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

had wanted to say were swallowed back down, crushed

stare remained fixed on

this conversation had started, Lysander wouldn't allow it to end

waiting for her to

Thalassa finally spoke under Lysander's expectant gaze, "Yes, I once watched a

had she

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

explanation was so rushed and nervous it actually made Lysander laugh. He smiled,

you,"

His simple statement of trust filled her

gaze towards him softened, becoming

to her than any sweet