Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem ( Elysia and Tarquin) novel Chapter 582

"Seriously, you've been going like a machine, no food, no sleep. You're gonna crash at this rate."

There was a sparkle in Tarquin's eyes, a fiery intensity that couldn't be missed.

Caring about him, making a fuss over him, tucking him into bed, and whipping up something in the kitchen – if this wasn't a sign of affection, what was?

Tarquin looked every bit the clueless teenager in love, gazing at Elysia with a grin that could light up the darkest room.

That smile was genuine, reaching all the way to his eyes. He was truly happy.

Elysia, puzzled, asked, "What's with the smile? You look like you've won the lottery."

Tarquin just sat there, quietly watching her, his handsome face lit up with that smile.

Elysia was at a loss for words. His behavior was like a peacock flaunting its feathers – but why? He didn't have feelings for her, so what was with all the fanfare?

Was he sick or just messing with her?

Elysia frowned, deciding to ignore him and headed for the kitchen, leaving him to his devices.

Seeing her walk away, Tarquin quickly dropped his lovestruck expression and caught up to her.

Elysia, taken aback, asked, "What's up?"

Tarquin spoke softly, "I'm not tired."

"Not tired or not, you need to rest. You’re only human, not made of steel. You can't keep running on empty."

Tarquin hesitated for a moment before changing the subject.

"Aren’t you curious who tried to poison Elijah?"

He had thought she would bombard him with questions the moment he returned.

Elysia, fuming, wanted to curse Gideon and his ancestors but stopped herself, remembering Tarquin and the kids were also his family.

Instead of cursing his lineage, she cursed only him.

"What goes around comes around. Karma's always watching, and Gideon will get what he deserves. Just you wait and see!"

After venting, she turned to Tarquin with a comforting tone, "Don't let his actions dishearten you. If he could harm Elijah, it shows he never saw you or Elijah as family. Just treat him as an enemy, nothing more."

Tarquin's expression softened as he looked at her, "Can I have a hug?"

"Huh?" Elysia paused, their eyes locking.

The emotion in his eyes was overwhelming, yet to Elysia, it translated into a world of hurt.

Looking at him, she felt like she was comforting a big, wounded dog that had been let down by its own family.