Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0289

Chase POV

"What?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling. "That's not true!" I avoided her gaze, focusing instead on my brothers.

"You know what she's like," I added weakly, immediately regretting my words.

"We do. But we know what you are like too..." Adam raised an eyebrow, scepticism evident. Connie looked between us, betrayal etched on her features.

"I can't believe you," she whispered to me, tears welling up in her eyes. The sight of her tears hit me like a punch to the gut. Shame flooded through me as I realised how my words had hurt her. I had betrayed her trust, thrown her under the bus to save face. The pain in her eyes was a mirror reflecting my own cowardice, and it was almost unbearable.

"Connie, wait-" I reached out, but she recoiled. Her flinch was like a slap to my face. I deserved it. I knew I did. The hurt radiating from her was palpable, and I felt a deep regret settling in. I wanted to make it right, but I also understood why she wouldn't let me. "Don't touch me!" she snapped, before turning on her heel and rushing down the hallway. The sound of a door slamming echoed a moment later. Adam's gaze hardened even more as he watched her leave, then shifted back to me. The disappointment in his eyes was clear, and it cut deeper than any reprimand could.

"Smooth," Thor remarked sarcastically. "You're on a roll tonight." I rubbed a hand over my face, frustration and shame battling within me. This wasn't how I wanted things to go.

asked, his tone measured but

was just

laced with sarcasm, and I couldn't blame him. From their perspective, it probably

happen. It was a mistake." I met his gaze. Frustration bubbled within me-not at them, but at myself. I felt trapped between my intentions and my actions, neither of which

that could have

involved." I nodded, fully

stone tied to

but also potentially jeopardised the fragile dynamics between our

And I'm sorry," I admitted sheepishly. There was a tense silence before Liam spoke again. The awkwardness hung thick in the

need to sort this shit out. Leading her on is not ok, not when it can not go anywhere. This will not help Lottie." Liam scolded me. His words were stern but fair, hitting the nail on the head. I knew he was right, and that

is the twins'

et in

his authority pressing down on

intended to or not, that's what's happening