The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1189

Hertha had barely managed two bites of the food before she could no longer feign enjoyment. As the forkfuls piled up, her stomach revolted against the heavy cream and cheese.

Forcing herself to swallow, a wave of nausea hit her, and she felt the urge to vomit. She clenched her teeth and endured, swallowing the mouthful of food before excusing herself, "I'm just going to pop to the loo, back in a jiff."

Spencer nodded understandingly, "Sure thing."

"Hey, Thalassa, come with me, will you?" Hertha beckoned her best friend before heading out.

Once inside the restroom, Hertha leaned over the basin and heaved a couple of times, trying to keep down the culinary disaster.

Thalassa rubbed her back soothingly and offered some sisterly advice, "If you're not into it, don't string Spencer along. It's not fair to him; he's an innocent in all this."

Only a true friend could cut to the heart of the matter with such candor.

Hertha rinsed her mouth out, took a deep breath to steady herself, and faced Thalassa. "I know. I'm going to settle the bill, and once we're out of this restaurant, I'll make things clear to him."

She had been ready to come clean to Spencer already, but then Alaric had barged in with Georgia, both families in tow to discuss wedding plans.

The sight of Alaric, the losses she'd suffered at his hands, ignited a stubborn pride in Hertha. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her down. So, she had chatted with Spencer as if they were the oldest of friends.

But there was Alaric, seated behind them, cozying up to Georgia, every word a needle to Hertha's heart.

"Just say you're full and leave it at that," Thalassa suggested, seeing Hertha's discomfort.