Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



After all, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett all had a great deal of respect and affection for Keith.

Elijah nervously glanced at Elliot, terrified that the fragile goodwill his dad had worked so hard to build in Elliot's heart might crumble.

Tarquin knew exactly what was making Elijah anxious, but he didn't expect Elliot to take his word for it. He spoke up to put Elliot on guard against Keith!

Elliot was sharp and cautious, especially when it came to matters involving Elysia. He would be extra vigilant. Whether he believed Tarquin or not, he'd be careful around Keith after hearing him out. Tarquin couldn't be there to watch over them around the clock. If the kids were mentally prepared, they could better protect themselves and Elysia when he wasn't around.

That was the whole reason he suggested they go downstairs for ice cream! Since they couldn't shake off Keith for the time being and hadn't caught him red-handed in anything shady, the best they could do was stay alert and minimize any chance Keith had to stir trouble!

As for whether Elliot might misunderstand his intentions, that was a minor concern compared to the safety of the kids and Elysia.noveldrama

Elliot frowned, pondering Tarquin's silence before asking, "After Keith turned off the listening device, what exactly did he say?"

Tarquin scowled, "He made some disrespectful remarks about Elysia."

"Disrespectful... about my mom?"

"Yes."

Elliot's brow furrowed deeper. "What did he say?"

"You're too young; it's not appropriate for you to hear. But I'm not lying to you, Keith is bad news!"

The room fell silent for a moment.

Elliot then said, "I've done my own checking on Keith before. He seemed okay."

Tarquin and Elijah tensed, but then Elliot continued, "But I believe you're not lying to me."

Between Keith and them, he'd definitely trust Elijah and Tarquin more. Even though he'd interacted with Keith back in preschool, he hadn't really gotten to know Keith well enough to judge his true nature. But when it came to Tarquin, one being his biological father and the other his brother, he was clear about their character.

Hearing this, Tarquin and Elijah silently breathed a sigh of relief.

Elijah then spoke up: "Dad is a straightforward person. He wouldn't bad-mouth someone without reason! Keith upset Mom as soon as he showed up today! His so-called 'test' must have been premeditated!"

Elliot knitted his brows, "If that's the case, Keith buying the house across the street is suspicious."

Tarquin added, "He might have bought that house because of Elysia, but if he liked Elysia, he wouldn't have said those disrespectful things about her today."

"So, he's getting close to Mom for some other reason?!" Elliot and Elijah exclaimed in unison.

Tarquin nodded, "I believe so, but we still don't know his true intentions."

After saying this, Tarquin looked at Elliot, "Just to be safe, you should keep your distance from Keith. But when I talked to Elysia about moving and changing your schools today, she refused. Could you try talking to her?"

Without hesitation, Elliot answered, "No."

He knew why his mom was reluctant to move or change schools. She hadn't warmed up to him yet. Regarding the secrets of their origins, she was definitely still on guard.

With that thought, Elliot gave Tarquin a meaningful look and asked, "Did you upset Mom today?"

Tarquin froze, "When?"

Elliot was straightforward, "Just before we came downstairs."

Tarquin was silent. He had upset her. In a fit of jealousy, he had pinned her against the bathroom wall, kissed her, and even warned her.