The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

It wasn't just because Rosalind had said she was nothing but a substitute in Lysander's eyes.

It was more because Thalassa remembered, three years ago, overhearing Lysander mention how much she resembled a woman named Harper, especially the eyes, almost identical to Harper's. And now, Rosalind was saying the same thing - she was just a stand-in for Harper in Lysander's heart. Hearing that alone wouldn't have hurt so much.

The sting in her heart came when she saw a photo of Harper, with her clear, vibrant spirit, her bright smile, and those unblemished eyes that looked so much like her own. Thalassa found herself frozen, staring at Harper's name engraved on the tombstone. Rosalind, seeing the impact of her words, let out a slight chuckle before continuing, "You probably don't know that Lysander lost his parents when he was young. Grandpa Zephyr took him under his wing, handing him over to my dad to mentor in business. Harper and Lysander were about the same age, and she too had a knack for business. They grew up together, learning and sharing ideas. My dad was Lysander's mentor, and Harper was his childhood companion. You can't understand the bond Lysander had with my sister."

and the companionship that comes with growing up together - it was a special kind of bond. Such a relationship seemed irreplaceable. Listening to Rosalind, a part of Thalassa's heart felt hollow, as if a piece of it had been carved out. She had always believed her relationship with Lysander was pure love. Her heart was full of love, warm and fulfilling. But now, that love was labeled as a mere substitute, and the fervent affection she felt was scooped out, leaving a painful void. Breathing

a small victory. "Originally, my sister and Lysander were to be married. But as fate would have it, Harper died in a boating accident while out at sea. Lysander was devastated for

in the very barn where she was locked up. That was the beginning of her and Lysander's story. She was trapped by Isabella's schemes, and Lysander, grieving Harper's loss, sought distraction in high-risk missions until he was injured and met

over Harper's death. With this thought, Thalassa felt a sharp pain in her heart. She took several deep breaths, trying to steady herself, and then looked up at Rosalind, saying, "Everyone has a past." With those