"Don't be mad, it's not like I was trying to weasel out of anything, I just..." Alaric blurted out an apology upon seeing Hertha's mounting anger.
"You think you haven't been slippery?" Hertha's breathing was heavy, her big, round eyes glaring at him. "What did you promisebefore? You said you wouldn't tell anyone in the Falconer family about us having kids! How did your grandparents find out then?" Alaric paused for a moment, then realization dawned on him. This was why Hertha was upset.
Indeed, he was at fault here.
Earlier, Angelina had been bad-mouthing Hertha in front of his grandparents, even saying Georgia had already given him children and he should marry her.
Fearing that his grandparents would side with Georgia, pressuring him into marrying her like his mother, Alaric couldn't help but reveal to his grandparents about the two children he had with Hertha. Once he said it, he regretted it. But what's said is said, and there was no taking it back. All he could do was try to make amends.
He shared Hertha's concerns about the Falconer family trying to take the kids away with his grandparents, and they were very understanding of Hertha's anxiety. They promised not to intervene in their affairs and agreed not to let Hertha know that they were aware she had given birth to their two grandchildren.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtBut he had overlooked his grandparents' love for their great-grandchildren.
Eager to meet the kids, they had gone to Hertha's place on their own initiative to see them.
Fortunately, they assured Hertha they wouldn't interfere in their matters.
In this case, Alaric was indeed in the wrong.
"I just spoke without thinking. But, like I said, they promised they won't take the kids away. You can trust them; they mean it," Alaric said apologetically, reassuring Hertha once more.
"But can you ensure they won't spill the beans to your mom and dad? If your parents find out about the kids, do you think they'll just stand by idly?" Hertha's breathing was still heavy, her concern for the children evident.
The assurance from Remington and Beatrice that they wouldn't take the kids had indeed been a relief for Hertha, but only a temporary one.
She then realized that Alaric's parents were still in the dark.
Knowing Remington and Beatrice, it wouldn't be long before Alaric's parents would find out. What might happen then was anyone's guess.
With this thought, Hertha's nervousness flared up again, prompting her to confront Alaric.
Caught off guard by her reasoning, Alaric was momentarily stunned.
Looking directly into Hertha's eyes, her fear and anxiety were clear to see. The Hertha he knew was always bold and fearless, straightforward, and carefree. Before, all he saw in her eyes was mischief, stubbornness, and bravery.
But now, he could see the fear in her eyes.
That look of panic and concern touched Alaric deeply.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Previously he had been careless with women, never taking things seriously when he could avoid it. But now, facing Hertha, he put aside all his playboy tendencies, becoming serious and careful.
He carefully explained, "My grandparents won't let my mom know, they're good at keeping things under wraps. And my dad, he's m abroad most of the year, hardly ever comes back. Right now, the Falconer Group is being managed by my cousin. My dad oversees the international branches, and my cousin handles the domestic affairs.
That's why my mom is so anxious about the CEO position possibly going to my cousin, constantly pushingtowards Georgia..." Mentioning Georgia, Alaric wisely cut himself off.
That was a nbest left unmentioned, a minefield between him and Hertha.
Just as there seemed to be a thaw in their relationship, bringing up that nwas sure to cause a storm.
Realizing his slip, Alaric hurriedly stopped himself, anxiously watching Hertha's reaction.
X