Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

 Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

She stood there, shimmering like a queen, yet exuding the tenderness of a young girl. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Perfection personified! Elysia twirled on the spot, "What do you think?"

"Mommy, you're so pretty!"

"Mommy's a queen!"

The kids took turns showering her with compliments. Noticing Tarquin's silence, Elijah sneaked up and nudged him, his eyes signaling: Say something!

It was Tarquin's moment to shine!

He swallowed hard, seemingly to placate Elijah, but his compliment was genuinely heartfelt, “Stunning.”

Elysia lifted her chin in pride, "Of course, I'm the queen! This is the masterpiece Emmett picked out for me!"

Tarquin's gaze involuntarily shifted to Emmett. He knew Elliot was the smart one, good with money and a whiz at computers, and Evan was the athlete, but Emmett's talents had eluded him. He had thought Emmett was just following Elysia's lead, unremarkable and soft. But now, he realized he had underestimated the kid. This child had a knack for fashion, a true talent. He'd be unstoppable when he grew up.

"Huh? Why are you wearing that today? I picked out a burgundy outfit for you, matching with us. Go change into it, quick."

Elysia only then noticed Tarquin's attire, thinking he'd dressed mistakenly and urged him to change.

Evan chimed in, "He said he doesn't like red."

Elysia was surprised, "You don't like red? But it's festive, especially for the holidays! You don't even like burgundy?" Tarquin nodded in agreement.

Elysia sighed in disappointment, "Well, alright then. Wear what you have on. I'll see if I can return the other outfit. It was quite expensive, and I can't let it go to waste. You look sharp in this one, but it's a shame you won't match with us."

Tarquin glanced at the five of them and then at himself, indeed feeling out of place. As if he'd been left out of the team.

Hesitating for a moment, he stood up, "Wait here.”

He headed to the study and returned minutes later, changed. His shirt was burgundy, matching Elysia's dress, and his suit and trousers were black, just like the kids' outfits. However, his suit had red accents on the collar and cuffs. Overall, it was a dark ensemble since the red shirt was barely visible at the collar.

Elysia was curious, "I thought you didn't like red?"

Tarquin replied, "I didn't want to stand out."

Elysia smiled, "Welcome back to the team. See, you look dashing in red, like a groom."

Emmett added, "Mommy looks like a bride."

Elijah agreed, "Emmett's got the best eye!"

Tarquin: "..."

Elysia: “...

Lowell pulled up in a spacious SUV to pick them up, his eyes lighting up at the sight of their coordinated outfits. This was the epitome of family goals! A handsome father, a beautiful mother, and adorable kids-who wouldn't be envious of this family? And Tarquin, in his red shirt, was a rare sight.

His gaze lingered on Elysia, unable to look away, "Ms. Thorne, you look absolutely gorgeous today."

Just as Elysia was about to thank him, Tarquin interjected with a scowl, "Silence is golden, Lowell!"

Lowell: "?!?"

Elysia was exasperated, "Can't you ever be nice? Lowell did nothing to you. A compliment bothered you that much?!"

Tarquin remained silent, boarding the SUV.

Elysia reassured Lowell with a smile, "Ignore him. He's got issues."

Lowell chuckled awkwardly. It wasn't insanity; it was clear jealousy.

Only then did Elysia notice the vehicle change, her curiosity piqued as she asked Tarquin, "Did you borrow this or buy it? It looks expensive." Tarquin dodged the question, instead speaking earnestly, "When we get to the family estate, don't be intimidated by anyone. If they give you any trouble, you give it right back. Do whatever you want, without worrying about others. I've got your back. Even if you cause an uproar in the Bradford family, there's nothing to fear."