Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



"Huh? How'd you know that?" "I asked Elijah."

"Why'd you go and do that?"

"I wanted to surprise you."

Tarquin let go of her, a sparkle in his eyes, "What kind of surprise?"

Elysia teased, "If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore. But I promise, it'll make you so happy you'll feel like you're flying."

Tarquin's gaze sharpened, "Are you suggesting we... you know?"

Elysia blinked, confused for a moment, "Do what?"

"Make love."

Elysia's face flushed a deep red, "You... shameless!"

She pushed him away and dove under the covers, embarrassed.

Tarquin chuckled, "Well, what else could make me feel like flying?"

Elysia ignored him from her cocoon of blankets. She had wanted to cheer him up since he seemed down, and here he was, taking the conversation in a completely different direction.

Tarquin felt his mood lift inexplicably. He climbed into bed, intending to tease her further, but his phone rang. It was Lowell.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

After a brief conversation, Tarquin's eyes narrowed slightly. He ended the call and excitedly told Elysia,

"Elysia, I've got great news."

He jumped out of bed, grabbed the remote, and turned on the TV to the news channel.

The local Jindale City station was reporting on yesterday's incident. The culprits and their vehicle had been caught...

This was indeed fantastic news!

Elysia quickly forgot their previous conversation, thrilled, "They caught them already?"

"Yeah, the police are pretty efficient."

Elysia took his word for it, praising the police before inquiring about the reason behind the attack.

"...The police are still investigating, but with the perpetrators caught, there's no need to worry."

Elysia nodded in agreement, thinking simply that catching these people meant everything was okay now.

She felt completely relieved and checked out of the hospital to return home that afternoon.

Tarquin dropped her off without entering. He was in a rush to leave.

Axel had called not long ago, saying Declan wanted to see him. Tarquin was still harboring some resentment towards Declan but agreed to meet. Elysia stood in the hallway, asking, "Will you be back for dinner tonight?"

"Not sure, don't wait up for me. Just have dinner without me."

"Okay, just text me whether you're coming back or not."

"Will do."

"And if you need money for work, just let me know. I haven't touched the million you gave me."

Tarquin felt touched but also guilty.

He hadn't yet dared to reveal his true identity to Elysia.

Firstly, because Elliot hadn't come clean yet, he didn't dare to either, fearing she'd be scared off upon discovering he was a billionaire. Secondly, his initial reason for hiding his identity was to see if she'd be interested in him regardless of his wealth, which wasn't exactly honest. Now, he worried she'd be upset upon learning the truth.

He kept putting off the revelation, and now, he continued to hide it.

After they got together, Elysia had asked about his job, and he casually mentioned he was involved in a startup, specifically in environmental protection. Coincidentally, the Bradford Group was investing billions in an environmental project at the time, so he went with that story.

Elysia, innocent as she was, believed every word and even supported him, praising the environmental sector for its potential to both earn money and contribute to environmental protection.

He planned to come clean once Elysia shared why she didn't want him moving in with her.

Tarquin gently kissed Elysia on the forehead, "What's mine is yours, but I don't need it."

"Mine is yours too. Just say the word if you need anything."

Tarquin smiled, "Okay."

After Elysia went inside, Tarquin took the elevator down. As the doors opened, his expression instantly changed.

Coincidentally, Keith was in the elevator.