Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Tarquin groaned, "Just ignore it, no need to pick up!"

"But what if it's something urgent?" came the retort.

Elysia slid the answer button, "Hello?"

Keaton's voice was polite but urgent, "Hey, Elysia, is Tarin with you? I need to speak to him urgently."

Elysia glanced at Tarquin.

With no choice, Tarquin, still holding Elysia close with one arm, took the phone and grumbled, "What?"

Keaton rattled off his concerns, clearly agitated.

Tarquin replied nonchalantly, "I've got four big boys!"

"Yeah, I know, but I'm talking about—"

"I've got four big boys!"

"Damn it, I know, but-"novelbin

"I've got four big boys!"

No matter what Keaton said or how passionately he argued, Tarquin stuck to his line.

Finally, Keaton cursed under his breath and hung up.

Handing the phone back to Elysia, Tarquin wore a smug grin, "He's just jealous."

Elysia was at a loss. Whether Keaton was jealous or not, she couldn't tell; all she saw was Tarquin's self-satisfaction.

Pocketing her phone, she wrapped her arms around his neck and teased, "Don't get too cocky. Suddenly having four sons means your responsibilities have quadrupled! You used to only provide for Elijah, and now there are four, which means your stress and expenses have skyrocketed!

Four little money pits, think about the monthly costs! And they're still young. In the future, they'll need college, weddings, we'll have to save for their houses and cars..."

Tarquin listened quietly, debating whether to reveal his true identity to her.

After all, the concerns she voiced were no issue for him!

Not just four, he could support eight or more.

And those kids are talented; they don't need his financial support.

"Elysia."

"Yeah?"

He looked at her, words forming in his mind.

Mistaking his silence for worry, Elysia continued, "But don't feel too pressured. Kids will find their own way. Our job is to raise them well, create a loving home environment.

As for houses and cars, those are nice to have but not essentials. If we can afford them, great; if not, they can strive for themselves."

Elysia was an optimist, believing parental love was most crucial.

Because love shapes a child's life!

A loving environment promotes healthy growth, the greatest wealth for a child.

As for financial capabilities, it varies.

Parents should help if able, but if not, children can build their own futures.

Children raised in love tend to turn out well, leading to better lives as adults.

Tarquin sighed internally, still lacking the courage to confess.

He imagined telling her:

Elysia, my real name is Tarquin, not Tarin. I'm the CEO of the Bradford Group, the wealthiest man around, with more money than we could ever spend.

How would she react?

He couldn't bear to think about it, so he decided not to reveal everything just yet. He'd find the right moment to tell her in private.

"From now on, I'll handle making money and providing for us. You just focus on spending."

Hearing this, Elysia's lips curled into a beautiful smile.

Though she wouldn't leave all the responsibilities to him, his words were a relief.

Before, she bore the burden of raising children alone financially, physically, mentally.

Now, she had someone to share the load.

And from today, she no longer had to worry about losing her children to him, no more hiding and sneaking around, no more exhausting lies and

excuses.

What a relief...

What bliss...