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.

Adam asked, his tone

I was just trying to be there for her, but

where we're standing." Liam crossed his arms. His tone was laced with sarcasm, and I couldn't blame

bubbled within me-not at them, but at myself. I felt trapped between my intentions

mistake that could

I nodded, fully aware of

to

hurt Connie but also potentially jeopardised the fragile

spoke again. The awkwardness hung thick in the air, each of us unsure of how to proceed. I could feel the judgement and the disappointment, and it

This will not help Lottie." Liam scolded me. His words were stern but fair, hitting the nail on

twins' mate. The

et in

His eyes bored into mine, the weight of his authority

that's what's happening because SHE is off-limits," Adam