Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Claire stared blankly at him, absorbing every word of what now seemed like nothing but ghost stories. And then, overwhelmed by a rush of hurt and disbelief, she burst into tears.

Cecil wrapped his arms around her, his voice soft with comforting words, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of disdain.

"It's alright to cry, love. It's my fault. I've put you through so much over the years. Every time I've hurt you, I swear it pained me too, as if the blows were landing on my own heart."

Nestled in his embrace, Claire let her tears flow freely.

After allowing her a moment to cry, Cecil gently probed, "Claire, do you want to get our daughter better?"

Eagerly, she nodded, "Yes, absolutely!"

"Then you'll have to do exactly as I say."

"Of course, anything!"

He whispered a plan into her ear, and with a determined nod, Claire wiped away her tears and headed back to the hospital.

...

Meanwhile, Elysia and Tarquin had just returned to their hotel suite to the mouthwatering aroma of dinner being prepared. Emmett was in the kitchen, orchestrating the evening meal with the help of Baby and Pamela Patel.

The trio radiated happiness, with Emmett taking charge like a little adult, doling out compliments and instructions with the ease of a seasoned chef. "Grandma, your knife skills are amazing! Look at how perfectly you've diced the vegetables!"

"And Baby, you've washed the tomatoes so thoroughly, well done! You're amazing too!"

"Mummy loves scrambled eggs with tomatoes. Let's make that for her tonight."

"Daddy's favorite is beef stew. Grandma, could you help chop the beef into small cubes? Be careful not to cut yourself."

Standing at the doorway, Elysia was moved to tears by this simple, domestic scene.

How could she ever think of taking Emmett back to that twisted environment? She'd rather face death herself.

Tarquin, sensing her turmoil, wrapped his arm around her shoulders in silent support.

Elysia, trying to avoid making a scene, quietly wiped her tears and bent down to take off her shoes.

Baby, noticing her first, dropped the tomato she was holding and ran to the door, "Mummy!"

Elysia forced a smile and lifted her daughter into her arms, "Are you helping make dinner, Baby?"

"Yes, Emmett's cooking, and Grandma and I are helping. Why does your voice sound hoarse, Mummy? And why are your eyes so red? Did someone bully you?"

Hearing the commotion, the others came to check on Elysia, who had not shared the reason for her earlier departure.

Concerned by Elysia's distressed appearance, Pamela and the kids grew worried.

Elysia reassured them, "No one's

bullying me. I was just moved by a story Blossom told me. I couldn't

help but cry, and now my eyes are all red, and my voice is hoarse.

DUMS

Emmett, wearing a little apron, approached with curiosity, "What story did Blossom tell that was so moving?"

Elysia knelt down, gently stroking Emmett's cheek, her eyes brimming with tears, "Blossom told a story about a mother being separated from her child."

Hearing this, Emmett quickly reassured her, "Mummy, don't be sad. We'll never be separated from you."

The other kids echoed in unison, "Right, we'll always stay with Mummy, never apart."

Holding back her tears, Elysia hugged Emmett and affectionately patted the others, "Yes, we'll never be apart."

"Don't worry, Irene. Mummy will make you something delicious."

Pamela approached, comforting Elysia just as she would soothe the children, gently patting her head.noveldrama

Elysia smiled gratefully, "Thanks, Mum."

"Let's go make something delicious," Pamela said, leading Elysia into the kitchen.

Now well-cared-for and no longer needing a wheelchair, Pamela had recovered well, both in spirit and in health.

Feeling loved and cherished, Elysia

followed Pamela into the kitchen

with Emmett and Baby trailing

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behind. Evan, always eager to join in, stuck close to Elysia's side.

Elliot and Elijah, however, sensed something was amiss and pulled Tarquin aside into the study, "What's really going on with Mummy?"

The two boys had noticed the unusual atmosphere and were seeking answers.