boys! This big secret exposed to an outsider! It was all going downhill from here, a total mess!

Elysia's panic and distress were evident to Tarquin, who, with furrowed brows, asked, "Who is he? What's your connection with him?"

Elysia was too nervous to speak, her lips moving but no sound coming out. Clearly, something was up. Tarquin, suspicious, tried to step outside to investigate, but Elysia quickly stopped him!

If he started chatting with Keith, Elliot and Evan's secret would be out!

Elysia grabbed Tarquin's hand, pulling him towards the study. She locked the door behind them, leaning against it to block his exit.