The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 1953

After a tidal wave of sorrow, joy came crashing in so unexpectedly that Thalassa couldn't stop the tears from pouring down her cheeks. Seeing her cry, Lysander quickly reached out to wipe away her tears, chiding her gently, "Silly, why the tears?"

"I'm just... I'm so happy," Thalassa managed to say through her tears. Lysander was on his feet again, no longer bound to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He wouldn't have to endure those pitying looks anymore.

"Thalassa!"

Just as Thalassa was overwhelmed with joy, a loud and clumsy voice broke the silence from the doorway. The voice was grating, pulling both Thalassa and Lysander's attention towards the entrance.

Hertha stumbled in, initially panicked and fearful. Upon seeing Thalassa standing there, safe and sound, her panic instantly dissipated. She rushed over, grabbing Thalassa's arms, examining her from head to toe.

Tears welled up in her big, round eyes. "Thalassa, I'm so relieved you're okay! I was terrified, thinking something might have happened to you. I could never forgive myself!"

And Lysander, he wouldn't forgive her either, if anything had happened to Thalassa. But thankfully, Thalassa was standing there, unharmed. After pouring her heart out, Hertha sneaked a wary glance at Lysander.

Even though Thalassa was safe, the fact that she had been taken away and suffered was reason enough for Lysander to blame someone. Hertha feared Lysander would hold her accountable. As she stealthily peeked at Lysander, his expression was stern and cold. His lips parted as if he was about to speak, which sent Hertha scurrying behind Thalassa, pleading, "I know I was wrong, please, don’t be mad at me. I promise, I’ll never leave Thalassa alone again. I'll even accompany her to the bathroom, wherever she needs to go..."

Thalassa could feel how genuinely scared Hertha was of Lysander reprimanding her. Hertha was her best friend, and she couldn't bear to see her so frightened.

Besides, it wasn't Hertha's fault. It's unrealistic to expect someone to be by another's side every second of the day. Moreover, it wasn't like Hertha being there would have stopped Callum from harming her.

Gently, Thalassa tugged at Lysander's arm, defending Hertha, "Lysander, please don't blame Hertha. This isn't her fault. No one could have anticipated Callum's actions. And honestly, if Callum was determined, having Hertha with me would only put her in danger, without changing the outcome."

Hertha listened from behind Thalassa, grateful for her defense. Thalassa knew Lysander well. Her words not only pleaded on Hertha's behalf but also laid out the situation logically.

She was right; if Callum was determined, Hertha's presence wouldn’t have made a difference. If anything, she might have ended up incapacitated, unable to alert Lysander immediately, which would only worsen the situation.

Lysander looked at Thalassa with a gentle gaze, as if even raising his voice might startle her. "Don’t worry, I wasn't blaming her."

"Then why were you looking at me like you were about to throw me out..." Hertha mumbled from behind Thalassa.

"We should get going. Or would you prefer to stay here and explore the room a bit more?" Lysander teased Hertha before taking Thalassa's hand and heading towards the door.

"Yikes!" Hertha exclaimed, her eyes wide as saucers as if she'd just discovered a new continent, staring at Lysander.

Thalassa and Lysander paused, turning towards her in surprise.

Hertha tiptoed closer to Lysander, examining him curiously. "Weren't you supposed to be in a wheelchair? How can you walk now?"