Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



"Daddy, where's mommy?" Baby asked the moment she saw Tarquin.

Tarquin scooped her up in his arms, "Mommy's in the kitchen making dinner. Why don't you go say hi to Grandpa first?"

Carrying Baby, Tarquin entered the house and introduced Elijah and Baby to the Patel family brothers. At the moment, only the Patel brothers were in the living room.

Upon hearing the news about Dr. White, Clayton had rushed over immediately.

Elijah and Charles had known each other online for years, yet they had never met in person. And Charles had never revealed his true identity. He wanted to find Irene first before revealing his true connection to Elijah! It was a pact between the mentor and his apprentice. Now that they had acknowledged each other, it felt as if finding Irene had become an even more distant possibility.

Moreover, the Patel family was currently in a precarious situation. Supporting Clayton meant going against the tide. It was uncertain what fate awaited the Patel family after the Hawkins family's shareholders' meeting. If they acknowledged their relationship now and something happened to him, Elijah would surely seek vengeance on his behalf. It was unnecessary.

Over the years, Elijah had faced many hardships in the search for his mother. Now that he had finally found her, the best thing was for him to grow up healthy, happy, and successful, just like Mr. Bradford.

Charles complimented, "Mr. Bradford, you're truly blessed. Your children are exceptional. They're bound to grow up and become outstanding individuals, just like you."

Tarquin smiled, and Elijah gave a polite bow.

Joshua Patel and Robert Patel, however, were completely taken by Baby. Even in disguise, Baby reminded them of Irene.

Joshua's gaze softened, "This little girl is so cute and chubby."

Robert's eyes reddened, "Irene was younger than Baby when she disappeared."

It's often said that love for the parent extends to the child. Their love for Pamela translated to an equal love for Pamela's daughter.

The memory of Pamela's heart-wrenching cries when Irene first disappeared was something the brothers hadn't forgotten. Even now, the thought brought tears to their eyes.

Over the years, they had watched helplessly as their sister descended into madness, unable to find any way to help her except to search relentlessly. Despite being masters of the inte, the Patel brothers had found no trace of Irene.

As Tarquin was reminded of the past, he sent Lowell to take the children to the kitchen to find Elysia and Pamela.

"Today, when I arrived at the Hawkins family home, I heard rumors. Why do many believe Ms. Hawkins is already dead? And they seem so sure of it. Was there something more to her disappearance?"

The Patel brothers frowned, "We've suspected Irene's disappearance wasn't simple, possibly not an accident but foul play. However, despite our investigations, we've found nothing. All evidence suggests Irene's disappearance was an accident."

Tarquin's brow furrowed in concern.

If it was an accident, her fate would be unknown. So why were so many convinced of her death? There had to be more to this story. Their conversation was interrupted by Clayton's return. His eyes were red and swollen, his voice hoarse from anger.

Sitting down, he despairingly said to Tarquin, "I'm a cautionary tale, Mr. Bradford. Always be wary, even of those you trust. 'Trust but verify' is not always enough. Even blood brothers can stab you in the back, let alone those without blood ties. Does going through thick and thin together mean anything? Does raising someone from childhood mean anything? For some, no matter how good you are to them, it's in vain."

Betrayals by Larry and Dr. White, and Carl's defection, had deeply wounded Clayton.

It was one thing to be hurt by strangers, but betrayal by those close to him cut much deeper. It was the emotional betrayals that hurt the most.

The Patel brothers exchanged somber looks. Tarquin, at a loss for words, could only change the subject.noveldrama

"On a brighter note, the old Murphy family mansion mysteriously caught fire, suffering massive losses. Several buildings were completely consumed by the flames."