Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem ( Elysia and Tarquin)

First off, the mysterious figure wasn't just enigmatic and perilous; he was out for blood-specifically, Tarquin's blood. That alone was a glaring red flag.

Then there was the fact that this shadowy figure seemed to know things about Elijah's mom. Add to that the bone-chilling statement he made that left Tarquin reeling.

Any one of these reasons was compelling enough for Tarquin to want to drag this person into the light. And it had to happen fast.

He had a hunch that this person wasn't Zane or Blossom. But that didn't mean they were off the hook. Especially Blossom-her little stunt with the dead cat definitely tied her to this mess in some way or another!

And Zane, with his creepy obsession with Elysia, was definitely on the suspect list.

So, it was settled. He'd keep an eye on both of them. But there was another key player in this twisted game-Elysia.

And as if on cue, Elysia walked in.

Tarquin watched her, his gaze sharp, almost as if she were bait on a hook. The idea of using her to lure out the enigma played across his mind unbidden.

After all, if this mystery man wanted to whisk her away, what better way to draw him out than by using Elysia as bait?noveldrama

Oblivious to his scheming, Elysia watched him light up a cigarette and couldn't help but chide, "The kids are around, you know. Maybe take it outside?"

Tarquin didn't respond, his expression unreadable.

Elysia, trying to ease the tension, ventured, "Are you still hung up on what I said earlier? I was just trying to look out for you. I've heard what Elijah said about people being after you over the years. Just a heads-up to be careful, that's all. No one's using me to get to you. And I definitely wouldn't harm you."

She was trying to dispel any doubts he had, keen on keeping her connection with the mysterious person under wraps.

Tarquin snapped back to the present, his expression softening a bit upon recalling Elliot's words.

Even though he couldn't fathom why she was being evasive, her roundabout way of showing concern did strike a chord. For the moment, he shelved the idea of using her to bait the mystery man and extinguished his cigarette.

He didn't call her out on her evasion but chose to reassure her instead, "I was just asking. Don't overthink it."

Tarquin was clear about where he stood with people if she was looking out for him, he could at least put her mind at ease.

Sure enough, his words worked like a charm, and Elysia visibly relaxed.

Taking a deep breath, she added, "Still, better safe than sorry, right? Just keep an eye out, stay cautious."

"Right," he agreed, the tension between them easing.

Elysia turned her attention to the undone seafood salad, slipping on disposable gloves to start prepping the steamed seafood.

Seizing the moment, Tarquin probed for more info about Blossom, "Why isn't your friend here today?"

His interest in Blossom overshadowed his suspicion of Zane. Zane was a maybe, but Blossom was a definite link to the mystery man. Elysia raised an eyebrow, "Blossom?"

"Yeah."

"She had some kindergarten event. Not sure when she'll be free."

"Why not give her a call? If she's done, she could join us for dinner."

Elysia eyed him skeptically, "Why this sudden interest in Blossom?"

His face gave nothing away as he explained, "Elijah mentioned Ms. Blythe was kind to him at Future Community. It's only polite to invite her over for dinner, especially with all this food. It'd be a shame to waste it."

Thinking of Blossom's love for seafood and not wanting the pricey shrimp to go to waste, Elysia hesitated for a moment before making a video call to Blossom.