Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 319

Elliot's voice was soft and reassuring, "Mom doesn't want Dad to see us because she's worried he'll jump to conclusions if we look too much like Elijah, right?"

To keep his mom from worrying, Elliot quickly came up with a reason.

Elysia shifted uncomfortably, torn between not wanting to lie to her children and fearing the truth.

Before she could respond, Elliot chimed in again, "Actually, it's an easy fix. Has Mom forgotten about Emmett's special talent?"

Elysia turned to Emmett, her eyes lighting up with realization, "You mean, let Emmett...?"

"Yep!" Elliot nodded, understanding the plan.

Elysia quickly wiped away her tears, "Can we really do this?"

"Trust me, and trust Emmett."

Emmett, holding Elysia's hand, insisted with childlike confidence, "Mommy, I can do it."

Elijah wanted to reassure Elysia too but found himself at a loss for words, offering only a determined and confident look.

If Mommy didn't want Daddy to see them, he'd do everything in his power to make her wish come true. He couldn't bear to see her cry or be upset anymore.

Seeing her children's determination, Elysia felt a wave of calm. She hugged them close, "It's all up to you tonight!"

"Don't worry, Mom, we've got this!" the three kids declared in unison.

Elysia nodded rapidly, giving them a quick briefing on what to say and what not to say when they met someone later, before telling them, "Go get ready, Mr. Lowell will be here to pick you up soon."

"Okay."

Minutes later, Lowell rang the doorbell.

Elysia interrupted, "I'll stay downstairs. I won't let my kids go alone if he disagrees."

"Alright, let's go together then."

Elysia breathed a sigh of relief, feeling somewhat better being close to her children.

On the way, Lowell tried to lighten the mood with conversation, but aside from Elliot, the trio was visibly anxious. Emmett and Elysia shared a timid nature, easily scared, while Elijah worried about being recognized by Tarquin and causing his mother stress.

Once they arrived, Elysia pulled her children aside for one last reminder of their plan, emphasizing the importance of not revealing their resemblance to anyone.

As Lowell led the children inside, Elysia was left fretting in the darkness, her mind racing with worry.

Suddenly, a voice called her name from behind, sending chills down her spine. Turning around, she found nothing but shadows. Confused, she faced forward again, only to hear her name whispered once more, this time clearer, sending a mix of fear and curiosity through her heart.

Elysia turned back again, determined to confront the mysterious voice haunting her in the night.