Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 251

Because of this, Tarquin hadn't shown Elysia a single smile all day.

And Elysia? She didn't bother with him either. It's not like he was ever Mr. Sunshine towards her!

After fixing dinner, Elysia was ready to head home.

These past few days, she'd spent her mornings here with Elijah, only to return home in the evenings to her three little rascals.

When it was time to leave with White, Elijah clearly seemed reluctant to part ways. Elysia could only comfort him, “I'll talk it over with Evan, see if we can bring White over again tomorrow to hang out with you.”

As much as she wanted Elijah to be happy, White was Evan’s pet; she couldn’t just decide to give White to Elijah without consulting Evan. Neither could she just cheer up Elijah and ignore how Evan felt.

Elijah, silent, handed White back to her and turned his gaze towards the window.

With a doting tone, Elysia said, “I’ll come by again tomorrow, see you then.”

Elijah didn’t respond, the epitome of aloofness.

It wasn’t until he heard the door close behind her that he turned around, looking both aggrieved and unhappy. He didn’t want her to go, but pride kept him from asking her to stay.

Just like his dad, too proud for his own good.

In the living room, Elysia was surprised to find Tarquin, dressed and ready, standing by the door.

“Are you driving me?”

“Yeah.”

“What about Lowell?” It had been Lowell who was driving her around lately.

Tarquin, frowning, didn’t explain but retorted, “Are you coming or not?”

“What about Elijah? You’re leaving him alone at home?”

“There’s someone to look after him. Don’t worry about it.”

Elysia pouted, reluctantly following him downstairs.

He was still driving that same old sedan, and the ride was silent between them.

It wasn’t until they reached the gate of her complex that Elysia realized he’d locked the car doors.

Elysia, wary, asked, “Why’d you lock the doors?”

Tarquin killed the engine, lit a cigarette, and took a few puffs before speaking up,

“The Bradford family has a family reunion next month, and we need Elijah to attend. He’s also expected to give a speech; think you could convince him?”

So, that was why he’d personally driven Elysia today. He knew he wouldn’t be able to handle it himself, so Elysia was his best shot.

Seeing her eagerness, Tarquin pressed his lips together in disdain. She was the typical type, eyes wide open at the sight of money—a true money-grubber!

“Do well, and the bonus starts in the five figures.”

Elysia’s eyes went wide, “For real?”

“Yeah.”

"Once the bonus is in, the work's a breeze. I'll definitely shine, you can bet on it!"

Even though she wasn't taking care of Elijah for the money, getting paid would definitely put a smile on her face. She was really struggling financially right now, so any opportunity to earn some cash had to be seized. After all, she still had three sons relying on her.

Seeing her react like she just got a jolt of electricity, Tarquin added, "If you can convince Elijah to cooperate and attend the ancestral ritual, it's a 50 thousand bonus." He didn't want to scare her off with too many details.

50 thousand was like winning the lottery for Elysia, her eyes widening even more, "50 thousand dollars?"

"Yep."

“Not five thousand? Not five hundred?”

“Nope. It’s 50 thousand.”

“A gentleman’s agreement is hard to break. You said fifty thousand, not a penny less. Going back on your word is a dog move!”