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.

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

swallowed back down, crushed

intense stare remained

started, Lysander wouldn't

for her

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

had

She insisted that her relationship with Leopold was

so rushed and nervous it actually made Lysander laugh. He smiled, gently placing his hand on her

you," Lysander

His simple statement of trust filled her with confidence

him softened, becoming more

meant more to her than any sweet