Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Keith got up, grabbing an alcohol wipe as he headed to the bathroom.

Once the bathroom door clicked shut, his expression shifted dramatically, as if he morphed into someone else entirely.

Standing before the bathroom mirror, his handsome eyes narrowed, his gaze turning chilling. His deep-set eyes seemed to harbor a monstrous beast...

He prodded the cut on his forehead with a finger, then, using the bloodied digit, scrawled 'Bradford' on the mirror.

And then, he crossed it out with a vehement 'X'.

...

Across the hall, Blossom was telling Elysia she'd be staying at her mom's place for the night, suggesting that Elysia could invite Tarquin over to stay.

Elysia's cheeks flushed even more at the suggestion. "Don't be ridiculous!"

Blossom chuckled, "What's there to be embarrassed about? You're both adults. Plus, he's into you, and you like him. Let me tell you, girl, opportunities like this don't come around often. He's a total catch, you know. If you hook up with him, you're the winner!"

Elysia, reddening further, retorted, "Stop it, or I'm hanging up."

Blossom's laughter grew louder, "Just kidding. Just wanted to let you know I won't be home tonight. Gotta go."

"Drink less at the dinner, and call me if you need anything."

"Yeah, yeah, got it."

After hanging up, Elysia exhaled deeply, touching her burning face.

Blossom really knew how to tease her, making her even more shy!

To an outsider, it might seem like she was playing wingwoman, setting things up on purpose!

Elysia stayed in her bedroom for a while longer to calm down before venturing out again.

Tarquin had also managed to cool off, now busy at the kitchen counter.

Walking into the kitchen, Elysia felt awkward, unsure how to break the silence. Then, Tarquin unexpectedly handed her a bunch of kale. "Wash these. I'll cook them in a bit."

Elysia paused, then replied, "Oh, okay."

With an unspoken understanding, they avoided bringing up the earlier awkwardness, and the atmosphere gradually returned to normal.

They cooked and chatted, talking about children, Blossom, and amusing incidents in their lives.

After laughing and sharing stories for over an hour, they prepared a full dinner with eight dishes and two soups.

Elysia called the kids to dinner, and they all scampered out.

Elijah was unusually cheerful, resembling a joyous, somewhat silly landowner's son.

Elliot, adopting a 'proud father' demeanor, watched Tarquin's attentive gestures towards Elysia with satisfaction.

Emmett and Evan kept their eyes on Elysia, sharing in her happiness.

The family of six enjoyed a lively dinner, more joyful and bustling than any holiday feast!

After dinner, Tarquin insisted on cleaning the kitchen alone, allowing Elysia to relax. But Elysia didn't just sit back; she tidied up the dining and living rooms while he was busy.

By the time Tarquin finished, Elysia had also done her part.

The house was spotless and cozy.noveldrama

After dinner, Tarquin played LEGO with the kids while Elysia caught up on some TV shows on the living room couch.

Their glances occasionally met in the air; one would hastily look away, while the other's gaze was warm and persistent.

Nine o'clock came, and it was time for the kids to get ready for bed, but Tarquin hadn't left yet.

Elysia had been wanting to ask him to leave, but every time their eyes met, she found herself too nervous to speak. His intense gaze made her feel uneasy.

But it was getting late, and with the kids off to bed soon, it would be just the two of them. That wouldn't be proper.

Just as Elysia was about to speak up, Elijah suddenly asked, "Mommy, can Daddy stay over and sleep with us tonight?"