Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 243

Elysia pouted apologetically, "I'm so sorry about today. I didn't mean for him to get hurt, I..."

"Did you find out anything?" Tarquin cut her off mid-sentence.

Elysia understood exactly what he was asking. Sitting across from him on the sofa, she sincerely assessed Elijah, "His condition is not as bad as I feared. From his actions today, it's clear he knows right from wrong and understands empathy."

His defense of her today was obviously a result of her looking after him these past few days. She cared for him, and he protected her, a clear display of understanding and empathy.

"It’s like, you scratch my back, and I scratch yours. He's not one for big expressions, but he knows what's in his heart. His aloof nature has to do with some personal challenges and his upbringing. He's a lot like you in that way."

Tarquin raised an eyebrow at her, the implication clear - was he being called aloof?

Elysia continued, "Environment shapes character. If you're always giving off a frosty vibe, don't expect a kid to be all sunshine and rainbows."

Tarquin pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

Elysia, ignoring his icy demeanor, went on, "But really, Elijah is warm-hearted beneath that cool exterior. He's a good kid, brave too, not easily bullied, as today's events have shown. All in all, Elijah's doing better than I expected."

A flicker of pleasure crossed Tarquin's eyes but vanished almost immediately.

"What's the next step?" he asked.

Elysia frowned. "Healing the mind requires a touch of the heart. To truly help him, we might need to start with his mom."

Tarquin replied icily, "We have no leads on his mother's whereabouts right now."

"I know, let me think..." Elysia glanced toward Elijah's room for a moment. "I'll go start on lunch first."

Without a clear plan in mind, she headed to the kitchen.

Tarquin watched her leave, then retreated to his own room.

Aside from discussing Elijah, they had little else to talk about. Neither brought up their kiss; not out of forgetfulness, but a mutual decision to avoid awkwardness.

Lowell returned, and Elysia asked, "Everything sorted?"

"Yeah, the boy's parents came forward to apologize."