Chapter 50. Tasted Heaven

"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 woul