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.

theory and overcoming the

paid the bill. As they were leaving, Hertha suddenly suggested, "Let's

knew she was the one who had turned the atmosphere awkward and felt it was on

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

a look of surprise and happiness

mall nearby with a

"Okay," Hertha replied.

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

a unique

overpowered the defenses around her

enjoying a

crept on her face as she snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his

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

two hours, and by the time they left, it was