Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Chapter 763

"I didn't do it, I swear... Please, don't hit me... Dad, stop, it hurts, it really hurts..."

Tarquin's brow furrowed with concern as he rushed over and wrapped his arms around her, "Elysia!"

It was as if a jolt of electricity shot through her, her body trembling violently as she fought back, "Don't hit me! Get away from me!"

But Tarquin held her tight, his heart breaking into pieces.

Those damn Thorne family monsters!

"Elysia, it's me! Wake up-" Tarquin clung to her, calling out, hoping to snap her out of the nightmare.

After a struggle, Elysia's eyes fluttered open, tears veiling her vision.

She looked around, timid and cautious, her eyes wide with the fear of a little girl who's just experienced something terrifying.

"Elysia..." Tarquin's heart ached for her.

Elysia stared at him for a moment, as if recognizing him for the first time, and then burst into tears, burying herself in his embrace as if seeking refuge,

nightmare, a terrible

a lump in his throat, his eyes

to keep his own emotions in check, his

one will ever hurt you again! You have

arms, a horrific dream dragging her back

she had endured as a child was a blur, forgotten and

parents, disciplining her was as routine as dinner. Her face often swollen, her body a canvas

out at her when

money was tight and she couldn't afford her

grades would somehow always end up being Elysia's fault in the eyes of

that whenever someone in the Thorne family was

leftovers, wearing Daphne's hand-me-downs, even being punished to stand or kneel outside in thunderstorms and snow - it

common.

abuse was, or that she could seek legal protection. She endured it all alone, hiding her tears

couldn't cry out loud, couldn't let the Thorne family see her tears, for it would only bring more

she grew, so did her awareness to protect herself. School issues even brought

hitting

bastard, a slut,

her to attend school, though with