Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Claire fumbled with her words, "He... he was taken by traffickers."

Elysia didn't think much of it, "Does Emmett's father know about this?"

Claire quickly shook her head, "He doesn't know."

"You didn't tell him?"

"No."

"Why wouldn't you tell him something this big?"

"He... he's always wanted a son. If he found out about Emmett, he would never let Emmett leave with you guys, so I kept quiet."

Elysia was skeptical, "..."

Claire continued, "Please, take my advice. While Emmett's father is still in the dark, take Emmett and leave!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes! Just... before you go, could you leave me some money?"

Claire knew she was in the wrong. After saying her piece, she quickly lowered her head, unable to meet Elysia's eyes.

She was asking for money from the people who saved her son's life and had been taking care of him for years without offering anything in return. Wasn't this just like selling her son?

But she couldn't not ask for it. She was too scared not to, because it was Cecil who had demanded it.

If she didn't ask, Cecil would lash out at her daughter!

Cecil would also forcibly keep Emmett, not letting him leave!

Their family was toxic; Emmett staying would only bring him misery.

So, she had to ask for the money. With it, she could protect her daughter and ensure her son could leave safely.

Worried Elysia might refuse, Claire quickly explained her reason for asking,

"My son will be leaving with you, and I can't lose my daughter too. I need this money to pay for my daughter's medical treatment. I... I... hope you can help me..."

She finished speaking and again lowered her head, fidgeting with her hands, looking very uneasy.

Elysia frowned at her, knowing she would offer help regardless.

Tarquin had already mentioned donating a sum of money to ensure Maria could live a worry-free life. And since Claire was Emmett's biological mother, helping her was also a way of honoring Emmett.

It just never occurred to her that Claire would outright ask for it...

Seeing Elysia not responding, Claire hurriedly added,

"I don't need much, just... just ten thousand will do. Rest assured, with this ten thousand, you can peacefully take Emmett with you, and I promise not to disturb your lives again."

Elysia was silent.

Ten thousand wasn't a small amount, but it wasn't much for them either.

For Emmett and Maria, she was willing to pay.

And what they planned to donate was much more than that amount.

Elysia pulled out a wad of cash from her pocket,

"We came in a hurry, didn't prepare in advance. This is a little something from me and my friend, take it and buy some good food for Maria."

"I'll deposit a sum into Maria's hospital account later, taking care of her future needs."

"Next time you come for Maria's

treatment, just use that account

You won't have to worry about not having money for her treatment anymore."

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Depositing money into the hospital account was Tarquin's idea.

After digging into Cecil's background, he concluded that giving cash or transferring money would just end up being gambled away by Cecil. Depositing into the hospital was the safest option.

As for Claire, they would give her an additional sum as a way of showing filial piety for Emmett.

Upon hearing she wouldn't have to worry about her daughter's medical bills anymore, Claire was overjoyed!

Tears in her eyes, she knelt before Elysia, thanking them profusely,

et

"Thank you, thank you. What goes around comes around. In my next life, I'll do anything to repay you! You are good people, truly good, sob..."

Elysia quickly helped her up,

"Maria's been malnourished for a long time. Buy her some nutritious food to help her recover."

"Of course."noveldrama

After parting ways with Claire, Elysia's mood didn't improve; it became even more somber! When she handed Claire the tissue, she noticed the scars on Claire's arms.

Layers of new and old scars, the result of long-term abuse.

Perhaps Maria's sudden hospitalization wasn't an accident.

What kind of life had this mother and daughter been living?

Seeing Tarquin approach, she urgently asked,

"When you inquired about Maria's condition, did the doctor mention any injuries on her?"

His silence prompted Elysia to press further,

"Has Maria been a victim of domestic abuse?!"

Tarquin initially didn't want to tell Elysia; the more she knew, the more worried she'd be about Emmett, the more anxious she'd become.

Emmett's biological family was a topic fraught with complexities.

As Claire said, Emmett returning would only bring him suffering.

"Speak up, have they been undergoing domestic abuse?!"

Tarquin finally spoke,

et

"The doctor mentioned Maria had injuries likely caused by long-term

abuse, but her mother for

the

doctor from discussing it publicly."

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The doctor, fearing repercussions, informed Tarquin instead.

Elysia was shocked and couldn't understand.

Claire clearly loved Maria deeply. Why wouldn't she let others know about the abuse?

Didn't she want to seek justice for her daughter?

She must have been frequently abused herself, yet she kept silent too!

Was she a victim of abuse or was there something else at play?

Regardless, it was clear Emmett's biological family was far from normal!

Elysia grew even more anxious and unwilling to let go.

She had raised Emmett with so much effort; she couldn't let him return to a life of suffering!