The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 2010

"Mom, do you really think I should marry Alaric?" Hertha was still unsure. The thought of Alaric being with another woman made her heart ache, but she couldn't get over the hurdle in her heart.

Even if the child wasn't Alaric's, how did Georgia manage to convince him otherwise? It was because Alaric had indeed been intimate with Georgia. The thought made Hertha's stomach churn, and she couldn't persuade herself to accept it.

"I know what's bothering you, honey," Kimberly said, understanding her daughter's concerns. "Which woman wouldn't mind such a thing? But can you guarantee the next man you meet will be pure in body and heart? At least Alaric's heart is in the right place; he only has eyes for you."

Kimberly knew her daughter well enough to understand her reservations. Life's not perfect, and who's to say the next man Hertha meets hasn't had his past relationships? Hertha, already a mother and in her thirties, couldn't possibly expect to meet a man without his own history.

"How do you know Alaric only likes me? He's never said as much," Hertha asked, curious.

"Hasn't he? Maybe you just don't believe him," Kimberly teased.

Alaric might as well have been glued to Hertha's side; it was clear he had feelings for her. Kimberly had done her homework on Alaric. Born into the Falconer family, a lineage of privilege, he was their only child and prized possession. Raised in luxury, untouched by hardship, that's what Alaric epitomized.

Despite being spoiled, Alaric had a strong sense of pride and never admitted fault or showed weakness. He'd rather miss out than apologize. Yet, for Hertha, he had set aside his pride, doing everything he could to win her over, even charming her mother. If that wasn't love, what was?

Hertha might not realize it, but she had already captured the heart of Alaric, a man previously unattainable to anyone.

Reflecting on her mother's words, Hertha recalled Alaric's confessions of affection. She had stormed out of the hotel, too angry to listen properly, but she vaguely remembered him saying he only had feelings for her. Feeling guilty, she realized she couldn't deny Alaric's words outright.

"So what if he said it? Does it make it true? With his reputation, can he really be sincere?" Hertha scoffed.

"I've been talking to you for ages, and you're still indifferent," Kimberly said, frustrated, resorting to a threat: "You've made up your mind against Alaric, haven't you? Fine, I'll go and drive him away myself, and I'll keep doing it every time he shows up!"

Kimberly, impulsively moving towards the door, was stopped by a panicked Hertha grabbing her sleeve: "Mom, mom, calm down, please don't be rash."

Kimberly turned, glaring at her: "Do you even care about your future anymore?"