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.

sparked to life as she quickly pulled the door open. The moment the door swung open, she saw her four children standing in the dressing room. Two boys and two girls,

already reaching five feet, while the

her

you made it!" Thalassa exclaimed with tears brimming in her eyes, calling out each of their names and rushing forward to embrace

much,

each hug brief but filled with all the

a while since she last saw her children, and the longer she went

wedding anniversary. You should be happy, no tears," Elowen consoled

now, she had grown up,

often," Sophia added, comforting her as

mother's love for them, just as they loved her in return. During their three years at military school, the children

mother, but over time, they learned to bury those feelings, focusing

Thalassa's face 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

it's a day of joy, no need for tears. Let's finish getting ready, it's almost time," Hertha emerged from the dressing room,