The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

"Don't worry, I've got this," Thalassa said, straining to help her pull up the zipper, which was proving to be quite the challenge.

"Have you been indulging a bit too much lately?" Thalassa asked as she gave it her all.

The zipper got stuck halfway up her back, refusing to budge any further.

Clearly, Hertha had put on a bit of weight.

"Ah, well, I might have let myself go a bit after marrying Alaric," Hertha admitted sheepishly.

"It's alright, it still fits," Thalassa reassured her, gripping the fabric on either side of the zipper and with a final yank, the zipper slid into place. "There we go."

"Phew, finally done. Glad it still fits," Hertha sighed in relief, her anxiety melting away.

"Mom, Hertha, what's taking you guys so long?" a youthful voice called from outside the door.

Her nerves sparked to life as she quickly pulled the door open. The moment the door swung open, she

the girls weren't far behind at around four feet

were her

made it!" Thalassa exclaimed with tears brimming in her eyes,

had grown so much, almost looking

each hug brief but filled with all the strength of her

the longer she went without seeing them, the

your and dad's wedding anniversary. You should be happy, no tears," Elowen consoled her as she was embraced, noticing her mother's eyes

the crybaby of the family, but now, she had grown up, not just

we'll come visit you more often," Sophia added, comforting

love for them, just as they loved her in return. During their three years at military

feelings, focusing on their studies and training

as she looked at her children growing up, becoming more understanding, feeling both proud and heartache. She nodded through her tears, "Okay, mom won't cry. I'll make sure to visit you

it's a day of joy, no need for tears. Let's finish getting ready, it's almost