The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Hearing the name Leopold made Thalassa's steps falter, her body tensing almost imperceptibly.

After a brief pause, she managed to compose herself, turned back to Lysander with a smile, and said, "The movie today was really good, wasn't it?"

As she spoke, she unconsciously tightened her grip on Lysander's hand.

Her attempt to change the subject didn't go unnoticed by Lysander. Her lips, still flushed from their recent passionate kiss, and her eyes, shimmering like the crisp autumn lakes, refused to meet his gaze, darting around instead. Lysander affectionately tousled her hair, saying in a soothing tone, "Don't be so nervous, I was just asking; no hidden meanings."

Indeed, Thalassa was nervous because the name Leopold was a taboo between them.

From past experience, mentioning it always seemed to stir up a storm.

So, when Lysander had brought up Leopold's name, Thalassa's heart had instinctively clenched.

Yet, Lysander's calming words allowed her heart to relax slightly.

Lysander's eyes, Thalassa opened her mouth, intending to bring up Leopold, but Lysander's gaze was so intense, so focused, it felt overwhelmingly

words she had wanted to say were swallowed back down,

stare remained

knew that once this conversation had started, Lysander wouldn't

waiting for her

deep breath and summoning all her courage, Thalassa finally spoke under Lysander's expectant gaze, "Yes, I once watched a movie with Leopold, and we even stayed till the theater closed. But don't worry, nothing happened between

sooner had

to clarify, anxious that Lysander might misunderstand. She insisted that her relationship with Leopold was purely platonic;

Lysander laugh. He smiled, gently placing his hand

believe you," Lysander

skipped a beat. His simple statement

towards him

to her