The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 1629

Gazing at the amber hue of her whiskey, Thalassa seemed lost in thought.

"Of course, he poured his heart out to you, so what did you feel? How did you respond?" Hertha, anxious and eager for details, pressed Thalassa for her reaction to Lysander's confession. This was crucial; it could define the trajectory of their future relationship.

Thalassa and Lysander had been entangled in a complicated dance for three years, a dance that had produced four beautiful children. If they could make it work, it would be nothing short of perfect. But the ball was in Thalassa's court now.

Hertha made it clear that no matter Thalassa's decision, she had her unwavering support.

Exhaling deeply, Thalassa's voice was tinged with melancholy, "I dodged the question. I didn't answer him."

She had evaded the question then, and even when Rosalind had teased her about her feelings for Lysander, she hadn't confronted her true emotions head-on.

"The million-dollar question, then," Hertha leaned in, "Is he just the father of your kids to you, or is there something more? Do you have romantic feelings for him?"

That was the question Lysander probably wanted the answer to as well. After all, beyond responsibility, love was the cornerstone of any relationship. Without it, life seemed bleak and uninspiring.

Clutching her glass tighter, Thalassa felt her heart heavy, as if it were soaked in saltwater, both aching and burning. She struggled to breathe, her gaze lifting to meet Hertha's, "I think... I do love him. It pains me to see him hurt, and I get this sour feeling in my stomach seeing him with another woman, even angry. But then I remember his ruthlessness, the way he can be so cold, and it makes me want to push him away, unable to let go of his past actions."

"That's love, honey, no doubt about it," Hertha reassured her, refilling her glass. "The emotions that spring up without your control, that's love. The feelings you rationalize, those are just the harsh realities of life talking."

Taking a sip, Hertha shared her own truth, "Like me, if I followed my heart, I'd be inseparable from Alaric, maybe even keep him tied to my bed, catering to my every whim." Her confession was raw, a testament to the trust between them.

Thalassa's cheeks blazed with embarrassment, casting nervous glances around, "Keep it down, will you... We're in public."

Realizing her volume, Hertha lowered her voice, continuing, "But logic reigns in my desires. I can't get past catching Alaric with Georgia, and I worry about the kids finding out. So, I keep my distance. When he confessed, I turned him down, lashing out instead."

"And you, Thalassa, it's the same. Your jealousy over Lysander's interactions with other women proves you have feelings for him. Your hesitation is due to your worries, the harsh realities of life weighing on you. I know you can't move past your mother's death, believing Lysander played a part, nor can you forgive yourself for Leopold's death. You think you're responsible, that you don't deserve love, especially not with Lysander, Leopold's brother. So, you avoid dealing with Lysander's feelings."

Hertha's words struck a chord, reaching deep into Thalassa's heart. Indeed, no one understood her better than Hertha.

Such is the bond of true friendship.