The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1693

As he spoke, his breath tickled the delicate skin behind Hertha's ear, sending a shockwave of sensations - a mix of tingles, numbness, and itchiness through her. Hertha's body shivered, snapping back to reality. She placed her hands on his chest and pushed him away, blinking rapidly in denial, "Since when did I admit to being your future wife? Don't flatter yourself."

Despite her loud and assertive tone, Hertha's heart was racing uncontrollably, her eyes darting away from Alaric's gaze. When did Alaric become so cunning and manipulative, baiting her into his trap so effortlessly? He had fabricated a story, claiming his future wife had asked him to call her "mom", just to trick her into revealing she hadn't asked for such a thing. So childish! What good did winning an argument do?

"You're backtracking on your own words not even a minute later?" Alaric crossed his arms, looking at her leisurely.

"As for reneging on promises, no one beats you at that game!" Hertha countered, hands on her hips, visibly frustrated.

"How have I ever reneged on my promises?" Alaric retorted.

"You were the one who said you'd be responsible and that you only had eyes for me! That was the only reason I agreed to... you know. And then, you were off with Georgia in a heartbeat! Your words never meant anything; compared to you, I'm barely a drop in the ocean!" Hertha's anger escalated with every word. The sight of Alaric and Georgia together in bed three years ago was a hurdle Hertha could never overcome.

Alaric's mischievous expression darkened, his tone somber, "So, you'd rather raise our child alone than contact me because of that?"

He had thought it was because Angelina offered her two million dollars to leave him, wounding her pride, that she had so ruthlessly kept him in the dark. So, it was because of that.

Hertha turned away, huffing, "You can think of it that way!"

"That night, I was drunk. I thought it was you..." Alaric stepped closer, his hands reaching for her shoulders, trying to explain earnestly.