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."

brimming with tears, said,

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

tears in her eyes, soothed her, "Yes,

once again, burst into a radiant smile, innocence

such heinous acts, she

they had returned. The hard days for her

thought, "If only Elysia really were Irene,

company to deal with. Please,

course, go attend to

instructions,

held a 15% share in Hawkins Sea-freight had spread among

daughter couldn't return, and at the

they had already started

the smuggling of

loading the contraband onto the ships, planning to smuggle

his

Clayton left than Larry

situation with the

matter why she didn't expose us today, this woman must be dealt with,

old doctor, who had been through thick and thin with Clayton, furrowed his brows and said, "She must