Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



"Sure, I'll handle it. Why don't you grab a bite to keep your strength up? Just holler if you need me; I'll be just upstairs."

"Alright, go on then. I've got the kids. Knock 'em dead! And hey, if you can't get it sorted, give me a shout, I'll come down and we'll tackle it together. Oh, and try not to get into a brawl, let's win them over with reason!"

Tarquin: "...Got it."

After he left, Elysia took the kids over to the pastry section.

The Bradford family's selection of sweets was truly something else, making the average bakery look like child's play. The pastries, fresh from the oven, were a feast for both the eyes and the stomach.

Evan and Emmett were practically drooling.

But Elysia was cautious, not fully trusting the Bradfords just yet.

She did a quick safety check to make sure everything was up to snuff before letting the kids dive in.

"Oh, this is so good! Mom, you have to try this."

Evan held up a piece of ice cream cake with a look of pure joy, eager to share his find with his mom.

Elysia took a bite from Evan's fork.

The cake melted in her mouth, perfectly sweet - delicious.

She nodded in approval. Tarquin was right. The family might have its issues, but the pastries were top-notch.

"Here, Mom, these two are your favorites," Emmett said, handing over a couple of pastries.

Elysia smiled, "Don't worry about me, kiddo. Pick whatever you like."

The kids scampered off to choose their treats, while Elysia watched from a distance, keeping them in sight.Content is property of NôvelDrama.Org.

"Bet you've never had pastries this good in your life, huh?"

Allegra's voice came from behind, dripping with condescension, as if she were royalty looking down on a commoner.

Allegra, flanked by a group of elegantly dressed women, eyed Elysia with disdain.

Elysia internally scoffed at the arrival of these drama queens.

She swallowed her bite of cake and faced them head-on, "I haven't just never had pastries this good; I've also never seen people this awful." One of the women snapped, "Who are you calling awful?"

"Whoever took offense," Elysia shot back.

"You..."

Another jumped in, "Elysia, you're here enjoying pastries while we can't stand you. Are you clueless or just plain daft?"

Elysia was unphased, "Seems to me you're the ones with issues. If you don't like me, keep walking. Why make a spectacle? And since when does not being liked mean I should be upset? I don't like you lot, but you don't see me crying in a corner."

"How dare you! Do you know who you're speaking to?"

"Nope, and I don't care to know. All I know is your opinion of me doesn't matter. As long as my man... Tarquin, likes me, that's all that counts." My man, referring to Tarquin.

Allegra's frown deepened, "Elysia, do you really think just because he likes you, you can waltz into the Bradford family and claim our fortune? This family isn't just his; he doesn't call all the shots!"

Marry into the Bradford family and claim their fortune? Elysia realized they had the wrong idea.

No wonder they were so irate!

But she wasn't about to correct them. Let them stew in their misunderstanding.

Better for them to be infuriated!

Elysia leisurely finished her pastry and wiped her hands with a napkin.

Then, she shrugged off her cashmere coat, revealing a stunning red designer dress underneath.

She stood up, ready to face them head-on. Battle stations!