The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet

Two peas in a pod, that's why we have them, spewing out such adorable nonsense.

Alaric was taken aback for a moment, marveling at how a two-year-old could utter such endearingly sweet words. It was simply too cute.

Then, his mood lifted instantly, his pride swelling for his two little treasures, always on his side in the quest to win Mommy's heart. With both kids so brilliantly on board, he couldn't be the weak link.

Alaric eagerly agreed, "Absolutely, Barbie and your mommy are like two peas in a pod, a perfect match. How else could we have gotten such adorable little munchkins?"

"I'm Daddy's mini-me, and my brother is Mommy's spitting image. You guys made cute little copies of yourselves, oh!" Helena's words, soft and sweet with a child's innocence, were spoken with a clarity that belied her age.

If Hertha hadn't known better, she'd have thought someone coached her to say that.

The kids' matchmaking efforts brought joy to Alaric, but Hertha was less than thrilled.

"Let's eat up, kids. A full belly means no hungry tummies at night, and no midnight snacks," Hertha diverted the children's attention from the previous topic.

"I want mashed potatoes!" Helena pointed at the bowl of mashed potatoes on the table with her spoon, her little voice hopeful.

"Alright, if you love mashed potatoes, have as much as you like." Kimberly heaped a generous spoonful of mashed potatoes into Helena's bowl.

She knew the kids loved mashed potatoes and had prepared them especially.

"I want shrimp." Julian eyed the plate of peeled, succulent shrimp, anticipation in his gaze.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

"Here's your shrimp," Kimberly served Julian a spoonful of shrimp, placing it into his bowl.

With their desired foods in front of them, the two little ones happily began to eat, the previous conversation forgotten.

Kids will be kids, after all, not sticking to any particular topic but living in the moment.

Alaric, seeing the two children

engrossed in their meal and paying him no mind, felt a pang of isolation. He remained silent, picking up his fork and knife to eat quietly.

Hertha, too, said nothing more, focusing on her meal.

Kimberly, however, sought to understand the situation better.

She asked Alaric, "What are you really thinking?"

This sudden question caught Alaric off guard, but after a moment's thought, he realized Kimberly was asking about his intentions toward Hertha.

He set down his cutlery and said to Kimberly, "I've made up my mind. It's Hertha and her kids for me. I want a lifetime with her!"

That was his heartfelt truth.

Kimberly's eyes dimmed, "Are you saying there's really someone else out there?"

her words carefully, but Alaric's implications hinted at another woman and child in the picture, leaving her disappointed.

In front of the kids, Kimbercs

Initially, Kimberly had clung to a sliver of hope, wondering if perhaps Hertha was just being stubborn or concocting excuses to avoid marrying Alaric. Hearing Alaric's confession shattered that hope.

Alaric realized too late that Kimberly had been fishing for information, and he had laid everything bare. Overwhelmed with discomfort and guilt, he didn't want to miss his. chance with Hertha and hurriedly explained, "Kimberly, it was a mistake. I was drunk, didn't know what was happening. And I've made it clear to her, there's no future for us!"