Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 518

"Are you worried about your and the kids' safety? Don't be. With me around, no one's going to mess with you," Tarquin assured.

Elysia responded awkwardly, "Give me some time to think about it."

Tarquin didn't push her. "Alright, just let me know when you've decided."

"Okay." And with that, Elysia left.

Tarquin lit up a cigarette, sinking into a moment of solitude as he smoked.

Later, he called Josiah into the room. "Spread the word to those guys that I'm bringing Elysia in, like I'm leaving her in charge of my last wishes."

Josiah paused, his eyes flickering as he caught on. "Got it!"

...

With Tarquin's recent troubles, the business world was in turmoil. And it wasn't just the business sector; other circles were feeling the heat too. Especially after Josiah leaked the news about Tarquin's "last wishes," the instability only grew.

Tarquin was a titan, a man whose mere presence could shake the entire economy. And now, with rumors of his demise, his vast influence meant that many were losing sleep over the potential fallout. Some were elated, others worried. But for the general public, life went on as usual, oblivious to the storms within the upper echelons.

Elysia was one such person, unaware of Tarquin's true stature and the extent of his influence. So, her concern for him was pure and unfiltered, free from any ulterior motives.

"It's New Year's Eve. If you get out too late, all the shops will be closed, and you won't be able to buy anything!"

"What do you need to buy on New Year's Eve?" Tarquin wondered.

Elysia was taken aback. "Don't you buy things for the New Year?"

"I've never really celebrated New Year's," Tarquin admitted calmly. "When I was a kid, I celebrated with my parents. But after they passed, it was just me. There's not much point in celebrating alone. With Elijah, we tried for the first couple of years. But the holiday only made him miss his mom more. The more festive it got, the sadder he became. So, we just stopped celebrating."

Elysia's heart clenched in sympathy for both Elijah and Tarquin. New Year's, the grandest of traditions, yet here were father and son, choosing not to celebrate. She pictured them, isolated in their quiet home, surrounded by the joy of others, yet engulfed in their own solitude and longing. It was a thought that pained her deeply.