Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 520

Instead, she was absolutely thrilled today.

Just the thought of hitting the mall later and spending however she fancied had her buzzing with excitement. After leaving the police station, she immediately called Blossom.

Blossom and the kids were already on their way to the mall, and they agreed to meet up at the main entrance. The plan was to shop for clothes at the mall first and then hit the market for some holiday shopping. This year, Professor Folly and his wife couldn't make it back from their archaeological dig abroad, leaving Blossom solo. It just so happened she'd be joining them for the New Year celebrations.

Half an hour later, they all met up at the entrance of the mall. As soon as Blossom saw Elysia, she teased, "Look at you, all smiles. Hit the jackpot, did you?"

"Yep! Big time! Today, I'm buying whatever I want, all on me!"

Blossom looked skeptical, "Really rolling in it, huh?"

Elysia flashed her platinum card, "Please, call me Lady Moneybags!"

"No way, some random guy gave that to you?"

Elysia glared at her, "Cut it out. For today, he's not some random guy, he's Mr. Bradford."

As for whether he stays 'some random guy' or becomes 'Mr. Bradford' permanently, that'll depend on how he plays his cards. No dough, he's just some dude; but with cash in hand, he's Mr. Bradford!

Blossom's envy was almost tangible, "Lady Moneybags, I bow down to thee."

Elysia couldn't have been prouder, wealthy, beautiful, with kids, and sans a man! To her friends, she was nothing short of royalty!

After a morning of wild shopping, they were all exhausted yet exhilarated. Having finished their spree, Elysia and the kids headed back to Future Community, while Blossom took a detour to her parents' place to hang up some holiday decorations. Uncertain about Tarquin's release time, Elysia and the kids didn't join Blossom.

Once back at Future Community, Emmett was busy getting Elliot and Evan ready with makeup for the evening's New Year's Eve dinner. Elysia collapsed onto the couch, pulling a classic slouch. Watching the kids buzzing around full of energy, she couldn't help but smile contentedly, though inwardly she joked about her own stamina: Man, I'm getting old, a day of shopping nearly did me in!

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Thinking it might be Tarquin, she quickly instructed the kids to stay in their rooms, doors closed, until they were fully dressed and ready. Then she went to answer, "Coming, coming, who is it?"

No response. Elysia frowned. If it had been Tarquin, he would've answered by now. Instead of opening the door right away, Elysia peeped through the peephole. The sight of the person outside made her heart skip a beat, nearly screaming in shock, her expression completely changing!