Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Chapter 312

Elijah was never one to warm up to strangers easily, but something about Emmett felt different, almost inviting.

He took the initiative, "Hey, I'm Elijah. Nice to meet you."

"Nice, nice! Welcome, and thanks for joining our big, crazy family."

"Thanks for... me?"

"Yeah, your presence just brings this vibe of happiness, man. It's all you, so thank you for that."

Elijah paused, feeling as if a ray of sunshine had suddenly warmed his heart. Emmett's warmth and friendliness touched him deeply. It felt as if he had unlocked a door to a world he never knew, one filled with vibrant colors and life.

Elijah's heart was warmed, but at that moment-

Tarquin's heart was cold as ice!

After all, unlike Emmett, who was rational and harbored a complex blend of resentment and familial affection for Tarquin, Evan only had disdain for him. Not an ounce of love. In his eyes, anyone who loved his mom was a friend, anyone who hurt her, well, they were the enemy.

"Please, just be quiet. I need some peace."

keep it down for a bit? I'm trying

"Don't speak!"

you not

son's words to him after getting in the car. Four sentences, each colder than the last, the final one exploding

tone; Elijah

"Elijah..."

Evan scratched his head in irritation. After a moment, he glared at Tarquin through gritted

back for so long, way too long! It's been hard, really hard. You better

his big brother had said, "Tarquin's your dad, you can't hit him!" Hitting him would mean

pushing him to speak, and he was

was still fuming internally when Tarquin was

you want to

really do!" Evan clenched his teeth, "So, behave,

genuinely

not your Elijah!" Evan snapped back

what? And who do you think you are, calling yourself

Realizing his slip, Evan pouted, "I don't want to talk