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

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

knew she was the one who had turned the atmosphere awkward and

gradually let go of her reservations and truly accept him,

a look of surprise and happiness lighting up his face once he realized she was

with a cinema," he

"Okay," Hertha replied.

to her, his large hand

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

temporarily overpowered the defenses

to not overthink enjoying a date with and bathed in the rosy

him, resting her head on

was even more moved, tilting his head to touch hers, sharing a moment

movie lasted for over two hours, and by the time they left, it