Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

As Clayton finished speaking, his phone buzzed with a new message, prompting a frown from him.

The phone rang the next second.

Clayton didn't answer it; instead, he pocketed his phone and turned to Elysia, asking, "Ms. Thorne, I heard from Evan you're visiting from out of town?"

Elysia fibbed, "Yes."

Clayton hastily added, "If you don't mind, Ms. Thorne, you could cancel your hotel reservation and stay at the Hawkins residence. Bring your husband along, too. You can both stay here.

My wife mistook you for our daughter, and seeing you made her happy. I'd like her to enjoy that feeling a bit longer."

Before Elysia could reply, Clayton hurriedly assured, "Don't worry, I'll ensure your safety at the Hawkins residence, and it won't interfere with your plans. You're free to come and go as you please."

Elysia had no intention of leaving anyway. If her father hadn't brought it up, she would have.

But seeing her father's humble plea, she felt a pang of heartache.

"It just so happens my husband is tied up with work these next few days and can't take us out. I feel a connection with Mrs. Hawkins; I'd like to stay and keep her company."

with tears,

won't leave, Irene won't

her, "Yes, I won't leave. I'll stay by

radiant smile, innocence written all over her

of such

her mother

Elysia

deal with. Please, take care of Pamela

attend

giving his instructions, Clayton left the

that Irene held a 15% share in Hawkins Sea-freight

daughter couldn't return, and at the upcoming shareholders'

already started making their

had explicitly forbidden the smuggling of

they had gone behind his back, loading the contraband onto the

blatantly disregarding his authority

left

situation

expose us today, this woman must

brows and said, "She must go,