Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1815

Axel always took care of Lowell. If they only had one roll of bread, Axel would give Lowell the lion's share and survive on the crumbs.

If there was only half a roll, he'd give the whole thing to Lowell and go hungry.

For a long time, Tarquin genuinely believed they were biological brothers.

It was only later he learned they were just brothers forged in the fires of adversity, having met on the unforgiving streets.

Axel was so fiercely protective of Lowell out of pure gratitude.

Once, Axel had contracted a severe fever and was on the brink of death. Lowell had been the one to get the money to save him.

And Lowell had paid for it with his dignity.

He was only six or seven at the time. To save Axel, Lowell completely cast aside his pride, acting like a stray dog on the pavement and spinning in circles to entertain wealthy passersby for a few measly coins.

Once he had the cash, he practically dragged Axel to a back-alley clinic.

After Axel recovered, he appointed himself Lowell's protector, treating him as his own flesh and blood.

Watching them from the shadows, Tarquin had grown to admire them more and more. They were infinitely better than the wolves in sheep's clothing that populated the Bradford family.

He eventually approached them.

At first, Lowell and Axel were completely hostile, suspicious of his motives.

It was bizarre for a wealthy young heir to suddenly demand friendship with two street kids.

But over time, they dropped their guard.

The three of them formed an unbreakable bond.

Lowell eventually told Tarquin why he picked his own name.

He said he was terrified of dying, so he chose a name that made him feel like a survivor.

Axel hadn't offered an explanation at the time, but later murmured that he wanted to be a phantom—moving without a trace, untrackable, leaving his enemies trembling in the dark.

Soon, winter set in.

The streets turned freezing and treacherous. Unable to bear the thought of Lowell and Axel freezing to death, Tarquin had pleaded with Gideon to bring them into the estate as his companions.

When Gideon initially refused, Tarquin stood stubbornly in front of the man, refusing to leave until he agreed.

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