Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



When Elysia woke up, the first thing she saw was a text from Tarquin:

"Ely, just woke up, missing you."

Elysia felt a warm flutter in her heart and texted back, "Missing you too."

No sooner had she sent the message than Tarquin was calling her.

Elysia, phone in hand, headed to the bathroom to freshen up while answering, "That was quick. Have you been glued to your phone?" Tarquin said, "I've set a special alert for your messages. My phone buzzes the second you text. Why are you up so early today?"

"Got to prep a picnic for the kids today. Want to come over for breakfast?"

"I'll pass, got things to do."

"Work stuff?"

"...Yeah."

Elysia didn't pry further, "Well, you're missing out on a delicious opportunity. I'm planning to whip up some real treats."

Tarquin chuckled, "Save me some."

"Can't do. They won't taste good cold."

"Can you make a fresh batch when I get back?"

"No way!"

She was planning to bake scones, which wasn't something you could just whip up on a whim. The dough had been fermenting since last night. Tarquin, sounding like a kid, grumbled, "You only have true love for the kids."

Elysia rolled her eyes, "Jealous much? Even jealous of the kids!"

Tarquin, true to his jealous form, asked, "If the kids and I were drowning, who would you save first?"

Elysia was speechless, "Are you serious? If you all ended up in the water, it would only be for a swim. No need for rescuing! Alright, I've got to go. Busy day. Focus on work, okay? And remember to eat breakfast. Oh, and cut down on the smokes."

After hanging up, Elysia got ready and headed to the kitchen with her phone in hand.

Tarquin texted again, "I love you more than you love me."

Elysia couldn't help but smile at his silliness.

She didn't text back, knowing it would lead to an endless conversation.

Initially, she thought he wasn't much of a talker, preferring to communicate with looks rather than words.

Now, it's like he can't stop talking!

An hour later, Blossom and the little ones woke up, excited for their picnic. Elliot, Evan, Emmett were up earlier than usual, buzzing with excitement. Elijah, though not going, was also thrilled and woke up with his siblings.

They all had breakfast together, and Elysia packed the freshly baked scones into their little backpacks.

At 8 AM, Blossom took them out for the day, leaving just Elijah and Elysia at home.

Elysia coaxed Elijah, "How about we go on our own little picnic next week? Just the family?"

She knew Elijah wanted to join the picnic but was a bit introverted and not too keen on mingling with strangers.

Elijah asked, "Will daddy be there too?"

"Of course, he'll be our driver and bodyguard."

Elijah beamed, "Okay!"

Elysia ruffled Elijah's hair, "It's a beautiful day. How about we do a big clean-up at home? You can help mommy."

Elijah was even more excited, "Yes!"

Elysia's life was a peaceful bliss, oblivious to the brewing storm outside.

At 9 AM, Keith received an unexpected call.

Still in bed, he sat upright with a scowl upon hearing the news, "When did this happen?"

"Just now. Tarquin led the charge himself. They didn't stand a chance. Took the mother and son and rounded up our guys too.

I only escaped because I was out getting breakfast. They were well-prepared, knew exactly what they were doing. And... he left a message for you."

Keith clenched his jaw, "What did he say?"

"He didn't speak. Just tore up a painting on camera."NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

Keith's eyes narrowed, "Send me the footage!"

"Will do."