Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 539

Tarquin was taking a drag on his cigarette when he spotted Elysia approaching. Instinctively, he thought about stubbing it out. He knew Elysia hated the smell of smoke.

"Just smoke if it helps you relax," Elysia said. "I don't mind."

Tarquin glanced at her and crushed the cigarette under his shoe anyway.

"Alright, there's a point for Dad," the kids chimed in unison.

"Who told you I was in a bad mood?" Tarquin asked.

"I don't need to be told, it's written all over your face," she replied.

"Just needed a smoke, that's all."

Really? Quitting just like that when the craving hits?

Tarquin swallowed hard, touched by her openness. He had lost his parents early and was taken in by the Bradfords, a den of wolves. Every day was a struggle for survival. Gideon, the head of the family, wanted to use him to consolidate power, keeping the ambitious relatives at bay. Meanwhile, others plotted against him, hoping to eliminate him and secure their own progeny's ascendancy. Many nights, he lay alone, curled up in a corner, crying silently, clutching a knife until dawn. And it was highly likely that his parents were killed by members of the Bradford family. No wonder he harbored such hatred towards them!

"People say I'm ruthless, that I have no respect for my own grandparents or aunts. They call me cold-blooded, not understanding what it means to be a family. Ha, as if they know what they're talking about! My hatred for the Bradfords isn't unfounded! If not for certain circumstances, I'd have cut them out of my life long ago. Prison or a hospital bed would've been too good for them! And because of my own childhood, sometimes I even resent Elijah's mother. Though Elijah was safe under my protection, he missed her terribly. Many nights, he too curled up, silently crying until dawn."

Tarquin took a deep breath, looking back at Elysia. His childhood was undoubtedly tragic, but compared to hers, it seemed almost bearable. At least he had known love once, with Kendrick and Elizabeth. But Elysia... Born only to be abandoned. Adopted, yet unloved. Striving hard to get into her dream college, only to be forced to give up her dreams.