The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Hertha had been anxiously pacing in front of Thalassa's house for over twenty minutes when Alaric finally arrived.

Seeing his familiar figure, Hertha felt a wave of relief wash over her. Up until that moment, she had been a mess, flustered and frantic, unsure of what to do next.

The moment Alaric appeared, it was as if she had found an anchor in the storm. She hurried over to him, "Alaric, what's the word? What did Lysander say?" "He's on his way over. He's got the keys to Thalassa's place," Alaric replied.

Seeing the worry and urgency in Hertha's eyes, Alaric felt a pang of sympathy. He reached out and gently touched the top of her head as one might soothe a small kitten, "Hey, don't worry. It's going to be okay."

Alaric was so close that when he lifted his hand, a faint scent of mint wafted towards Hertha, tickling her nose with that distinctly masculine aroma.

His touch was gentle, reminiscent of a caring older brother comforting his little sister, sparking something deep within Hertha. A lump formed in her throat, and unexpectedly, her heart fluttered, caught off guard by her feelings for Alaric.

own, biting down hard and never letting a tear fall. But

she had secretly held dear for three

welled up in Hertha's eyes, her nose turning red,

Thalassa. She's a grown woman, has faced her fair

thought Hertha's tears were for Thalassa's struggles, not realizing she might also be reacting

they were her strength. But now,

back, tears

Thalassa shared a decade of friendship, closer than

even the man she loved marrying someone else, left Hertha

did she have

was the first time Alaric had seen Hertha truly cry. Her tears, bitter as the sea, stirred something in him, making him share in her sorrow and drawing out his empathy. He reached out, his

a surge of warmth at his touch, prompting her to step back quickly, wiping her face to

the warmth of her tears on his fingertips, a tangible reminder of the moment shared, stirring emotions deep