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."

eyes brimming with tears, said, "Thank

leave, Irene won't go, Irene won't

in her eyes, soothed her, "Yes, I won't leave. I'll stay by your

again, burst into a radiant smile, innocence written all over her

accused of such heinous acts, she

returned. The hard days for her mother were

a heavy heart, thought, "If only Elysia really were Irene, how wonderful

deal with. Please, take care of Pamela for me. If you need

attend

giving his instructions, Clayton

Irene held a 15% share in Hawkins Sea-freight

all knew his daughter couldn't return, and at

they had already started

the smuggling of contraband

had gone behind his back, loading the

disregarding his authority

left than Larry

discussing Elysia's situation

matter why she didn't expose us today, this

said, "She must go, but Clayton surely has