Chapter 2016


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    Hertha had always had reservations about his past rtionships, especially the chapter with Georgia.


    Three years ago, Hertha caught him and Georgia in bed together, a thorn in her heart that she could never quite pull out. Today was supposed to be a joyous day for Hertha and him, a date filled withughter and happiness. Tomorrow, they were even nning to go to the city hall to get their marriage license.


    Thest thing he needed was for the receptionist to mess things up. He was so frustrated, he could strangle her!


    "What are you coughing for?" ric had barely finished coughing when Hertha jabbed him with her elbow, her eyes sparkling with anger as she red at him.


    ric, that scoundrel, was actually using this tactic to intimidate the receptionist into silence! Did he think she was some kind of pushover he could just manipte?


    ric''s mouth twitched, and he sheepishly said, "Nothing, just a sudden scratch in my throat."


    "Well, suck it up and keep quiet," Hertha snapped, rolling her eyes at him.


    Then, she turned back to the receptionist, her tone softening, "Please, go on. Don''t mind him."


    The receptionist was visibly nervous, ncing at ric and seeing how tightly Hertha had him under control. A stern look from Hertha, and he wouldn''t dare to make a peep. Perhaps it was the effect of seeing the man she admired so afraid of Hertha, the receptionist began to feel a bit wary of her too.


    But she answered Hertha''s questions dutifully, "She didn''t leave immediately; she stayed downstairs for over two hours beforeing up." "Over two hours?" Hertha was surprised.


    The receptionist nodded, "Yes, I remember it clearly. It should have been a matter of minutes, but she kept repeating that she was the heiress to the Reed Group, as if that would make the police treat her with kid gloves. But her attitude only made them ask more questions until she finally cooperated, and they let her go."


    As the receptionist recounted the events, she couldn''t help but be drawn to ric''s stunning looks, all the while Georgia''s domineering attitude, daring to talk back to the police yed in her mind. Moreover, it was the first time she had decided to give a guest a room without an ID, a move that could have gotten her into trouble, which is why she remembered the incident so clearly.


    After listening to the receptionist, a shadow of doubt crossed Hertha''s mind, her brows knitting together as she pondered. Seeing Hertha deep in thought, ric worried that if the receptionist said anything more, the fragile peace between him and Hertha mighte to an end.


    He quickly took Hertha''s hand, saying, "Let''s not stay here. We''ll find another ce."


    Hertha didn''t protest, allowing ric to lead her away.


    "Hey," the receptionist called out softly after them, but ric


    quickened his pace. The receptionist watched them leave the hotel, disappointment sinking in. She had waited three years for him to return, and just when she had another chance to see him, her indiscretion drove him away again. Her heart was filled with regret.


    ric quickly found another hotel nearby and checked them in. Throughout, Hertha remained silent, letting ric make all the arrangements.


    Once in their room, ric saw that Hertha was out of sorts. He gently pushed her to sit on the bed, then positioned himself with his hands on the bed edge, enveloping her in a protective stance, his chest close to hers in a tender and intimate gesture.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.