Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Elysia eyed him skeptically, doubting his ability to get out.

Suddenly, Tarquin had an idea, "How about we make a bet if you don't believe me?"

"A bet? On what?"

"If I can't get out before New Year's, I'll give you all my properties."

At the mention of money, Elysia's eyes sparkled, "Really? How much are we talking?"

"A lot. But if I do make it out, you have to answer one question honestly, no lying."

"What question?"

"You'll find out. So, do we have a bet?"

Seeing Elysia hesitate, Tarquin teased, "Think about the money."

Elysia quickly agreed, "You're on!"

"Deal. No backing out."

"Whoever backs out is a chicken."

Tarquin couldn't help but laugh, leaving Elysia frowning, sensing some mischief in his laughter.

But it was a bet she felt she wouldn't lose.

Even though he had faced financial ruin before, he had recently come into money again. If she won, she'd definitely get a hefty sum!

As a true money lover, her heart always swayed at the thought of cash.

Elysia was about to say more when her phone rang. It was Zane.

She frowned and declined the call, telling Tarquin, "Since you're so confident about getting out, and you seem fine here, I'll leave you to it. I'll update Elijah on your situation too, so he won't worry."

As she mentioned leaving, a fleeting look of sadness crossed Tarquin's face, almost too quick to catch even by himself.

"Who was that, Blossom?"

"No, Blossom fainted last night after seeing a dead body. She's squeamish about blood."

Tarquin's attention immediately shifted, "Blossom is squeamish?"

"Yeah, but only with large amounts of blood."

Frowning slightly, Tarquin thought, "That means Blossom couldn't be the one hurting those stray cats."

But whether she was connected to the mysterious person remained unclear.

Elysia stood up, "If you need anything, just call. For Elijah's sake, I won't ignore you. Goodbye."

Tarquin watched her leave, feeling a strange emotion stir within him, his eyes lingering on her retreating figure.

After leaving the station, Elysia hesitated before calling Zane back.

Zane picked up immediately, his voice full of urgency, "Elysia, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, just was busy. What's up?"

"I heard about the death in Future Community, was worried about you... and Blossom. Heard the victim was from across your place." "I'm okay, Blossom just got scared and fainted last night. She's resting at home now."

"I'm on my way to Future Community. Are you home?"

"You're heading there?"

"Yeah, just want to check on you guys."

After a brief pause, Elysia fibbed, "Go ahead, Blossom's at home."

"You're not there?"

"I had to step out. And really, I'm fine; no need to worry about me. Check on Blossom."

Zane then asked, "How long till you're home?"

"Not sure."

"Alright, I'll touch base with you later, when you're home."novelbin

Elysia hung up, her thoughts a whirlwind as she pondered her next move.