Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 301

"Turn down Elijah, don’t agree to be his mom. Name your terms - a house, a car, cash, whatever."

Elysia blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?"

Tarquin scowled at her. "I don't like you, you know that, right?"

Elysia paused, then retorted, "Funny, I'm not exactly fond of you either!"

"Well, in that case, make it clear to Elijah. We're not happening, so you can't play mom."

Elysia was confused. "What does being Elijah’s mom have to do with us being together?"

Of course, it mattered. If they weren't together, his son would end up leaving him! But that was not something Tarquin would admit. He was wary Elysia would use that against him.

"Just do as you're told, no need to ask why," Tarquin said coldly.

Elysia fired back, "And who are you to order me around? What right do you have?"

She stood her ground, chin up, defiant like a rebellious teenager.

"I hired you to look after Elijah. I pay your wages, so you listen to me!" Tarquin tried to keep his cool.

Elysia muttered defiantly, "That may be true, but I have rights too. And given my current relationship with Elijah, I deserve to know why you're against me being his mom."

Tarquin lost his patience and snapped, "Do you want money or a reason?"

Elysia choked.

"If you reject Elijah, I'll write off the money you owe me and throw in another $500,000. Want a house and a car? I'll add those, too."

Elysia glared, truly angry now. "Are you insane? What kind of twisted logic is that? How does my relationship with Elijah concern you? And this nonsense about if he's my son, you have to be my husband! Dream on!"

Tarquin was livid. "You're just...!"

"Unreasonable, right? Who's being unreasonable here? Let's have the readers decide! I've never seen such a dad. Someone's genuinely trying to do good for your son, and instead of being grateful, you attack them. Worse than a dog!"

"Elysia!"

"Don't you dare yell at me!"

Tarquin was speechless, furious to the point of disarray, glaring at her as if wishing she'd lose her voice.

Elysia, too, was fuming, cheeks flushed, teeth clenched, looking like she was ready to throw down, wishing she could smack him right then and there.