Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 334

"But don't be too hard on yourself. Your physique is definitely leagues above those bargain bin rejects. I reckon even at a dime a pop, readers might give it a thought."

Tarquin glared at her, a glare so icy it could freeze someone solid.

Elysia shrank back a bit, "You should be grateful; I'm trying to comfort you here."

"So I'm supposed to thank you for that?!" His words came out strained, squeezed through clenched teeth.

Elysia's lips trembled, "No need!"

"Ding ding ding." Elysia's phone rang; it was Elliot.

The little ones were worried about her, fearing their goofy dad might have flipped and upset her again, so they called to check in.

Elysia quickly stepped aside to answer, "Hello, Elliot."

"Mommy, what are you up to?"

"I... I'm talking with Elijah's dad."

"Oh, we're with Elijah right now. Don’t worry about us; he hasn't caught onto our secret.

And don't worry about not being able to see Elijah in the future. Elijah's dad was just scared you'd fight over custody, so he spoke in anger. We've explained it to him, and he's realized his mistake and said he'd apologize to you."

Hearing this, Elysia felt a wave of relief. Tarquin hadn't recognized the kids, which was good news!

And the possibility of seeing Elijah again was also good news!

But an apology? That hadn't happened.

He'd been nitpicking non-stop!

But it didn't matter; she wasn't exactly holding her breath for his apology!

"Blossom is probably on her way to pick you guys up. Go home with Blossom, and I'll come back later too."

"Mhm."

After hanging up, Elysia placed her phone over her heart, taking several deep breaths to calm her nerves.

As long as the kids were okay, she was okay!

After all, she truly didn't know Elijah's mother; she wasn't lying.

But the whole thing about taking nudes for cash was a complete fabrication!

Tarquin's gaze was terrifying, prompting her to blurt out in a bid to fortify her courage,

"We could partner up; you strip, I shoot. A dime a shot, profits split fifty-fifty."

Tarquin's facial muscles twitched with rage, "Get lost!"

Elysia felt her eardrums might burst from his roar, "You..."

"GET OUT—"

His bellow sent her scurrying away, not daring to utter another word, sidestepping him and bolting!

She didn't look back, as if a tidal wave or a beast were on her heels!

After Elysia left, Tarquin stood alone in the gazebo, lighting up a cigarette.