The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

It was a past he couldn't scrub clean, no matter how hard he tried.

All because, like Ethan, he once didn't believe in love, thinking a good time was all that mattered.

Youthful folly, pure and simple.

Now, wanting a home of his own, those histories became the stains he couldn't wash away.

Hertha cared, and there was no way he could explain it to her.

Fearing he'd only make things worse, he simply avoided the topic.

Hertha looked away, focusing on her meal instead, not dwelling on the matter.

She realized her own issues too. Having decided to overcome her mental barriers and accept everything about Alaric, she shouldn't be so sensitive. She ought to interact with Alaric normally.

something in theory and overcoming

meal in silence, Alaric paid the bill. As they were leaving, Hertha suddenly suggested, "Let's catch 'Sizzling Secrets', it's all

turned the atmosphere awkward and felt it was on her to lighten the

couldn't let go of Alaric, she had to gradually let go of her reservations and truly accept

look of surprise and happiness

mall nearby with

"Okay," Hertha replied.

then." Alaric came back to her, his large hand enveloping hers. The sunshine in him

gentle palpitations it sparked felt like a unique kind of e happiness, different from the warmth

overpowered the defenses around

go of her reservations, to not overthink enjoying a date with and bathed in the

she snuggled closer to him, resting

tilting his head to touch hers, sharing a moment

lasted for over two hours, and by the time they left, it was around eleven at