Babel 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.
Once inside, Kimberly closed the door, pulled Hertha aside, and asked in a serious tone, "Now that you know the child isn't Alaric's, what's holding you back?"
Kimberly was eager to know Hertha's true feelings, not interested in any excuses.
"Mom, you have no idea how he hurt me three years ago. Should I just forgive him that easily?" Hertha pouted, voicing her grievances.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
She knew her mother still loved her and wouldn't rush her into marriage.
"The past is the past. Your child is growing up. You still love him, don't you?" Kimberly spoke rationally.
"That's exactly what bothers me the
most. How can I still not let go of someone so irresponsible? If only feelings could be switched off that easily Hertha lamented. If it was possible, she would have wanted to leave Alaric miles behind long ago.
But her heart refused to listen.
Telling it to forget him was futile.
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. Chapter 2009 3
Kimberly rarely lectured Hertha, but when she did, it came from her own experiences.