Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



"And it was me who got under his skin first, not his fault. I didn't watch my tone, kinda provoked him," Keith admitted with a rueful smile. "Provoked?" Elysia was taken aback.

"Yeah, I told him I liked you and he better stay away from you. Said I wouldn't be so nice if he didn't. Honestly, I just wanted to see if he'd back off. Never expected him to throw the first punch. And man, he's got some moves. I didn't stand a chance, got totally outplayed."

Elysia was silent, processing.

So, the fight wasn't necessarily about her.

Given his personality, he couldn't stand being taunted. Even without her in the picture, he might've still lashed out after Keith's provocation.

Was the fight about her or not?

Did he like her, or didn't he?

Lately, he had been quite nice to her, even... even kissed her, and it was very... very...

"Elysia!" Blossom nudged her abruptly.

Elysia flinched, "Huh?"

"Zoning out? Keith was talking to you."

"Oh, sorry, I was just thinking... yeah, he's got a short fuse, can't take a challenge. But he's not a bad guy, really, he..."

Blossom rolled her eyes, trying to bring her back to the point.

"Keith was asking who's covering the medical expenses, you or him?"

Elysia turned even more embarrassed, quickly replying, "Oh, I transferred it to Blossom, but it's his money. Please, just take it, it's the least we can do."noveldrama

Her phone rang right at that moment; it was from Tarquin.

Elysia knew he was urging her to come back, so she didn't pick up, instead telling Keith, "You just rest up, Keith. Lunch is on us. We'll bring you something nice."

She meant to bring him something, not invite him over.

Keith nodded, his smile unfaltering, "Then I won't be shy about it. Thanks a lot."

"It's nothing, really." Elysia got up to leave.

Her interaction with Keith fluctuated between formalities and evident distraction...

Keith noticed, his eyes flickering with an unspoken thought but remained composed as he stood to see Elysia and Blossom off.

Opening the door, they were met with a surprise!

A group of people in uniform stood outside, at least seven or eight of them!

Tarquin, however, stole the show.

Dressed in a sleek suit, standing casually among them, he was a sight to behold with his charming looks and commanding presence.

Elysia was confused, unsure what was happening.

Before she could ask, Tarquin took her hand. Not the wrist, the hand.

In front of everyone, he pulled her to his side, his tone familiar as if they were an old married couple.

"Keith's a bachelor, and it's not appropriate for a lady to be coming and going from his place. Let the caregivers handle it, you don't need to worry."

His gaze then shifted to Keith, his expression turning ice-cold.

Thinking he could use his injury to get Elysia's attention? Fat chance.

Who did he think he was, to deserve Elysia's care?

He wouldn't even let her lift a finger!

"I've covered the caregiver expenses, consider it a charity. Just focus on getting better, and don't cause any trouble."

With a meaningful warning, Tarquin took Elysia's hand and led her back to their place.

Keith watched their retreating figures, his face emotionless, but a storm was brewing in his eyes.