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.

But understanding something in theory and overcoming the emotional distance were two different things.

After finishing their meal in silence, Alaric paid the bill. As they were leaving, Hertha suddenly suggested, “Let's catch 'Sizzling Secrets', it's all the rage right now."

She knew she was the one who had turned the atmosphere awkward and felt it was on her to lighten the mood.

If she couldn't let go of Alaric, she had to gradually let go of her reservations and truly accept him, flaws and all.

Hearing her, Alaric turned around in disbelief, a look of surprise and happiness lighting up his face once he realized she was serious.

"Great idea, there's a mall nearby with a cinema," he said, visibly cheered up.

"Okay," Hertha replied.

"Let's go then." Alaric came back to her, his large hand enveloping hers. The sunshine in him seemed restored.

His hand was warm and dry,

comforting against Hertha's. The

warmth and the gentle palpitations it

sparked felt like a unique kind of

happiness, different from the

e

warmth of family. Love, she realized, had its own sweet flavor.

This sweetness temporarily overpowered the defenses around her heart.

Hertha wanted to let go of her

reservations, to not overthink andet enjoy a date will l

bathed in the rosy hue of

love.

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

Feeling her closeness, Alaric was even more moved, tilting his head to touch hers, sharing a moment of affection.

The movie lasted for over two hours, and by the time they left, it was around eleven at night.

Walking down the street, the night air was cool against their faces.

Hertha leaned on Alaric for warmth, asking, “Where to now?"

"Are you tired? Should we head back to rest?" Alaric was concerned, noting her yawns during the movie; she was clearly exhausted. While romance was important, her well-being mattered more.

"My mom said I shouldn't come back tonight," Hertha pouted, feeling a bit like a wanderer.

“So, how about we check into a hotel?" Alaric suggested.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

"That sounds perfect. I just want to lie down on a big, comfy bed and sleep," Hertha admitted. She was worn out from waking up early for Spencer's wedding and the day's events had taken their toll.

No sooner had she spoken than Alaric stopped in front of a hotel, "Look, there's one right here. Let's stay the night."