The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 2009

And there it was, the piece of news Alaric had shared confirmed Kimberly's suspicion – the child wasn't his!

As long as Alaric didn't have other kids out there, there was nothing standing in the way between him and Hertha.

Weren't they meant to be together?

A child needs both their biological mom and dad, especially when the parents are in love with each other.

What was there to refuse?

"Alright, that settles it. Tomorrow, you two are going to get your marriage license," Kimberly declared decisively.

"Really? That's amazing!" Alaric couldn't hide his jubilation. His perseverance had paid off in the most unexpected way.

"Mom!" Hertha stared at her mother in disbelief.

"I know you're anxious, dear. Don't worry, I'll get the marriage license paperwork ready for you," Kimberly deliberately misinterpreted Hertha's shock.

She stood up, pushing her chair back, and told Hertha, "Come with me. Let's get the paperwork."

With that, she headed to the room first.

Hertha glared at Alaric, annoyed.

With a cheeky grin, Alaric said, "Let's go get those papers. We're setting off tomorrow."

Hertha gritted her teeth in frustration, reluctantly following her mother to the room.

The slightest attention from him, and she was all over the place.

It was truly frustrating.

"You're thirty now, not a child anymore. You can't be capricious. In the adult world, nothing's perfect. We endure and accept. Learning to be tolerant is the key to a happy life. Listen to me, don't make decisions you'll regret," Kimberly advised Hertha.

"But what if I regret marrying him?" The thought of falling into the same trap twice was depressing for Hertha.

"Not marrying him will be your lifelong regret. Marrying him, even if you do regret it, will be temporary. My dear, whoever you marry, there will be regrets. But life goes on. Marrying someone you love, you can overcome any obstacle. Marrying someone you don't love, you'll end up wanting a divorce. I can't stand by and watch you make the wrong choice."

Kimberly rarely lectured Hertha, but when she did, it came from her own experiences.