The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1989

"So, let me get this straight," the host began, "She devoured your beef noodles and expects you to compensate with a bowl of plain noodle soup?"

Spencer confirmed with a simple, "Yes."

"That's hardly a fair exchange," the host quipped, prompting laughter from the audience.

Hertha, who was among the audience, listened to the exchange between the host and Spencer, realizing for the first time that Spencer and Emmeline didn't meet through a blind date. Their encounter had its own story.

She had always assumed that Spencer and Emmeline were introduced through mutual acquaintances. Clearly, she had much more to learn about Spencer.

"So, tell me, is it true love you feel for the bride?" the host prodded further with a challenging question.

After asking, he placed the microphone near Spencer's mouth. At that moment, Spencer caught sight of Hertha approaching the stage, and by chance, Hertha was also looking his way.

Their eyes met.

With the host's question hanging in the air, everyone awaited Spencer's response, especially Emmeline, who stood at the hotel entrance in her pristine white wedding gown, anticipating her entrance.

Time was of the essence, and Spencer, unable to break his gaze from Hertha, responded, "For the bride, my love is true."

His words were met with applause from the audience.

The host, satisfied, announced the bride's entrance.

Emmeline, escorted by her father, walked down the aisle, moving towards Spencer on the stage.

Midway, two bridesmaids approached from the side, each carrying a basket, scattering vibrant red rose petals along the trail of Emmeline's gown.

Hertha's thoughts drifted to Thalassa, pitying her for not having a father's love growing up, and even after finding her biological father, facing his partiality.

She wondered if Thalassa would ever experience being walked down the aisle by her father.

As Hertha reflected, Emmeline's father contentedly passed his daughter's hand to Spencer and stepped down from the stage.

At this point, Hertha and Isla, each holding a side of the bride's gown, followed behind Emmeline.

The host remarked, "It's clear the bride and groom are in love. The groom just declared his true love for the bride and promised her father a lifetime of cherishment. You're very fortunate, bride."

No sooner had the host finished speaking than someone from the audience stood up, loudly objecting, "Nonsense! The groom's heart doesn't truly belong to Emmeline! His true love is Hertha, the bridesmaid standing right behind the bride. She is the one the groom truly loves!"

The room fell into a hushed silence.