Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 916

The standoff between them lasted for a moment before Elysia, catching Tarquin off guard, stomped hard on his foot with all her might!

Tarquin hissed in pain, "My toe's broken."

Elysia seized the opportunity to break away from his embrace, snorting coldly, "Serves you right! Shameless!"

With that, she stormed out of the kitchen.

Tarquin, donning an apron and standing in front of the kitchen counter, watched her leave with a handsome smile, "Not gonna help me out here?"

"No way! Humph!"

Elysia left the kitchen to join the kids playing in the yard.

Tarquin looked towards the kitchen door, still grinning foolishly.

When Heath walked in, he found Tarquin still smiling.

Heath couldn't help but chuckle along, "These are some fresh mushrooms I just picked, perfect for a soup."

Tarquin turned his gaze away, "Heath, I'm really happy right now."

Heath was taken aback for a second; then his eyes welled up as he nodded vigorously, "I know, I know."

Heath knew everything; he had witnessed Tarquin's growth - from his toddler years to childhood, and then adolescence to young adulthood.

He had seen all the hardships Tarquin had endured and all the wounds he had suffered.

When Tarquin was taken in by the Bradfords, he was just a few years old.

For the following decade and more, every single day and night, he lived on the edge of life and death.

During those countless nights, at least half were spent curled up in a corner, sleeping with his knees hugged to his chest!

Growing up, he was always on high alert, never daring to let his guard down!

After all, living in a den of wolves, one careless move could mean death.

Eventually, when he gained the ability to protect himself, he then endured the agony of Elijah's mental illness!

Everyone said Keith had a tragic life, pitiable.

But in Heath's eyes, Tarquin was the most tragic, the most pitiable!