The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

How was she supposed to explain to Alaric that it wasn't about losing love?

Her feelings for him hadn't diminished one bit.

It was just that life, with all its harsh realities, demanded they keep their distance.

She said, "The bouquet is nice, but I don't fancy the smell of flowers during dinner. It overshadows the aroma of the meal. I prefer the scent of a hearty stew or a freshly baked pie, something more... down-to- earth."

She managed a tight-lipped smile, maintaining a facade of politeness.

With that, she stepped outside, gently closing the door behind her, leaving Alaric and his flowers out in the cold.

Alaric's hand, outstretched with the bouquet, paused mid-air for a moment. But he quickly recovered, setting the flowers down at the doorstep and following her, saying, "I know love can't fill our bellies. I know I was too much of a dreamer before, not cut out for the daily grind. But I've cut ties with the Falconer family. I'm just a regular guy now, ready to deal with the nitty-gritty of daily life, including groceries and bills."

She glanced back at him with a smile, stepping into the elevator without a word.

Alaric followed her in.

was surprisingly comfortable,

in this building too?" Alaric

what about it?" she

coming home with groceries at the same time as you. I used to think you were married. Now that I know you're not, what am I supposed to think?" Alaric asked with a hint of jest in his

real right to be accusing

on pretty fast," she said with

Alaric was usually sharp, he had been surprisingly slow on the uptake about her having a child.

YOUR FAVOURITE GAMES

EPIOPL

even after spotting baby bottles in her cupboard and the child-like décor in her

hadn't applied his usual perceptiveness

I've been in the dark

they reached the ground floor, Alaric offered, "Heading to work? Let

her car key, unlocking her vehicle with a beep, "I can manage on my own. Take care on