Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Tarquin's brow was furrowed with deep concern when Joshua spoke up, "I work for the National Security Agency, and I really want to help you. But since your parents' situation involves state secrets, I can't just go snooping around.

However, I've already asked for guidance from my superiors. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything."

Robert added, "I work in military intelligence, and I can't investigate your parents' case on my own steam either. But I've reported it up the chain. We're waiting on word."

The Patel brothers, one in politics, one in the military, and one in business, all excelled in the realm of cyber technology.

They were top-tier talents in the digital information sphere!

The higher their rank, the more low-key they became. Coupled with their line of work, it made the Patels seem all the more enigmatic to outsiders. Tarquin snapped back to the present, grateful, “Thanks, dad. Thanks, uncles."

"Family doesn't keep score."

The room filled with their voices until well past eleven before everyone called it a night.

Everyone else had turned in when Tarquin returned to his bedroom, stirring Elysia awake. She sat up, asking, "What did your dad want to talk about for so long?"

Tarquin walked over to the bed, tenderly stroking her cheek, "Just some work stuff. Have you reached out to Winona?"

"Couldn't get through. But I talked to Callum. He said Winona's production team went off the grid but should wrap up before the holidays. If all goes well, Winona will be back by then."

Tarquin and Callum were close friends, so he had no reason to doubt.

Heading off the grid explained why Zane hadn't been in touch with Elysia for so long.

Seeing Elysia stop fretting, Tarquin didn't worry further.

He kissed Elysia's forehead, telling her to get some sleep while he went to freshen up.

Before heading to the bathroom, he made a call to Jindale City to check on Verity's illegitimate child.

No matter what the mysterious figure was after, whether they found it or not, it was directly linked to his parents' death!

A vendetta for murder, a debt greater than the heavens!

He must find that person, see who they really are, and then avenge his parents!

The next morning, Elysia woke to find her father and uncles' gazes odd.

Tarquin noticed it too, and it was unmistakably clear!

Yesterday, Clayton and the Patel brothers looked at him with affection, satisfaction, pride, like they were truly pleased with him as their son-in-law. Today, their warmth seemed dialed back.

Not that they were displeased, just... not as enthusiastic as before.

Elysia was the first to voice her concern, "Dad, uncles, what's wrong?"

Tears welled in Clayton's eyes, "These years, my Irene has suffered."

The Patel brothers also had misty eyes, "Those people from the Thorne family, worse than beasts!" Tarquin instantly understood.

They had looked into Elysia's past years and learned of her struggles, feeling heartbroken for her.

Elysia, though narrowly escaping death, had a tumultuous life filled with hardship.

Later, being married off to the Bradford family didn't turn her fortunes; life remained bitterly hard.

Others might just sigh at her misfortune, but those who truly loved her felt deep empathy.

Tarquin knelt down, taking responsibility, "The hardships Elysia faced these years are my doing. I am at fault.”novelbin

Clayton and the Patel brothers frowned, their expressions complex as they looked at him, silent.

Elysia, finally catching on, quickly intervened, "I thought something serious happened. That's all in the past. Life was hard, but it's behind us now. About us...

It was all a misunderstanding, and he's already apologized. He's been wonderful to me since.

If you didn't bring it up, I'd have forgotten all those unpleasant times. I'm happy now, that's all that matters, not the past."

The room fell into a hushed stillness...