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.

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

wanted to say were swallowed back down, crushed by the weight of Lysander's

stare

started, Lysander wouldn't allow

waiting for

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

had she

might misunderstand. She insisted that her relationship with Leopold was purely platonic; nothing physical had

smiled, gently placing his

you," Lysander

skipped a beat. His simple statement of trust filled her with

towards him softened,

more to her than any sweet