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

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

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

of Alaric, she had to gradually let go

surprise and happiness lighting up his

with

"Okay," Hertha replied.

came back to her, his large hand

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

the defenses around

overthink enjoying a

as she snuggled closer to him, resting her head

even more moved, tilting his head to touch

and by the time they left, it was