Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Benjamin rushed into the emergency room, his determination palpable in the tense atmosphere.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Blossom, her brows furrowed in concern, glanced at Tarquin. Despite his pitiful state, she couldn't help but offer some comfort, "You've got to believe that Elysia loves you. Whatever decision she makes, she has her reasons. She's just wrapped up with worry for Elliot right now, so she doesn't have the time to explain things to you. Once Elliot's condition is stable, I'm sure she'll sit down with you."

She was privy to the reason behind Elysia's refusal to allow the blood transfusion, but this wasn't her secret to share. It was something Elysia needed to explain to him in her own time.

Tarquin, his brows knitted tightly, glanced at her and the kids before turning to stride down the hallway. Craving a cigarette, he needed a moment to himself.

A few hours later, Elliot's condition finally stabilized, and he was moved from the emergency room to a regular ward. Still under the influence of the anesthesia, Elliot was deep in sleep, his face still painted with the makeup he'd worn for the field trip earlier that day.

Lately, with Tarquin and Elysia's blossoming romance, the chances of bumping into them had skyrocketed. Elliot, ever cautious, had figured that dealing with his kindergarten mates and teachers was far simpler than risking Tarquin catching on to their secret.

Gathered around the hospital bed, everyone looked on with heavy hearts. Even though the critical phase was over, seeing Elliot's pale face was heart-wrenching.

The three little ones, Emmett, Evan, and Elijah, huddled close, gently touching Elliot's arm and hand, their sobs filling the room. Emmett and Evan's cries were loud, while Elijah, trying to be strong, let silent tears roll down his cheeks.

Elysia, sitting beside the bed, looked particularly stricken, her eyes red and swollen, the very picture of distress.

Blossom, her eyes also teary, stood next to her, offering a comforting embrace, "Our Elliot's just facing a tough time, but he'll get through this. After this ordeal, life's bound to be smoother and safer."

Elysia sniffled, her vision blurring before she could respond.

Tarquin watched from the side, his heart aching for her.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Keith walked in. Tarquin's mood soured instantly, but Elijah quickly tugged at his sleeve, urging him to keep his cool.

After all, it was Keith's timely intervention and blood donation that had saved Elliot. And given Elysia's apparent displeasure with Tarquin today, it wasn't the time to stir up more trouble.

"Keith," Blossom greeted, breaking the tense silence.

Keith nodded, his gaze shifting from Elliot to Elysia. Seeing her in such a state reminded him of someone dear to him, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy.

Trying to offer some comfort, he said, "Take care of yourself. Elliot wouldn't want to see you like this when he wakes up."

Elysia, steadying herself, nodded gratefully, "Thank you for today, Keith. We owe you a great debt. Once Elliot's better, we'll make sure to properly thank you."

From a mother's perspective, Keith's role in saving Elliot was undeniable, warranting her deepest gratitude.

Keith, however, waved off the formalities, "No need for all that. I was just lending a hand. If you ever need anything, just let me know."

He then frowned slightly, adding, "I ran into a colleague from the nursery on my way here. They mentioned Elliot got hurt during today's field trip. How could something like this happen, especially with so many kids around, and only Elliot getting hurt? Could someone be targeting him? Have you upset anyone lately?"

Tarquin's anger flared at Keith's insinuations, seeing them as nothing short of provocation, as if Keith was deliberately trying to stir up trouble and sow discord within their family. It seemed to Tarquin that hurting Elliot was part of Keith's plan all along.