“Ha, ha,” I retort, gritting my teeth against the throbbing sensation. “You know what, Iris? You can mock me all you want, but I’m not leaving until I’ve said my piece.”
“Fine,” she sighs, crossing her arms over her chest. “Make it quick.”
I glance down at the apology package in my hands, my heart pounding as I prepare to confess everything. “This is an apology, Iris,” I say, holding up the box for her to see. “But it’s more than just an empty gesture. I need you to know how sorry I am for…well, for sleeping with all three of your brothers.”
For a moment, there’s complete silence between us. Then Iris raises an eyebrow, her expression a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. “You’re joking, right?”
“Unfortunately, no,” I admit, feeling a wave of shame wash over me. “I never meant for it to happen, but it did, and I understand if you’re angry. Hell, I’d be furious too. But I also need you to know that I didn’t do it to hurt you or to spite anyone. I just…got caught up in my feelings, and things spiraled from there.”
As I speak, Iris’s gaze remains locked on my face, searching for any hint of insincerity. My stomach churns with anxiety, but I stand my ground, determined to make things right—even if it means baring my soul to someone who might never forgive me.
“Look, Iris,” I say softly, my voice tinged with desperation. “I know I messed up big time, and there’s nothing I can do to change that. But I’m here, apologizing, because I care about you and your family more than anything. If there’s any way you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I promise I’ll do whatever it takes to make things right.”
“Even if that means giving up your harem?” she asks, her tone only half-joking.
“Iris, I love them,” I say without hesitation. “Please don’t ask me to do that.”
Silently, we stare at each other, the weight of my confession hanging heavily between us. Then, finally, Iris exhales a long breath and reaches for the apology package, her eyes never leaving mine.
“Oakley,” she whispers, her voice cracking. “Are you saying…are you seriously telling me that you’re in love with all three of my brothers? Like, at the same time?”
My throat feels tight, but I know I owe her the truth. “Yes, Iris. I am. I don’t understand it myself, and I never meant for it to happen, but it did.”
Her mouth hangs open in shock, and she shakes her head, clearly struggling to process the revelation. “But…how does that even work? I mean, they’re my brothers, Oakley. Do they know about each other?”
“Of course they know,” I say, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “It’s not like I’ve been sneaking around behind their backs or anything. They’re aware of the situation, and they’ve been surprisingly supportive.”
“Supportive?” Iris repeats incredulously, her eyebrows shooting up toward her hairline. “How can they be okay with this?”
“Because we’re all adults, and we’re trying to figure things out together.” My voice is firm, and I lock eyes with her, hoping she’ll see just how sincere I am. “I never planned on falling in love with all of them, Iris, but that doesn’t change the fact that I have. And I’d rather be honest about it than try to hide it from you or anyone else.”
For a moment, Iris just stares at me, her gaze flickering between confusion and concern. Then, she sighs heavily and runs a handthrough her curly red hair. “I don’t know, Oakley. This is…a lot to take in.”
“I know it is,” I agree quietly, my heart pounding in my chest. “And I completely understand if you need some time to process everything. But please, Iris, believe me when I say that I never meant to hurt you or your family. All I want is for us all to be happy.”
“Alright,” Iris finally says, breaking the silence. “I can’t judge you too harshly if you’re being honest about your feelings, Oakley. But…I need to know that my brothers are okay with this too.”
“Of course.” I nod, understanding her concern. “I would never want to hurt any of them, or Avery. In fact,” I add, reaching into my bag and pulling out a small, neatly wrapped box, “I got something for her as well. I wanted to apologize to her in person, but I thought I should talk to you first.”
Iris raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my gesture. “You really put a lot of thought into this, didn’t you?” she asks, a hint of amusement in her voice.
“Believe me, I’ve been losing sleep over it,” I admit, managing a weak smile. Inwardly, I hope that my actions will speak louder than words and help mend the rift between us.
“Alright, then,” Iris concedes, taking the package from my hands. “I’ll help you talk to Avery, but just remember—her forgiveness is important too. If she’s not on board with this…well, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
“Thank you, Iris,” I breathe, feeling a surge of gratitude for her willingness to give me a chance. “I promise, I’ll do everything I can to make this right.”
“Good.” She nods firmly, her expression softening. “Oakley,” Iris says, her voice curious, “what did you mean when you said you have something for Avery too?”
My cheeks flush at the mention, but I can’t help but grin at the thought of what I’ve prepared. “Well, Iris, I figured if I’m gonna go all in on this apology tour, might as well do it right.”
“Apology tour? What, are you starting a band now?” Iris teases, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Hey, it’s a heartfelt gesture!” I protest, though I can’t suppress my own laughter.
Just like that, everything is back to normal.
56