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."

Clayton, visibly moved, his eyes brimming with tears, said, "Thank you, thank you."

Pamela clutched Elysia's hand tightly, "We won't leave, Irene won't go, Irene won't leave Mom.”

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

Pamela, childlike once again, burst into a radiant smile, innocence written all over her face.

Elysia felt a deep sympathy: Despite being falsely accused of such heinous acts, she remained oblivious to the slander and abuse.

Thankfully, they had returned. The hard days for her mother were over; happiness was all that awaited.noveldrama

Clayton, with a heavy heart, thought, "If only Elysia really were Irene, how wonderful that would be!"

Sighing, Clayton told Elysia, "Ms. Thorne, I've got an emergency at the company to deal with. Please, take care of Pamela for me. If you need anything, just ask the staff!"

"Of course, go attend to your business."

After giving his instructions, Clayton left the mansion.

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

They all knew his daughter couldn't return, and at the upcoming shareholders' meeting, he was set to lose.

So, they had already started making their moves!

He had explicitly forbidden the smuggling of contraband on the Hawkins family ships!

Yet, today, they had gone behind his back, loading the contraband onto the ships, planning to smuggle it overseas!

They were blatantly disregarding his authority as the current CEO!

No sooner had Clayton left than Larry received the news.

Larry was discussing Elysia's situation with the old doctor.

"No matter why she didn't expose us today, this woman must be dealt with, she can't stay!"

The old doctor, who had been through thick and thin with Clayton, furrowed his brows and said, "She must go, but Clayton surely has arranged for her and the child's protection. It's not easy to act now!"

"Clayton will protect her, but he surely won't extend that protection to her husband."

"What do you mean?"

“Helen did some digging on them. They're from humble beginnings, nothing notable. We can start by dealing with her husband at the hotel, then lure her there under his name!"

"And then take her out?"

"Exactly."

"That's a solid plan, but is her husband going to be easy to handle?"

Larry scoffed, "Her husband's just a deadbeat, a complete pushover. What's not easy about dealing with him? It'll be a piece of cake!"

The old doctor nodded, "Then it's settled."

Larry pulled out his phone to make arrangements, “We must finish this before Clayton returns. Let's ensure their family meets their end in Oceanopolis today! I'll have someone take care of her worthless husband first!"

Tarquin: Me, a deadbeat?!