The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet

Hertha blinked innocently, puzzled at the accusation of being naive.

Kimberly pressed on, "Do you really think it's just by chance he moved next door? Come on!"

"It's just a coincidence," Hertha insisted.

"Only you would believe that. In a place as big as Starhaven, with its myriad neighborhoods, he ends up right next to you? Use your head!"

It was as if a lightbulb went off in Hertha's head, a moment of sudden clarity.

Right, of all the neighborhoods in Starhaven, why did Alaric Falconer choose hers, and not just the same area but the same building, the same floor?

If Alaric hadn't known where she lived before moving, she could chalk it up to coincidence. But he knew. She'd actually believed in mere happenstance, but her mother's words sparked a realization: Alaric's affection for her was indeed profound.

"But Mom, that's just speculation. What if it's not like that?" Hertha still harbored doubts about Alaric's persistence.

"That's why I'm testing him," Kimberly revealed.

"Testing him? You practically told him to grab his passport and marry me. That's not testing; that's handing me over on a silver platter," Hertha was confused.

Kimberly's smile held a hint of mischief, "You think you're not naive? Marriage isn't just about having a passport in hand. When I told him to get his passport, I was gauging his commitment."

"Didn't you break up with him because of his mother's disapproval? A man in love will overcome any obstacle to be with you. If he brings that passport, shows he's determined to marry you. If not, and he comes up with excuses, then he's not ready. Either way, you'll know if marriage is in the cards."

Hertha was duly impressed, "You're right; experience does come with age."

"But Mom, he's already at odds with his family. Going back to discuss the passport, even if he gets it, he might never be welcome in the Falconer household again. He could lose his standing," Hertha raised another concern.

"Did you fall for him because of his status?" Kimberly challenged.Content rights belong to NôvelDrama.Org.

Hertha was taken aback but quickly denied, "Of course not."

1

"Then there you go. If he gets that passport, it proves his commitment. to you. He's still the same man, the father of your child, status be damned Your dad and I aren't shallow. Your happiness is what matters, not wealth or socia standing. Those things come and go; why fret over them?" Kimberly's progressive stance was clear.

Hertha, not usually one to get emotional, felt her eyes well up at her mother's words.

In that moment, she realized just how deeply her mother loved her.

Holding back tears, Hertha hugged her mother tightly, "Mom, I never noticed before how beautiful you are."