Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Elijah's mom - a memory Tarquin had almost forgotten existed in his life!

Now, out of the blue, he's hit with the news that she's making a comeback. This wasn't just idle gossip; it had the ring of truth to it.

And just like that, his world was thrown into chaos!

Choosing Elijah's mom meant he had to put his relationship with Elysia on hold. Forget Keith's lurking presence; Tarquin couldn't even bring himself to ask Elysia to wait for him.

He was in the dark about what Elijah's mom would decide, leaving him unable to promise Elysia a future.

Asking her to wait would unfairly make her his plan B.

He loved her too much to ever treat her like that!

But how could he face Elijah's mom if he chose Elysia?

Even if Elijah's mom understood and stepped back, Tarquin's guilt wouldn't let him be at peace.

Six years ago, he had been the one to insist, changing her from a girl to a woman on her very first night. How could he not feel responsible?!

Tarquin was a mess of guilt, agitation, frustration... a storm of negative emotions that left him struggling to breathe!

"Tarquin Bradford?!"

A familiar voice suddenly broke through his turmoil, making him spin around in surprise.

It was Elysia, running towards him, her presence giving his heart a jolt of shock and excitement.

The sand underfoot made her struggle in her flip-flops, so she kicked them off and ran barefoot towards him.

A sudden sharp pain made her cry out and fall, "Ouch!"

Realizing this wasn't a dream but reality - she'd really come for him - Tarquin rushed to her side, "Are you okay?!"

Seeing her drenched and bedraggled tugged at his heartstrings.

He scooped her up and headed for his car without a second thought.

As Elysia clung to him, looking relieved yet utterly vulnerable, her eyes filled with unspoken hurt.

"Did you get my messages?" she asked.

Tarquin, lost for words, countered, "Why did you come out in this pouring rain all by yourself?"

"You weren't answering your phone, and you didn't reply to my texts!"

Tarquin looked away, guilt-ridden, "I'm sorry."

Elysia's voice wavered, "I don't want your apologies! Did you even see my last message?"novelbin

She had confessed her feelings, despite it not being an official declaration. She'd laid her heart bare, and he hadn't responded... Tarquin remained silent, gently placing Elysia in the car before checking her foot, finding a small cut likely caused by a seashell.

"I've got a first aid kit in the trunk. I'll grab it."

After adjusting the car's heater to its highest setting, Tarquin dashed out into the rain to fetch the medical supplies.

No sooner had he stepped out than Elysia followed, standing in the pouring rain and asking once more, "Did you even see my last message?"

Tarquin, his brow furrowed in concern, tried to usher her back into the car, but Elysia stood firm, facing him in the downpour.

This was her safeguarding her heart. If he had seen the message but still avoided the topic, it meant he couldn't reciprocate her feelings, regardless of the reason.

She knew herself well. She'd be heartbroken, likely to cry.

But in the rain, her tears would be hidden, allowing her some semblance of dignity.

Tarquin swallowed hard, "I saw it."