The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Alaric could clearly see the worry in Hertha's eyes, and it instantly lifted his spirits. He wanted to sit up, to take Hertha's hand and speak directly to her, but as he attempted to rise, he suddenly remembered how seriously ill he was. Would Hertha think he was faking his illness if he got up now?

At that moment, Alaric's first thought was of Hertha's feelings. With that in mind, he abandoned the idea of sitting up. Instead, from his position lying in bed, he weakly reached out to Hertha. "Hertha, you came to see me... I thought I might never see you again..."

Seeing him so weak and feeble, Hertha's heart melted. Instinctively, she took Alaric's hand, comforting him, "With Dr. Lydia here, you'll be fine. Don't be afraid."

Alaric's hand was cold as ice, but Hertha's hand was warm. Holding it, the coldness that had settled in Alaric's heart from the recent chaos seemed to melt away. Barely holding her hand, he used the strength to sit up, leaning forward and pulling Hertha into an embrace. In that moment, Alaric couldn't help himself, his voice taking on a child-like whine, "I've missed you so much. Can we be more than just friends? Can we be together?"

At our most vulnerable, even the slightest bit of care can make us yearn to be close to those we cherish the most. Our heart's truest words cannot be hidden.

Hertha was held close, Alaric's cheek against hers, feeling the heat of his face. She couldn't tell if it was fever or his emotions running hot. Her heart skipped a beat, feeling herself ignite with him. For a moment, she wanted to say yes, to be with him.

and Georgia's child, the unbreakable ties to his past. If she were to be with him, she'd spend a lifetime navigating troubles and resolving conflicts, not just

mind cooled instantly. The words she was about to say got stuck in her throat. She pulled away from Alaric, her voice filled with anger, "So, Alaric, you're playing the sick card to win my sympathy, huh? I

back, Alaric ended up lying down again, accidentally nudging a silver needle in his

nearby, saw Alaric's condition and quickly intervened, removing the needle that had gone

rapidly, "Is it really

"Did you

lowered her head,

this convincingly," Lydia retorted as removed all the needles

Just some treat Doesn't he need