The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

From day one, it was crystal clear: you've got to establish where you stand in the family pecking order.

Hertha wasn't having any of it, forcefully shrugging off Alaric's arm: "Back off! You've got some nerve, thinking you can just pin me down?"

Alaric, who was deep in slumber, was jolted awake by Hertha's forceful shove. Groggy and disoriented, he barely opened his eyes to see Hertha glaring at him, visibly annoyed. Rubbing his eyes, he asked with concern, "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?" Hertha replied, her brows furrowed in anger. "Why on earth are you sleeping with your entire arm over me?"

Alaric was puzzled and explained, "I've got to hold you."

"And why is that?" Hertha shot back.

"Sleeping next to the person you love means you gotta hold them close, keep warm, and feel blissful," Alaric reasoned as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Isn't that the unspoken understanding between couples? Even without saying it, the other person should just get it. But with Hertha, it was as if she was clueless about affection, asking such a childish question.

words struck a chord with Hertha; Alaric actually called her his beloved. That sentiment warmed the depths of her heart. Just yesterday, she had denied to her mother that Alaric had feelings for her. Today, she heard him

to Alaric's presence

delightful. She felt

she almost

she couldn't let him see her amusement. Otherwise, he'd have

composed herself, feigning seriousness, "You can hold me all you want, but why dump the weight of your

the back of his head, "Got it, I lack experience; it won't

that, he pulled

Just as he settled Hertha

making

bit more," Alaric

do you think it is? Still sleep?" Hertha

yawned, "I put in some effort last night, was up half the night. I'm almost running on