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.

understanding something in theory and overcoming the emotional distance were two

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

turned the atmosphere awkward and felt it was

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

of surprise and happiness lighting up his face once

mall nearby with a cinema," he said,

"Okay," Hertha replied.

his large hand

the gentle palpitations it sparked felt like a unique kind of e happiness, different from the warmth of family. Love, she realized,

the defenses around

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

she snuggled closer to him, resting her head on

closeness, Alaric was even more moved, tilting his head to touch

by the time they left, it was around eleven