Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Tarquin's mind was adrift, caught between thoughts of his daughter and Elysia.

Realizing he had a daughter, as opposed to merely suspecting it, brought a whirlwind of emotions, a chasm between doubt and certainty. Doubt was governed by logic, a maze of suspicion and theories. But certainty? It shook him to his core, a mix of joy and anxiety. He, Tarquin, had a daughter. Yet, she was in the hands of another...

His thoughts then wandered back to Elysia, filled with regret and empathy. He regretted missing her entire pregnancy, not once seeing her with a baby bump except for those two video clips-the first glimpses of Elysia pregnant.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

And empathy, because childbirth is a daunting journey, more so for someone bearing twins. High-risk pregnancies demand extra care and love, yet she was all alone through hers. The video of her ultrasound showed it all-her pale, undernourished face, the swelling in her legs, and the washed- out clothes she wore. At 38 weeks, she was still scraping by, working hard for the future of her children...

What was he doing at that time?

Five years ago, he was at the pinnacle of his career. After years of perseverance, he stormed back home to take over the Bradford Group, becoming its youngest ever CEO and the undisputed head of the Bradford family. His business empire expanded swiftly, making him a formidable figure in the corporate world. He stood atop the pyramid, looking down on all.

Yet, while he reveled in his success, Elysia was struggling in a poverty-stricken area, enduring a harsh life with his child...

Tarquin had always prided himself on being fair and honorable, never owing anyone anything. Yet, he owed Elysia more than he could ever repay. "Daddy, what's wrong?"

Elijah's concerned voice snapped Tarquin out of his reverie. Taking a deep breath, Tarquin reassured him, "Don't worry about your sister; she's safe for now. I need to spend some time with your mommy."

With that, he stood up, taking Elysia's phone with him as he left the study.

Elliot and Elijah exchanged a look.

Outside, as Evan and Emmett saw Tarquin enter, Elliot motioned for them to step out, sensing the heavy atmosphere. They knew of their mom's past hardships, but for Tarquin, witnessing it firsthand was overwhelming.

The bedroom became a sanctuary, with Elysia still lost in fitful sleep. Tarquin shed his business attire, slipping into bed beside her. Holding her close, he allowed the tears he'd been holding back to fall freely.

Apologies and words of comfort seemed too flimsy to convey the depth of his remorse and tenderness for her. "No, no, please, ah, ah, ah-" Elysia's troubled sleep continued, her voice breaking the silence of the room.