The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1777

Alaric still carried that faint scent of mint and tobacco, a fragrance that Hertha found captivating.

Her heart softened at the familiar scent, but then she quickly remembered Alaric's affair with Georgia, and her defenses shot up. Irritation flared, and she shoved Alaric away forcefully, "Alaric, get your filthy hands off me!"

Pushing Alaric caused Hertha to stagger several steps backward, her strength surprising even herself.

Alaric took a step back, his gaze filled with sorrow as he looked at her. He swallowed hard, pain evident in his voice, "Hertha, I've done a paternity test for the kid. It's not even certain he's mine. You know what Georgia is like; cunning and manipulative. Who knows what she's plotting now?"

Hertha, heartbroken, let out a cold laugh, "It doesn't matter if the child is yours or not. The fact that you were involved with her is undeniable!"

At her words, a pained expression crossed Alaric's face, and he hurriedly tried to explain, "I was drunk that night. If I had been sober, nothing would've happened between us... and..."

He paused, then continued, "And, haven't you already forgiven me for that mistake?"

Hertha scoffed, crossing her arms angrily, "Who said I forgave you?"

"How could you agree to marry me if you hadn't forgiven me?" Alaric asked.

"Have the nerve to bring that up? Wasn't it you who constantly used my mom to pressure me into marrying you?" Hertha spat out the words in anger, revealing her true feelings in the heat of the moment.

Alaric was visibly hurt, murmuring, "I pressured you?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Hertha retorted.

Alaric gave a bitter smile, nodding in admission, "Yes, I pressured you..."