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.

Leopold, but Lysander's gaze was so intense, so focused, it felt overwhelmingly

wanted to say were swallowed back down,

intense stare remained fixed

once this conversation had started, Lysander

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

had she

than Thalassa hurried to clarify, anxious that Lysander might misunderstand. She insisted

Lysander laugh. He smiled, gently placing his hand on

believe you,"

a beat. His simple statement of trust filled her

gaze towards him softened, becoming more

unconditional trust meant more to her than