Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Chapter 162

“Tarquin! What brings you by today? Got some time on your hands?” Nola chirped, her voice bubbling with surprise and delight. She was in the midst of a shopping spree with her friends while waiting for a message from Oriana.

The news that Oriana had successfully kidnapped Elysia had sent waves of glee through Nola’s heart.

With a grand gesture, she treated her group of girlfriends to high tea and a lavish lunch.

They were all buzzing with excitement when word got out that Tarquin had come to see her.

The girls couldn’t hide their envy as one sighed dramatically, “Ah, Nola’s got the golden ticket. We can’t even get a glimpse of Mr. Bradford, and there he goes knocking on Nola’s door!”

“Exactly! Nola, you gotta spill the beans. Did you and Mr. Bradford have a tiff after he announced you two weren’t an item?”

“Is that even a question? It’s all a lovers‘ tiff. They have a spat, pretend to break up, and now here he is, making amends. Bet they’ll be announcing their engagement before we know it.”

“Oh Nola, you’re so lucky. Who else but you to fill Mrs. Bradford’s shoes?”

“Remember us when you’re rolling in it, Nola. Once you’re Mrs. Bradford, you better not forget your old pals.”

Nola basked in their flattery, feeling on top of the world.

was

” he‘

if Tarquin’s visit was truly a peace offering, as

Mrs.

such a great mood

brow furrowed, and he gave her a cold,

Tarquin’s irritation, was still lost in her own

say what’s

voice was ice, “Did you contact Oriana?”

heart skipped a beat, her expression shifting instantly. “Tarquin, what

he said, his tone hardening. “I’m

Nola panicked.

pressed on, “Did you reach out to Oriana?”

“LL”

and seeing Tarquin’s serious demeanor, quickly chided his daughter, “Speak up! Tell the truth!”

feeling cornered, confessed, “I…I did reach out to Oriana.”

“What for?”