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 the

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

who had turned the atmosphere awkward and felt

Alaric, she had to gradually let go of her reservations and truly accept him, flaws

and happiness lighting up his

with

"Okay," Hertha replied.

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

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

the defenses

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

crept on her face as she snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder in a typical lovers'

even more moved, tilting his head to touch hers, sharing

by the time they left, it was