Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



They just held each other in silence, not speaking of the day's events or what lay ahead...

The next day.

Elysia woke up early, and as soon as she opened her eyes, she saw Tarquin staring at her.

Without a word, she slipped out of bed and went to check on Elliot.

Tarquin quickly followed, "Should I call a doctor?"

"Not for now."Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Can we transfer him to another hospital today?"

"Let's wait and see."

"...I'll have breakfast ready for you."

"Okay."

As Elysia began examining Elliot, Tarquin watched her for a few seconds, frowned, and then, not wanting to disturb her further, he left the room.

He would respond to anything she said, but her demeanor still had Tarquin's heart in a vice.

He stepped outside the hospital room to make a call, arranging breakfast for Elysia.

That morning, Gideon Bradford made an unexpected appearance.

It was the first time the grandfather and grandson had seen each other since the chaos of the Thanksgiving dinner.

If it weren't for Elizabeth's ashes still being in Gideon's possession, Tarquin would have erased him from their lives for good!

But with the ashes at stake, Tarquin had no choice but to deal with him.

At the end of the hospital corridor, Tarquin lit a cigarette, clearly annoyed, "Cut to the chase!"

Sitting in his wheelchair, Gideon tried to hide his irritation, "Elysia is a woman, and her son's in this mess because of you. She's bound to hold a grudge, might even break it off with you..."

Tarquin's face darkened, and his gaze turned fierce, "Stay out of my relationship!"

Gideon said, “I've been around the block, kid. I know a thing or two. Now's the time to prove yourself. Show her how much you care about her boy, make her believe you'll protect him as if he were your own. But talk is cheap; you need to act."

Tarquin glowered down at him, "What are you getting at?"

Clearing his throat, Gideon said, "Get her son listed in the Bradford family tree."

Tarquin looked skeptical, waiting for him to continue.

Gideon went on, "No matter what you think of the Bradfords, you're one of us. Listing her son in our family tree is the ultimate gesture of how seriously you take this!"

"And then?"

Gideon squinted, "But Elysia's boys aren't Bradfords by blood, and our family tree isn't just for anyone who fancies it. But you know as well as I do, I call the shots in the Bradford family now. As long as I don't object, it doesn't matter how much the others protest. Give me 20% of your shares, and I'll nod along, allowing Elysia's sons into the Bradford family tree."

He added quickly, fearing Tarquin's refusal, “It's a fair deal for you. Even after giving me 20%, you'd still be the Bradford Group's largest shareholder. You keep control, and it might just win Elysia's heart back."

Tarquin took a harsh drag from his cigarette and shot back, "Your existence is a tragedy!"

All Gideon could see, even at his age, was power and influence. Tarquin couldn't grasp it.

Chasing fame and fortune might be normal for the young, but to still be obsessed with power at his age? Pitiful!

Gideon scowled, "Don't be so quick to dismiss my offer. Think it over, and contact me when you're ready."

As Gideon wheeled away, Tarquin didn't even spare him a glance.

Right after Gideon left, Elijah suddenly appeared, "Daddy."

Tarquin quickly snuffed out his cigarette, "How did you come from the stairwell?"

Elijah didn't explain, simply stating, "I heard everything between you and great-grandpa. I think it's worth considering, Daddy." Tarquin was speechless...