Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



"Dad, Uncle!"

That tone had a hint of whining.

Clayton was the first to cave, quickly saying,

"Tarquin, get up. We're not blaming you. It's just that we feel for what Irene has been through."

The Patel brothers also chimed in,

"Stand up, man. We've looked into what happened in Jindale City, and it's clear you're not at fault."

After a pause, they added meaningfully,

"We're not dwelling on the past, but looking forward. Irene is the only child of the Hawkins and the Patel families, she's our treasure. We can't stand to see her hurt again. Anyone who messes with her in the future will have us to answer to!"

Their message was a warning to Tarquin.

The subtext: We might not have your power, but if you dare hurt our Irene, we'll go to the mat for her!

Tarquin understood and wasn't angry. Instead, he said,

"Elysia is the darling of our family. The kids all look up to her. In our house, she's the one who teases me, not the other way around. I wouldn't dare." These were people who genuinely loved Elysia, just like him. How could he be angry at them?

Elysia's family was his family!

Clayton and the Patel brothers were pleased with his response, sharing a satisfied look and nodding in agreement.

Clayton helped him up, "No need to stay on the floor, it's cold."

Just then, Tarquin's phone rang. It was Lowell calling.

He politely excused himself from Clayton and the Patel brothers before taking the call outside.

Lowell was excited, "Tarquin, have you seen the news? Your sister-in-law is trending again!"

Tarquin hadn't seen it yet, "Get to the point."

"Mr. Hawkins just made a post announcing that your sister-in-law is the next heir to the Hawkins family, including Hawkins Sea-freight. It's all hers! The Patel family made a post too. Your sister-in-law has rights to the Patel inheritance, meaning she'll share the wealth with the Patel descendants. And Charles went all out, saying he's so happy and doesn't know what welcome gift to give your sister-in-law to express his joy, so he decided to start with ten billion!"

Tarquin was speechless.

This was the Hawkins and the Patel families showing their support for Elysia after learning about her past struggles!

They were telling Elysia that she had a strong family backing, a family that loved her dearly.

They were also reminding him:

Despite his noble birth and wealth, Elysia was no mere catch herself, marrying him wasn't her punching above her weight!

And to the world:

Elysia was the heir to the Hawkins and the Patel fortunes, a warning to anyone who dared cross her to think twice!

Especially to those in Jindale City who had looked down on Elysia's background:

They couldn't hold a candle to her!

This was the love the Hawkins and the Patel families had for Elysia, giving her a solid backing.

"I heard Jindale City's all abuzz. Those who once looked down on her are now biting their tongues, terrified of her return."

Tarquin didn't comment, feeling warm inside.novelbin

Elysia had more people who loved her, and he was happy for her.

After breakfast, the family set off to visit the Patel estate, to see Elysia's grandparents and aunts.

Despite the tears, they were all tears of joy.

For a long time after, they lived happily in Oceanopolis. As long as Elysia didn't mention returning to Jindale City, Tarquin didn't press her.

After all, home was wherever his wife and kids were. He was content to be wherever they were, even if it meant being the son-in-law who moved in with his wife's family.

They spent their days in happiness and joy.

But life is a mix of joy and sorrow. Just as they were basking in their happiness, the first day of August brought devastating news.