Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



"I'll take care of the situation with Keith and the mysterious stranger. Just focus on your sister; she's just returned and could really use your company," he spoke, his tone veiling a request more than an order.

At this, the triplets exchanged a glance, their eyes softened with sympathy for him.

They had all been excited to reunite with the family gem, who recognized everyone - her mom, her brothers - but mistook him for Mr. Handsome.

To have her see Keith as 'Dad' instead of him was a blow, cutting deep.

Father and sons had spent a long morning in the study, emerging only as noon approached.

Immediately, the triplets scampered off to find their baby sister.

The tension surrounding Keith and the mysterious issues paled in comparison to their sister's return. She needed their attention most.

Elysia and Emmett were already with her in the bedroom, surrounding her with toys and laughter.

Her face lit up at the sight of her brothers, her voice sugary sweet as she called out, "Elliot, Evan, Elijah."

Their smiles were instantaneous, "What's our little princess up to?"

"Building blocks, castles," she responded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Emmett was in the midst of constructing a castle for her.

Not seeing Keith around, she asked curiously, "Where's Daddy?"

The question hung heavily in the air, the brothers exchanging uneasy glances, uncertain how to respond.

Elysia's lips moved slightly before she said, "Let's play a bit more, sweetheart. Mommy will go check."

Tarquin stood by the doorway, his gaze fixed on his daughter, dressed in her princess gown, her hair tied in cute little buns, looking even more adorable than she did downstairs.

He longed to sweep her into his arms, lift her high, but struggled with how to introduce himself.

Telling her outright that he was her real dad seemed risky; it could scare her away.

Yet, to be known only as Mr. Handsome was equally disheartening.

Elysia, sensing his turmoil, wrapped an arm around him, offering comfort, "She's been with Keith all this while; it's natural she mistook him. But she doesn't dislike you. I asked her if she liked you, and she said you looked just like her brothers. That's a good sign."

Tarquin felt a mix of bitterness and sweetness at her words.NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.

Being called Mr. Handsome stung, yet knowing his daughter liked him brought a sense of joy.

Sighing, he realized, "She's already so grown, and I've missed out on being there for her. If she doesn't dislike me, that's already more than I could hope for. Mr. Handsome or not, as long as she's happy, that's all that matters."

With a reassuring hug from Elysia, he felt a bit better. Then, glancing downstairs, Elysia asked, "Where's Keith?"

"He's gone."

She was surprised, "Just like that? He's not going to fight for her?"

Tarquin frowned slightly, "Seems like he won't be causing trouble for now. We might have some peace for a few days."

Keith had taken Elliot's words to heart, prioritizing their daughter's safety over everything else.

What Tarquin hadn't anticipated was Keith's return that very afternoon, determined to take their daughter with him!

Tarquin was both annoyed and shocked, "What?!"

Had Keith already neutralized all potential threats around her?

How had he managed that in such a short span?