Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Chapter 197

Tarquin had sparked up a cigarette, his only solace against the chilly breeze that swept through the yard. But no sooner had he taken a drag than the wind changed course, sending the smoke billowing straight into Elysia’s face.

She coughed violently, her delicate features reddening with each sharp intake.

Tarquin’s brow furrowed in concern, but Elysia just waved him off. “Don’t mind me. If it helps you relax, go ahead.”

Still, Tarquin hesitated for a brief moment before crushing the cigarette under his heel.

Elysia couldn’t help but sneak another glance at him, noticing a softness in his demeanor that was uncharacteristic of the man she knew. Her pulse quickened as she recalled the words Keaton had said over the phone just before her arrival at the hospital, making her all the more anxious.

Breaking the silence, Tarquin spoke, “I owe you one for today, for helping Elijah.”

“It was nothing!”

“What do you want in return?”

“I don’t want anything.”

“Come on, you’ve earned a favor. I’ll see it done whatever you ask.”

Elysia blurted out, “That won’t be necessary!”

“Oh?”

not think much of me, and the feeling is mutual. So let’s forget about any grand gestures of indebtedness. I can’t accept

for saving Elijah and then hinted that someone was interested in a more… personal form of gratitude. But Elysia wouldn’t entertain the thought of being with that someone, not even

His eyes narrowed slightly as he

face flushed, her eyes widening in disbelief as she denied, “No, not at all! Don’t twist my words.

“Me? Never.”

just said I could ask for anything. Doesn’t that mean you were expecting me

at a

or was there a hidden meaning behind her

“My heart belongs to Elijah’s mother. There’s no chance of me being with another woman, so

“That’s a relief!”

a probing look before adding, “But since you saved Elijah, I am willing

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Chacher 197

favor but that‘

save him for a reward.”

And though she was in dire need of money, Tarin was broke and burdened with Elijah’s medical

to ask

own choice, without any expectation of

said, “Fine, consider it a debt I owe you. If you ever need anything