Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1177

At four in the afternoon, Elysia walked into the coffee shop with Elliot and Evan in tow.

Zane had been waiting for a while.

He was dressed in slacks and a white shirt, looking a bit worn out yet still managing to exude a sunny, boy-next-door charm.

Zane had that bookish, honest-guy look.

His features were sharp and dignified, the kind that made you think, “Wow, he’s got it all together!”

Anyone who didn’t know him would never guess that beneath his handsome and genteel exterior lay a heart as black as coal.

Elysia clenched her fist discreetly, marching straight toward him.

Elliot and Evan followed closely, purposefully beaming at Zane as he greeted him with exaggerated enthusiasm, “Hello, Mr. Zane!”

Seeing the face that looked so much like Tarquin’s sent a shiver down Zane’s spine.

He had no intention of playing father to Tarquin’s kids.

Once he and Elysia were together, they’d have children of their own.

As for Tarquin’s kids, he’d make sure they were out of the picture.

In Zane’s eyes, he was the only one worthy of Elysia bearing children for.

No other man deserved it.

Feigning warmth, Zane raised his hand to tousle Elliot and Evan’s hair, “Hey there.”

Elysia sat down across from Zane, and told Elliot and Evan, “I need to talk to Mr. Zane, why don’t you go play in the kids’ area? I’ll call you when we’re done.”

“Okay!” Elliot and Evan chirruped, dashing off toward the play area in the corner.

Quite the little actor.

Elysia explained, “These two just wouldn’t stay home, so I had to bring them along.”

“I totally get it. Kids that age are all about their moms.”

Elysia cut to the chase, “Any news about Winona?”

Zane frowned slightly, releasing a gentle sigh.

But she quickly covered her head with her hands, trembling.

Her arms were covered in scars, evidence of abuse.

Even though Winona’s face only appeared for a few seconds, Elysia recognized her instantly!

It was Winona!

What had happened to their Winona?!

Elysia felt a deep ache in her heart.

Zane handed her a tissue, “Don’t be upset. At least she’s alive. We still have a chance to see her again.”

Elysia ignored the tissue, instead standing abruptly and heading for the restroom.

She feared she might lose control, might tear Zane’s deceitful mask right off his face!

Zane got up to follow her, and Elliot and Evan quickly trailed behind.

Meanwhile, Tarquin was glued to Elijah’s computer screen, watching all of this unfold, his brow furrowed in intense concentration.