Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem) by Pippa Moon novel Chapter 289

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.

"Care to explain?" Adam asked, his tone measured but firm, making me sigh heavily.

"Look, she was upset about Kane and Knox. I was just trying to be there for her, but things got... complicated."