Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



"Really? Are you serious?"

"Yeah, if you don't believe me, you can ask him yourself," Keith said confidently.

He then added, "I think this could really shake things up for you. You should think carefully about what to do next."

Elysia frowned, visibly agitated. If what Keith was saying was true, this could indeed have a huge impact on her!

Suddenly, Keith reached out and brushed something off her head. Elysia froze, her eyes wide with surprise as she looked at him, her frown deepening. "What the heck?!"

Keith paused, then carefully explained, "You had a bug on your head just now. I thought it might freak you out, so I went ahead and took care of it."

He pointed to the tiny insect on the ground. "See? It must have fallen from the tree."

Elysia, feeling a bit awkward, muttered an apology for her earlier tone.

Keith just smiled. "No worries, I was a bit forward."

With her mind preoccupied by Keith's revelation, Elysia had no desire to wait for Tarquin any longer. She said to Keith, "I'm going to head up." "I'm heading up too. Let's go together."

Without much further conversation, Elysia and Keith walked toward the apartment building.

Tarquin, who had just arrived carrying a lovingly prepared breakfast, caught sight of them just as he got out of his car. Elysia and Keith were walking side by side, hands in pockets, with Keith turning his head to say something to her, a big smile on his face.

Bystanders nearby chatted among themselves.

"Which apartment does that cute couple live in? They look amazing together, like celebrities."

"Must be new around here. Never seen them before. How do you know they're married?"

"It's obvious, isn't it? They're perfect for each other. And the way he looks at her? So tender it's practically dripping with honey. And her, all dolled up so early in the morning? Clearly for his eyes only. If they aren't married, they're definitely an item. Imagine how beautiful their kids would be." The spectators moved on, laughing and chatting, oblivious to Tarquin.

Tarquin's heart, initially warm with anticipation, turned ice cold, though his temper flared. He clenched his fists, tempted to confront them but remembered the last time and held back.

"Elysia!"

Hearing that familiar voice, Elysia stopped dead in her tracks and turned around. There stood Tarquin, dressed sharply in a dark suit, his brow furrowed and his expression dark with displeasure. Especially when he glanced at Keith, his gaze was sharper than a blade!

Elysia, fearing another confrontation, quickly told Keith, "You go ahead, I'll catch up."

"Alright," Keith agreed, shooting Tarquin a challenging look before he left.

Tarquin was fuming. Elysia approached to explain, "I just came down to take out the trash and bumped into Keith."

Tarquin stared at her, jealousy bubbling up uncontrollably. "Dressed up to take out the trash? And we took out the trash last night. What trash are you taking out so early in the morning?"

"I..." Elysia, embarrassed to admit she got dressed up for him, scrambled for an excuse.

Before she could find the words, Tarquin pressed on, "Are you sure bumping into Keith was an accident, or did you deliberately come down for a little morning date?"

Elysia stared at him in disbelief. "Why would you even think that?"

Tarquin, his face dark with jealousy, countered, "What am I supposed to think? You're all dolled up, with Keith, and you feed me some flimsy excuse. Do I look like a toddler to you?! If you like him, just say it!"

"You... you're being ridiculous!"

Elysia turned and stormed towards the apartment building.

Tarquin, seeing her leave, furrowed his brow and followed, trying to hold her hand. She pulled away. He reached for her wrist; she shook him off, clearly angry.

Tarquin had no choice but to grab her hand, leading her to a quiet spot to explain, "I didn't mean to make you mad. I just need to know if you like him." Everything the bystanders said hit too close to home. Elysia, all dressed up for Keith, made him jealous and insecure. He felt utterly vulnerable. He knew Elysia liked him, but the depth of her feelings was a mystery. He feared that whatever affection she had for him could easily be swayed by Keith.

Elysia glared at him, hurt and disgusted, trying to leave. "I don't want to talk to you!"

Tarquin blocked her path, trying to appease her. "I'm sorry for how I acted."

"I don't accept your apology!"noveldrama

"What will make you accept it? Want to hit me?"

Before she could respond, he raised his hand as if to slap himself. Elysia quickly grabbed his arm. "Are you insane?"

Tarquin gave a wry smile. "Can't bear to see me hurt?"

Elysia pursed her lips and stomped on his foot-hard. Given she was in heels, Tarquin winced in pain.

Elysia snorted. "Serves you right!"

Tarquin merely sighed, acknowledging his fault. Why did he provoke her in the first place? Now, he had to make amends.

He looked at her, his voice soft. "Are you still mad?"

Elysia didn't respond but didn't walk away either. She decided to take this moment, while their kids were not around, to discuss what Keith had revealed earlier.