Starting over for the second time, she found herself cast out by her husband, scorned and unwanted...


    He was oblivious to the full extent of her past tragedies. Yet, even with the little he knew, her life seemed unbearably harsh.


    No wonder she now relished in her happiness; she deserved every bit of it. It was as if the universe was finally settling its debts with her. Thankfully, her spirit remained unbroken, vibrant even. Many others might have crumbled under such weight.


    "What was the deal with all those rumors about you back in the day?" Tarquin asked.


    Elysia shot him a surprised look, pursing her lips.


    How dare he bring that up, as if he hadn''t yed his part in her misfortune?!


    Had he not been so overbearing at the airport... would any of that have followed?!


    Taking a deep breath, Elysia confronted him, "Do you believe me if I say I was unjustly used of infidelity within my marriage?"


    "I believe you," Tarquin answered without hesitation, his response swift and decisive.


    A few months back, when they had first met, he might have doubted her.


    But now, he believed.


    Despite her asional foolishness and materialistic tendencies, she wasn''t the type to step out of line.


    The little ones chimed in: "Alright, alright, dad gets a point for this, making it two in total."


    Elysia was taken aback, "You believe me? You used to say I was no good."


    Tarquin''s lips twitched, "That was a misunderstanding, my mistake. I apologize."


    Elysia, ever so magnanimous, waved it off, "Alright, apology epted."


    Tarquin gave her another look, pressing on, "Why were you forced into that situation? What happened during your marriage? Were you mistreated? Did your husband misunderstand something?"


    "Mhm."


    "Did you confront the person who mistreated you?"


    Elysia red at him, then averted her gaze, "I did."


    "And? Did you report it?"


    Elysia pouted, "...I don''t want to talk about him."


    After a pause, Tarquin offered, "If you ever want revenge, I''m here to help."


    The kids noted: "He''s trying, so no change in score, still two."


    Elysia''s lips twitched. Was he looking to punish himself?


    "No need, it''s all in the past now. Time to turn the page."


    Tarquin persisted, "What about your husband? Did he know the truth behind your so-called infidelity?"


    "...I''m not sure."


    "If he knew yet treated you that way, he''s worthless. A decent man would stand by his wife, not scorn her upon learning she was wronged. Even if he wanted a divorce, dragging your name through the mud was uncalled for."


    The kids agreed: "Right, he''s the worthless one here."


    Evan: "Should we deduct a point?"


    Elijah: "Why?"


    Evan: "Just not liking him right now, makes me mad."


    Elliot: "...We can''t dock points for that, let''s be fair and leave it."


    Unaware that the man before her was her husband Tarquin, Elysia was at a loss for words.


    After a moment, she confessed, "I never hated my husband."


    Tarquin, puzzled, asked, "Even after all he did, you don''t hate him? Are you that in love? What, are you obsessed with romance?"


    "You''re the one obsessed!" Elysia retorted, then hesitantly added, "Are you still looking for Elijah''s mother?"


    "Yes."


    Elysia, hesitant, advised, "I think you should stop looking."


    "Why?" Tarquin was confused.


    The kids exined: "Because mom is right here, and she''s not too fond of you right now. She doesn''t want to be found by you."