Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0298

Kane's POV

I reached the door, exhaling a heavy sigh just as something crashed against it from behind. A splash of liquid trickled down the wooden surface, pooling at my feet. The sharp scent of whiskey filled the air-a drink wasted in a petty act of frustration. I glanced over my shoulder to see Connie glaring at me, her eyes ablaze with anger. The shattered glass lay scattered on the floor, glittering like bitter tears under the dim light.

"You think acting like a child is going to make me want to stay?" I asked, arching an eyebrow. My patience was hanging by a thread, and her tantrums were doing nothing to mend it. She curled her lip in a sneer, narrowing her eyes.

"Maybe if you'd stop treating me like one!" she spat back, her voice dripping with venom. She opened her mouth to continue, but honestly, I couldn't be bothered to listen anymore. Her words had become white noise-a constant drone of accusations and self-pity. Turning away, I gripped the doorknob and pulled it open. Standing on the other side was Chase, looking uncharacteristically uneasy. His usual confident posture was replaced with slumped shoulders, and he avoided meeting my gaze. It was odd; Chase was always so composed, the epitome of charm and ease.

"Chase?" I asked as A knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach.

"Is it Lottie?" I blurted out, my voice edged with panic. The mere thought of something happening to her or the babies sent a cold dread coursing through me. "The babies?" I pressed when he didn't immediately respond.

Before Chase could answer, Connie let out a bitter laugh behind me. "Poor Lottie, that's it-let's all run to her aid," she snapped sarcastically. I shot her a warning glare.

"Not now, Connie," I growled, my patience wearing thinner by the second. Turning back to Chase, I noticed he wasn't looking at me anymore. His gaze had shifted past me, landing somewhere over my shoulder. Confusion flickered across his face, mingling with something else was it guilt? I followed his line of sight and realised he was staring at Connie like she meant something to him. Which was fucked up, given she was the reason Lottie had suffered so much.

"She's not the only one to blame, you know," Rolo stirred within me. "We've played our part in this mess." he muttered.

"Not now, Rolo." I clenched my jaw.

"Ignoring it won't change the truth," he retorted before retreating into silence. Frustrated, I reached out and gave Chase a gentle shake. "Chase, what's going on?" He finally looked at me, eyes refocusing.

fine," he assured me. "She's resting. It's been a long night for her." But

It emanated from both of them. Realisation dawned, and I couldn't help the mix of amusement and disbelief that bubbled

gestured subtly toward Connie, unable to

there was a flicker of defensiveness in

Connie's manipulations fueling my frustration. "I know,

evil like her..

my head,

what? Do

at

warned-she's rotten to the

scoffed loudly

knew they would hurt, and I should rise above it. But Pcan't..

so little to you?" Her voice cracked a mixture of anger and hurt flashing across her face. Tears brimmed in her eyes, but I couldn't tell if they were genuine or another act. "Yes, Connie." I

the mate bond?"

But I noticed her gaze flickering toward Chase as if seeking his reaction more than mine. It

that

ΛΟ

wasn't as

all

let out a dry laugh. She stared at me, confusion and desperation mingling

you're rejecting me?" Her voice wavered, a hint of relief betraying