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."

was the one who had turned the atmosphere awkward

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

turned around in disbelief, a look of surprise and happiness lighting up his

there's a mall nearby with a cinema," he

"Okay," Hertha replied.

go then." Alaric came back to her, his large hand enveloping hers.

hand was warm

comforting against Hertha's. The

and the gentle

like a unique

happiness, different from the

е

Love, she realized, had

overpowered the

let

not overthink

a date with

in the

w love.

as she snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder in a typical