The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 2036

Hearing Hertha's words, Alaric's smile widened, the tension easing from his eyes. No matter what twists life might throw their way, as long as their hearts beat as one, nothing could stop them from saying "I do." The foundation of marriage is two hearts united in eager anticipation of joining lives.

Leaning in, Alaric's forehead touched hers, his voice soft and tender, "Okay, I'm not worried. There's still the afternoon. And if not today, there's always tomorrow."

As long as Hertha was by his side, eager to make their union official, a delay of a mere half-hour meant nothing. His warm breath brushed against Hertha's face, intensifying the tender affection that enveloped Alaric.

Hertha's face bloomed with a deeper joy as she nodded, "Exactly, no worries." Opening their hearts to each other, acknowledging the deep bond they shared, brought them both immense peace. Together, their hearts could weather any storm.

Hertha and Alaric intertwined their fingers, leaning into each other, waiting patiently. After three couples ahead of them had their marriages certified, it was finally their turn. Despite their mutual pledge to stay calm, Alaric couldn't help the flutter of excitement in his heart.

His last attempt to marry Hertha had been thwarted by an unexpected appearance from Georgia, plunging him into a lengthy period of dismay. Now, reflecting back, Alaric realized Georgia's intrusion had been deliberate, all to prevent his and Hertha's union. Worse yet, Georgia had concocted a story involving a child who bore a slight resemblance to him! Georgia was a woman of terrifying determination, stopping at nothing to achieve her ends.

As Alaric handed over their documents, the clerk, busy tidying up, didn't even glance up, saying, "We're closed. Come back in the afternoon."

Desperate, Alaric pleaded, "Could you possibly stay just ten more minutes? We'd be so grateful, we'd even treat you to lunch as a thank you."

The urgency in his voice was palpable. Just as it was their turn, to be told to come back later was disheartening. Yet, Hertha, seeing Alaric's nervousness, felt an overwhelming surge of happiness. Even though they'd agreed waiting until the afternoon was fine, Alaric's immediate forgetfulness of their calm resolve showed just how much he cared. His eagerness was a testament to his love.

The clerk, pausing in her tidying to look over, was taken aback. Alaric was not just handsome; he was breathtaking, in an almost ethereal way. And Hertha, so ordinary in comparison. That such a striking man, exuding an air of nobility, was so anxious to be joined in marriage to this woman spoke volumes of his love. The clerk, a self-confessed beauty aficionado, couldn't help but envy Hertha.

"Ha, alright, I'll stay a bit longer for you two. It's clear you're in love. Cherish it, and may you always walk together in happiness," the clerk said with a smile, taking the documents from Alaric.

Their job was to witness the myriad ways couples entered into marriage, a daily front-row seat to the joy and complexity of human relationships. They had seen it all.