Chapter 168
Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem ( Elysia and Tarquin)
Elysia frowned 1 didnât know him before Iâve only met him recently: his name is Tarin. But Iâm not looking for himâI need to find Tarquin,â
Keaton was silent for a moment Tann, huh Bold of him to claim, and of her to believe Clearly. Tarquin was hiding his true identity, but Keaton didnât want to burst that bubble just yet. Instead, he asked, âWhat do you want with Tarquin?
lose it âItâs personal, Iâd mother not disclose it.â
She had thought about coming clean to Keaton, maybe even enlisting his help to find Tarquin and get a divorce, but after giving it some serious thought, she decided it wasnât wise A secret mamage and a confidentiality agreement forced her to keep quiet. She couldnât tell anyone.
If Keaton could just help her get a meeting with Tarquin, she was confident she could persuade him to sign those divorce papers Keaton considered for a few seconds before responding. âAlright, Iâll keep it in mind. Iâll let you know as soon as I hear anything.â
âThanks in advance.â
âDonât mention it. Actually, Iâve got a favor to ask you too. Elijahâs been hankering for more of those pastry you made. Would it be too much trouble to whip up another batch?â
Elysia paused. âElijah?â
Keaton rubbed his neck awkwardly, âIt was supposed to be Tarin who asked you, but since you donât want to see him, Iâm stepping in. Forget about Tarin for a secondâthink about Elijah. The kid might have a scumbag for a father, but heâs a good kid. Heâs had it rough. with a mother who doesnât care about anything but herself. Itâs rare for him to ask for anything, so when he does, it means a lot. Heâs never asked for anything before, so could you possibly help out? I know itâs tacky to talk money, but if youâre still mad, go ahead and milk Tarin for all heâs worth. Open your mouth wide and extort himâitâll serve as your revenge.â
Elysia replied, âIâm not so greedy as to kick a man when heâs down and out.â
âDown and out?â
âYeah, I know heâs bankrupt now. Iâm not doing this for the money; itâs just for Elijah,â
After Elysia finished speaking, her phone rang. It was Blossom calling.
She glanced at Keaton and said, âTil make something for Elijah and get in touch once itâs ready. You can pick it up then. If thereâs nothing else, you can go back now.â
Keaton nodded.
âSure, sure. Donât worry, Iâll keep the Tarquin thing in mindâ
âThanks for your help.â
Keaton left with a squint and a smile. As soon as Keaton stepped out, he saw Tarquin sitting in a car, smoking.
Keaton slid into the passenger seat before Tarquin could argue and quickly said, âMission accomplished. Elysia will make something for Elijah laterâ
Tarquin gave him an inscrutable look and took a drag of his cigarette. He then exhaled slowly, trying to hide his relief that Elysia hadnât abandoned Elijah in her anger.
Keaton was in high spirits as he asked, âHeard you changed your name and went bust?â
Tarquin flicked ash from his cigarette. âDid you tell her who I am?â
âNo, I didnât. So, how about treating me to dinner?â
Tarquin pursed his lips and rolled his eyes, ignoring him.
Keaton chuckled, âI wonât make you buy me dinner, but I kept your secret and asked her to make food for Elijah. Weâre even now.â
Tarquin kept his cool and didnât reply Keaton pressed on, âWhatâs your game plan here? Hiding your identity is one thing, but telling people youâre bankrupt? Hoping for sympathy or looking to be a kept man? But from what I hear, Elysia isnât exactly living in the lap of luxury. Aside from her stunning looks and figure, she doesnât have much else going for her. No connections, no influence, and three sons to raise. She doesnât have the spare cash to take pity on you.â