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,

had a nightmare, a

lump in his throat, his eyes swelling with

close, trying hard to keep his own emotions in check, his voice

again! You

his arms, a horrific dream dragging her back

had endured as a child was

been covered in bruises and wounds. To her parents, disciplining her was as routine as dinner.

lashed out at her when work

her when money was tight and she couldn't afford her favorite dresses or

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

Thorne

wearing Daphne's hand-me-downs, even being punished to stand or kneel outside in

common.

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

let the Thorne family see her tears, for it would

did her awareness to protect herself. School issues even

from hitting her for no

as a bastard, a slut, a worthless dog, an ungrateful

to attend school, though with