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.

in theory and overcoming the emotional distance were two

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

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

she had to gradually let go

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

a mall nearby with a cinema," he

"Okay," Hertha replied.

his large hand

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

temporarily overpowered the defenses around

to not overthink enjoying a date with and

snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder in

her closeness, Alaric was even more moved, tilting his head

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