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

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

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

radiant smile,

falsely accused of such heinous acts, she remained oblivious to the slander

they had returned. The hard days for her mother

with a heavy heart, thought, "If only Elysia really

I've got an emergency at the company to deal with. Please, take care of Pamela for me.

attend

instructions,

news that Irene held a 15% share in Hawkins Sea-freight had spread among the

all knew his daughter couldn't return, and at the upcoming shareholders' meeting,

they had already

smuggling of contraband on the Hawkins

the contraband onto the

his authority as the

had Clayton left than Larry

Elysia's situation with the old

she didn't expose us today, this woman must be

and said, "She must go, but