The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1135

Watching her struggle with a mix of helplessness and heartache, Thalassa couldn't help but ask, "If you still care so much, why pretend it doesn't bother you?"

"What good does it do to care? It just gives him more power to hurt me more," Hertha replied with a grim face. She stared at the retreating figure of Alaric in the distance, murmuring to herself.

Thalassa heard her and understood all too well.

Caring for a man who didn’t love you back only made you fall deeper and allow him hurt you, intentionally or not. And you're left powerless, with nothing to do but guard your own heart.

Hertha was a testament to that, and Thalassa was the same.

Thalassa didn't try to stop her from drinking anymore. Instead, she signaled the bartender and ordered another cocktail and a juice.

"To you, with juice as my wine," Thalassa said, raising her glass of juice in a toast.

Hertha managed a wry smile and lifted her glass, "Cheers, to life that kisses us with pain, and to us who sing back. We're quite the pair of star-crossed besties, aren't we?"

Thalassa's lips curled into a half-smile as she sipped her juice, while Hertha downed her fiery drink in one go.

They were enjoying their drinks when Hertha suddenly looked as if she'd seen a ghost. She nudged Thalassa's wrist and pointed ahead, saying, "Look, he’s showing his true colors."

Following Hertha's gesture, Thalassa saw Alaric with an outrageously dressed woman. His one arm wrapped around her slim waist, and the other playfully lifted her chin. He wore a roguish smile on his face as he flirted with her.

The woman, swaying her hips seductively, responded to Alaric's advances with a coy smile, and their eyes were filled with unspoken desire for each other.