The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Chapter 2018

Alaric kissed her with such fervor that it nearly took Hertha's breath away. Yet, Hertha could tell that this kiss, contrary to his passionate declarations, lacked the sweetness of genuine desire. It felt more forced than spontaneous.

Hertha felt like she was suffocating under his intense kiss. She quickly raised her hands, her fingers entwining in Alaric's hair, gripping his head, and pushed him away forcefully. Free from the kiss, Hertha gasped for air and glared at Alaric above her. "Have you lost your mind?"

Alaric, too, was breathing heavily, his seductive eyes shimmering, locked onto Hertha below him. "If you keep ignoring me, I might actually lose it. Tell me, are you mad at me?"

He wasn't afraid of Hertha confronting him; he was terrified of her indifference. Looking at Alaric's earnest and somewhat innocent expression, Hertha felt a tug at her heartstrings. His good looks had always been her weakness; a single innocent glance from him, and she'd melt. She couldn't bring herself to leave him. The only option was to confront the issues head-on.

heart, Hertha

tensed up, his gaze growing anxious. "Why would

sensitive topic between them. Mentioning Georgia now

cradled Alaric's head, fingers

to get mad," Alaric pleaded, his pursuit of Hertha fueled by a mix of passion and fear of her anger. He knew he had to face this delicate

get mad. Just tell me," Hertha's heart raced, the moment of truth making her increasingly nervous. How many times would be acceptable

a pause, Alaric finally spoke, "Just once, three years ago, at a hotel. That's

her breathing halted. She pressed, barely whispering,

scoundrel!" Alaric