Chapter 859


    “I only stated the fact, didn’t I?” Hertha retorted, chin held high, with an air of righteousness.


    ric was taken aback. The women who were smitten with him, hoping to win him over, would always


    back off at his slightest show of disinterest. They’d either try to tter him or give him up with a


    heartache.


    No one ever dared to give him a hard time.


    Hertha, who was no different from the other women chasing after him, was somehow an exception.


    She had the audacity to serve him a taste of his own


    medicine.


    With an amused smirk, ric nodded at Hertha’s defiant demeanor, deciding not to stoop to her level.


    His gaze shifted to Thssa. “Thssa, why didn’t youe with Lysander today?”


    As Thssa put down her ss of water, ready to answer, Hertha spoke up on her behalf.


    “Can’t you see? She’s on a date with me. Why bring up someone else?” Hertha’s tone was spicy with


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    ric.


    “Hertha, can you keep your mouth shut when I’m not talking to you?” ric shot back, his captivating


    eyes shing with annoyance as they met hers.


    “My mouth is made for talking and eating. I’m here to eat, so I can’t possibly keep it shut,” Hertha


    countered.


    ric, who had managed to keep his smile until now, couldn’t hold it any longer. Gritting his teeth, he


    acknowledged defeat, “Alright, you’ve got guts. I won’t disturb you anymore.”


    As he stood up to leave, Hertha added sarcastically, “I’m not the one sowing wild oats everywhere.


    That’s you.”


    She then poured water into her and Thssa’s cups, as if nothing had happened.


    ric froze in his tracks, his teeth gritted in anger. Once upon a time, she was all doe-eyed whenever


    she saw him. Now, she was all fire and brimstone, with every word a jab at him.


    Was this a case of resentment born out of unrequited love?


    “One day, Hertha, I will make you cry,” ric threw down the gauntlet before storming off.


    “Bring it on. I’ll be waiting. If you can’t make me cry, then you’re not a real man!” Hertha retorted


    defiantly, watching his retreating figure.


    ric didn’t respond and walked out of the diner.


    Thssa, who was drinking water, almost choked on Hertha’s words. She quickly swallowed the water


    and wiped her mouth, looking shocked at Hertha. “Is it really okay for you two to be having this kind of


    conversation in public?”


    “Where’s the harm? We didn’t say anything inappropriate. I was just telling ric that if he can’t handle


    it, he’s not a real man,” Hertha said, looking genuinely innocent.


    Thssa felt embarrassed.


    Perhaps she was overthinking.


    Noticing the amused nces from the surrounding people, Thssa blushed and whispered to Hertha,


    “Enough, let’s just order our food.”


    Seeing that people were staring, Hertha decided to stop and focus on the menu.


    As they continued their meal, Thssa’s phone rang with a message. It was from Lysander.


    [Finished eating yet?]