Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Elijah's mannerisms, including the way he threatened others with that chilling tone and piercing gaze, were a carbon copy of his father, Tarquin! It was like looking at a mini Tarquin! Whenever he spoke, it felt as if Tarquin himself was addressing the crowd, instilling a level of respect that was hard to ignore.

Add to that the fact that the Bradford family tradition had always been to pass everything to the sole heir, and Elijah, being the only heir to the Bradford legacy, had an aura that allowed him to walk with confidence through the family's vast estate. Despite his young age, his presence commanded attention!

The Bradfords were initially shocked but then quickly fell into a buzz of worried whispers.

"What in the world is going on? Is Elijah really cured? How did he recover so swiftly?!"

"As soon as he opens his mouth, he's talking about disowning us or worse, blinding us. Such a young age and already so ruthless and malicious..."

A woman halted her tirade mid-sentence, suddenly aware of her surroundings, then quickly changed her tune, "Elijah was such a good kid; he must've fallen in with the wrong crowd, picking up bad habits!"

They dared not criticize Elijah openly, fearing that their words might reach Tarquin's ears through the grapevine. So, they turned their ire towards Elysia and her brothers, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett.

"Bad company corrupts good character. Elijah's been led astray following them!"

"Tarquin's lost his senses, falling for that Elysia. What's she got besides her looks? Just look at how she's raising those kids!"

"Elysia comes from nowhere, no family, no background, just a pretty face trying to snag a rich husband. If she really marries into the Bradfords, there'll be no peace. Mark my words, she's trouble."

Allegra, fuming, turned to her father Gideon and said,Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

"Dad, when Tarquin comes to you wanting Elysia and her kids to officially join the Bradford family and be added to the family tree, you have to say no! Tell him we all disapprove. Elysia, with her humble background, has no place in the Bradford family!"

Aunt Verity, always one to stir the pot, added, "Tarquin should remember his father. Marriages not blessed by the family never last or bring happiness."

The room went silent, eyes narrowing, as if they'd struck a nerve with Tarquin, gaining the upper hand. Their mood visibly brightened.

Gideon, with a furrowed brow and a stormy expression, looked towards where Tarquin and Elysia were standing, then glanced at Elijah with an inscrutable look, and without a word, limped towards the main house. The others, sensing the shift in atmosphere, followed suit.

Elysia and Tarquin, blissfully unaware of the murmurs, alongside their sons, also made their way to the main house.

Inside the main house, the staff had prepared dinner, just waiting for the right moment to serve. Knowing Elysia was hungry, Tarquin suggested,

"If you're hungry, why don't you and the kids start with some snacks to tide you over? The Bradfords might be a tough crowd, but they do know their food. You'll like it."

"And you?"

"I need to have a word with Gideon."

Elysia, concerned, reminded him, "Don't forget to ask him for the medical bills!" It was a pressing issue for her; the injury couldn't just be overlooked. They had to claim those medical expenses!

Tarquin, lips pursed as if holding back a smile, gave her a look that seemed to say, 'Still on that, huh?'

Elysia's eyes widened as she pressed, "You didn't forget, did you?!"

"No, I didn't."

"Good, did you bring the hospital bill?"

"Why would I need that?"

"Are you serious? How are you going to ask for reimbursement without it? They'll come up with any excuse not to pay."

Tarquin's lips twitched, amused at her naivety.

"The bill understates it. Not showing them could mean we get more."

Elysia paused, baffled, "We can ask for more?"