Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Tarquin retorted, "Weren't you just asking me out?"

It took Elysia a moment to realize what he was implying, and when she did, she felt a mix of embarrassment and irritation. "Call that a date? I was merely suggesting we take a walk downstairs!"

She was worried that Keith might return unexpectedly, leading to a possible altercation between him and Tarquin in the hallway.

So, she thought it would be better to invite him for a walk outside to discuss things properly.

And here he was, making it about a date. Was his head filled with air or what?

Tarquin's handsome eyes narrowed slightly, "Feeling disappointed?"

"I...," she started.

"Next time, I'll be the one to ask you out."

Elysia's face turned a shade redder, "Who's disappointed? Stop talking nonsense! Even if you asked, I wouldn't be free! Let's go!"

With that, she spun on her heels towards the elevator, her steps slightly hurried.

A charming smile crept across Tarquin's lips; she seemed shy.

Why would she feel shy around him unless she harbored some feelings for him, perhaps unknowingly?

Tarquin felt a surge of pleasure at the thought. After all, he considered himself pretty experienced in these matters.

He cheerfully caught up with her, his long strides closing the distance. "Even a walk downstairs counts as a date."

"Get lost!"

Elysia snapped at him before stepping into the elevator.

Tarquin followed suit, his gaze fixed on her with an amused smile.

Elysia frowned, avoiding his look, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

Keith had provoked him, testing whether Tarquin had feelings for her, which led to a fight. Why did he hit Keith? Was it because he was irritated by the misunderstanding, or was it out of jealousy?

If it was the former, it meant Tarquin had no interest in her whatsoever. But if it was the latter, it hinted at something more, especially considering the baffling things he'd said in anger previously...

Elysia was leaning towards the latter option.

But why would he like her? What was there to like?

She wanted to confront him about his feelings directly but hesitated. What if she was wrong? How embarrassing that would be, making her seem conceited!noveldrama

All she wanted was to understand why he fought with Keith, but Tarquin wouldn't say.

As Elysia was internally debating, Tarquin suddenly called out, "Elysia."

"What?!" Her tone was a bit sharp.

"Lost in thoughts?"

"None of your business!"

"...So, are we still going for that walk?"

"Of course! Aren't we already on our way down?"

Tarquin pressed his lips together, glancing at the elevator door.

Only then did Elysia realize they had reached the ground floor; the elevator doors had been open for a while. If it weren't for him holding the door open, they might have ended up heading back upstairs.

Embarrassed, Elysia mumbled something and exited the elevator.

"What's on your mind?" Tarquin asked her again.

"Nothing!"

As Elysia stepped out of the building, Tarquin followed closely behind, like a loyal guard dog ensuring her safety.

The temperature in Jindale City had noticeably risen this month, with the sun shining brightly, casting a warm, golden glow that felt soothing.

Most people were at work at this hour, leaving the neighborhood quiet.

They walked along the community's jogging track, and after a while, Elysia glanced at Tarquin, "You know about the kids teaming up with Keith to test you today, right?"

Tarquin, hands in his pockets, looked back at her, his usually charming gaze now laced with an extra hint of allure, making him even more tempting. He nodded, "Yeah."

Elysia's heart fluttered, and she quickly averted her gaze, feeling unusually flustered today. Even the simple act of making eye contact with him made her heart race.