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

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

Lysander's penetrating, intense stare remained fixed

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

for her to

expectant gaze, "Yes, I once watched a movie with Leopold, and we even stayed

sooner had she

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

nervous it actually made Lysander laugh. He smiled, gently placing his hand

you," Lysander

a beat. His simple statement of

towards him

trust meant more to