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,

a nightmare, a

in his throat, his eyes swelling with

keep his own emotions in check, his

I'm here now. No one will ever hurt you again! You have me, you have the kids, we'll protect you...

arms, a horrific dream dragging her back into

as a child was a blur, forgotten

disciplining her was as routine as dinner. Her face often swollen,

out at her

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

and poor grades would somehow always end up being Elysia's

seemed that whenever someone in the Thorne family was upset, Elysia was

to stand or kneel outside in thunderstorms and snow - it was all

common.

a child, she didn't understand what domestic abuse was, or that she could seek legal protection. She endured it all alone, hiding her tears in secluded

family see her tears, for it would only bring more

to protect herself. School issues even

pressures, finally refrained from hitting

bastard, a slut,

attend school,