Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 555

The call was from Blossom.

"You all go ahead and eat, I'll take this call," Elysia told Tarquin and the children before stepping out with her phone.

As soon as she was gone, Allegra immediately turned to Tarquin with a scowl, "Are you seriously in love with her? A woman from the lower rungs of society, saddled with a bunch of unruly kids, what on earth do you see in her? Does she even belong in the Bradford family?"

Tarquin's face darkened, and he didn't mince his words in response, "Whether I love her or whether she belongs in the Bradford family is none of your business! You have no right to judge! And for your information, those kids are well-raised by Elysia. They're great kids. If you think they're ill-mannered, maybe it's you who needs to take a good look in the mirror. They have more manners than some people I know!"

He glanced coldly around the room, making sure everyone knew exactly who he was referring to.

Allegra turned a shade of purple, "Tarquin, you..."

"If you don't want to eat, then leave. If you're going to stay, then eat quietly and keep your opinions to yourself," Tarquin snapped back.

The rest of the Bradfords exchanged uncomfortable glances.

Elliot, Evan, and Emmett all silently approved of Tarquin's defense, while Elijah was secretly pleased that Tarquin hadn't outright denied his love for Elysia.

Just then, a new bowl of steaming soup was served by the housemaid, and everyone got a bowl, including the kids who were now happily spooning soup into their mouths.

Suddenly, Elijah's spoon clattered to the floor, and he slumped down, crashing to the ground.

"Elijah!" Tarquin's face went pale as he rushed over, with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett following closely behind, "What's wrong with Elijah?!"

Elijah was foaming at the mouth, convulsing for a few seconds before going still.

The shock and panic were palpable on Tarquin and the boys' faces. "Call a doctor—now!"

Evan quickly wiped his tears and ran to call Elysia.

The Bradfords stood frozen, finally realizing Elijah wasn't breathing. Their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets in shock, "Elijah's...he's dead?!"

Dead?!

Gideon was in disbelief, pushing himself up with his cane to check on Elijah.

Tarquin was still on the floor, desperately trying to revive Elijah, who showed no signs of life, clearly gone.

Gideon was stunned!!!

He turned to his confidant, who was just as shocked, shaking his head frantically, indicating it wasn't his doing, clueless about what had just happened.