Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Before they could even get a word in, Elysia spoke up, "You know, if you really cared about Elijah, there'd be no need to take him away from my place. He's well looked after with me, and his dad felt comfortable enough to leave him in my care.”

Gideon caught the undertone in her words and narrowed his eyes, "Don't try to scare us with him anymore. He's not coming back."

“That's not true. He was just here this morning. He even mentioned he'd bring Elijah to the family mansion tonight for dinner."

Gideon scoffed, "That's a lie. He's been convicted of murder and sentenced to death. It's just not public knowledge yet. Handing Elijah over to you was his way of ensuring his care."

Elysia gasped in disbelief, "That's impossible!"

Gideon let Ulysses play a recording, "...He knew the police had video evidence of the murder and that his execution was imminent. He asked Elysia to take care of Elijah, essentially making her his child's guardian. He even started transferring his assets..."

After the recording ended, Gideon said, "That's info straight from the police."novelbin

Elysia held her breath, stunned. How could this be? He had promised to join them for dinner tonight. He seemed so at ease; how could anything have gone wrong?

Gideon bluntly added, "I wouldn't be here claiming Elijah if I wasn't sure of his fate."

The implication was clear; they were emboldened by his impending death.

Elysia, her eyebrows knitted and breathing heavily, realized the gravity of the situation. If he was in no trouble, they wouldn't dare...

But then, were all their meetings and his cheerful demeanor just an act? And the bet they made if he couldn't make it, all his wealth would go to her. Was it just a way to ensure she'd take care of Elijah?

The more Elysia thought, the more panicked she felt. Tears welled up, and she became restless, suddenly fearing the worst. Despite his flaws, he wasn't a bad person, and he certainly wasn't guilty of murder. Why would they sentence him to death?

In her heart, Elysia felt a surge of injustice for him and wanted to confront the police, but she couldn't leave the kids behind. They needed her protection, especially Elijah. Without his father, he couldn't lose her too. The thought of Elijah being alone without her and Tarin broke her heart. And if they took Elijah today, she might never see him again. They wouldn't let Elijah see her, no matter how much he begged.

So, she couldn't let them take Elijah.

Seeing Elysia silent, Gideon continued, "I'm telling you this because without his support, taking Elijah will be easy for us. Even if you risk your life, you won't be able to stop us. It'd be easier if you just cooperated and saved yourself the trouble."

Elysia steadied her heart and told Gideon, "How about this? To reduce the chances of Elijah's condition worsening, I'll come with you. He relies on me a lot right now. As long as I'm there, he'll be fine wherever he goes. I can help take care of him."

Gideon, his eyes narrowing, contemplated the offer. With Elysia there, they wouldn't have to worry about Elijah's well-being.

"Alright, you can come with us," he finally agreed.