The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet

"Uh..." Thalassa was caught off guard, her breath stolen before she could react. She was startled at first, but then her body relaxed, melting into his embrace as she reciprocated the kiss.

Lysander cradled the back of her head, deepening the kiss, savoring the sweet taste of her lips, that long-missed, intoxicating sweetness that drove him wild.

After dropping Lydia off at Dr. Funke's clinic, Alaric drove Hertha home.

On the way, Alaric couldn't wait to discuss their future plans with Hertha.

"Hertha, Thalassa and Lysander have already gone home. When do we get our marriage license?" Alaric asked, stealing glances at Hertha while he drove.

"Focus on the road, will you? Haven't you learned anything from that car accident last time?" Hertha crossed her arms and rolled her eyes at Alaric from the back seat.

"Alright, we'll talk about it when we get home," Alaric said, meek as a lamb, heeding Hertha's words.

The rest of the journey was silent.

Alaric drove quietly.

Soon, they arrived at the parking lot of Gulfstream Community.

Hertha got out first, striding towards the building. Alaric quickly locked the car and followed.

Catching up to her, he asked, "Hertha, when can I meet your mom?"

"Don't start with 'your mom' this and 'your mom' that. I haven't agreed to marry you yet," Hertha hadn't gotten over the disappointment and irritation that had been building for days.

Alaric panicked, "Hertha, how can you say that? You said, as long as I bring the household register, we can go and register."

Hertha chuckled, "That was my mom who agreed to that, not me."NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

"Right, your mom agreed, so I made it happen! I brought the household register!" Alaric tried to prove his sincerity.

"Well, if it was my mom who agreed, maybe you should marry her." Hertha's words left Alaric speechless.

"No way, I need to see your mom, to make her keep her promise and have you marry me!" Alaric grabbed Hertha's hand, refusing to let go.

Hertha yanked her hand away, seemingly exasperated, "I've never seen anyone so shamelessly persistent."

Just then, the elevator arrived, and Hertha walked out briskly.

Alaric followed swiftly, "I'm shamelessly persistent because I'm sticking with you, what are you going to do about it?"

Hertha entered her apartment, and

el

Alaric followed. As she tried to close the door, he stopped it with his hand, pushing it open and walking in as if it was the most natural thing, extending his hand towards her: "Give me your phone."

Hertha asked, "Why do you need my phone?"

"To call your mom. Tell her how you're backing out. I finally get the household register, and now you're getting cold feet!" Alaric complained, frustrated.

"Who's backing out? Let's see who's really being shameless here," Kimberly's voice, filled with amusement, suddenly came from the kitchen.

Both Hertha and Alaric turned

source of the voice,

to see Kimberly walking

only

apron on, a broad smile, 'er with an

face.

Hertha exclaimed in surprise, "Mom!"

Alaric, equally surprised, chimed in, "Mom!"

Kimberly responded cheerfully, "Hey. I made some pork rib soup today. Both of you should have some."

Hertha jumped up from the couch, puzzled, "Wait, mom, why do you respond when I call you, but also when he does?"

"We're all family here, why the formality?" Kimberly said with a twinkle in her eye.

"Who's family with him!" Hertha complained.