The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Chapter 2013

It was a past he couldn't scrub clean, no matter how hard he tried.

All because, like Ethan, he once didn't believe in love, thinking a good time was all that mattered.

Youthful folly, pure and simple.

Now, wanting a home of his own, those histories became the stains he couldn't wash away.

Hertha cared, and there was no way he could explain it to her.

Fearing he'd only make things worse, he simply avoided the topic.

Hertha looked away, focusing on her meal instead, not dwelling on the matter.

She realized her own issues too. Having decided to overcome her mental barriers and accept everything about Alaric, she shouldn't be so sensitive. She ought to interact with Alaric normally.

But understanding something in theory and overcoming the emotional distance were two different things.

After finishing their meal in silence, Alaric paid the bill. As they were leaving, Hertha suddenly suggested, "Let's catch 'Sizzling Secrets', it's all the rage right now."

who had turned the atmosphere

of Alaric, she had to gradually let go of her reservations and truly accept him, flaws

a look of surprise and happiness lighting up his face

idea, there's a mall nearby with a cinema," he said, visibly cheered

"Okay," Hertha replied.

her, his large hand enveloping hers. The sunshine in him seemed

was warm and

comforting against Hertha's. The

and the gentle palpitations

a unique kind of

happiness, different from the

е

she realized, had its own sweet

temporarily overpowered the

let go of

not

a date with

the

w love.

smile crept on her face as she snuggled closer to him, resting her head