Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Chapter 243

Elysia pouted apologetically, "I'm so sorry about today. I didn't mean for him to get hurt, I..."

"Did you find out anything?" Tarquin cut her off mid-sentence.

Elysia understood exactly what he was asking. Sitting across from him on the sofa, she sincerely assessed Elijah, "His condition is not as bad as I feared. From his actions today, it's clear he knows right from wrong and understands empathy."

His defense of her today was obviously a result of her looking after him these past few days. She cared for him, and he protected her, a clear display of understanding and empathy.

"It's like, you scratch my back, and I scratch yours. He's not one for big expressions, but he knows what's in his heart. His aloof nature has to do with some personal challenges and his upbringing. He's a lot like you in that way."

Tarquin raised an eyebrow at her, the implication clear - was he being called aloof?

Elysia continued, "Environment shapes character. If you're always giving off a frosty vibe, don't expect a kid to be all sunshine and rainbows."

Tarquin pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

Elysia, ignoring his icy demeanor, went on, "But really, Elijah is warm-hearted beneath that cool exterior. He's a good kid, brave too, not easily bullied, as today's events have shown. All in all, Elijah's doing better than I expected."

A flicker of pleasure crossed Tarquin's eyes but vanished almost immediately.

next step?" he

the heart. To truly help him, we

no leads on his mother's whereabouts

let me think..." Elysia glanced toward Elijah's room for a moment.

a clear plan in mind,

then retreated to his

up

Elysia asked,

boy's parents came forward

misdeeds reflect on the parents. It was right for them

"Yeah. How's Elijah?"

some scrapes and

"And his father?"

eye on Elijah for me, will you? I'm heading to the grocery store to pick

was thinking of making burgers for lunch. No need to go out, let's eat

grabbed her

to himself, Elysia would make an amazing wife for Tarquin. She's beautiful,