The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 2013

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.