LYDIA'S POV

　　I woke feeling refreshed, though a sweet ache lingered in my body. As I tried to move, I realized my limbs were pinned, and I was covered in a light sheen of sweat. Blinking my eyes open, I looked around, only to find myself sandwiched between Evan and Brandon. Their bodies were pressing against mine, their warmth enveloping me completely.

　　A mix of emotions washed over me. I liked this position, feeling safe and cherished between them, but as the events of last night rushed back to me, I couldn't help but question how we ended up like this. Did I push them too hard? Did they really want to do it?

　　Evan's arm was draped protectively over my waist, his breath soft and steady against my neck. Brandon's leg was tangled with mine, his hand resting on my hip. They both looked peaceful, content even, but the questions nagged at me.

　　Did they do this for me, or for themselves?

　　I thought back to last night, the way I had been so desperate, so needy. The alcohol had lowered my inhibitions, but it hadn't clouded my memory. I remembered everything—the pleading, the vulnerability I had shown them, the way I had kissed Evan, the way Brandon had tried to comfort me.

　　"Do you think I'm ugly? Is it because of my past? Maybe you both think I'm dirty since I was touched and molested by someone else." The words I had spoken in my intoxicated state echoed in my mind, making me cringe.

　　Evan had pulled away, his forehead resting against mine, his voice filled with restraint. "You're not in your senses, and I'm really close to losing control. Please... don't do this."

　　Brandon had been there too, holding my hands, assuring me of my worth. "You're not ugly. In fact, you are the most beautiful woman we have ever come across."

　　Their words had been sincere, their actions gentle, but what had happened next? I recalled feeling their hands on my body, their lips against my skin, and the passion that had ignited between us. It had been a blur of intense emotions and sensations, a mix of comfort and desire.

　　But now, in the light of morning, I wondered if it had been right. Did they do it out of genuine affection, or was it pity? Did I manipulate them into giving me what I wanted, or had they truly wanted it too?

　　I felt alive and happy, yet uncertain. The physical satisfaction was undeniable, but emotionally, I was a whirlwind of doubt and confusion. I didn't want to believe that they had acted out of obligation, but the fear lingered.

　　Evan stirred beside me, his eyes fluttering open.

　　"Hi, good morning," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath as I searched Evan's face. I wasn't sure what I was looking for, but I couldn't stop myself from staring at him. His expression was unreadable, and my heart sank as I tried to decipher his thoughts. His eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite place—regret, perhaps? Brandon stirred beside me, and as he woke, both of them slowly stepped away from me, their movements hesitant and filled with unspoken tension. They dressed in silence, avoiding my gaze, and the weight of the situation settled heavily on my shoulders.

　　I knew what was coming, but I refused to ignore their expressions and body language. It was time to address the elephant in the room.

　　"Are you both going to pretend that last night didn't happen?" I questioned, my voice tinged with frustration. They remained silent, their eyes downcast. In a surge of frustration, I stepped out of the bed, wrapping the bed sheet around me tightly.

　　"Princess Lydia," Brandon began, his voice low and filled with regret. I turned to face him, my eyes searching his for any sign of understanding. "We are very sorry that we lost control last night. You were drunk and in a very vulnerable state. We couldn't leave you alone, but given the conditions, one thing led to another, and we are extremely sorry for that." His apology was sincere, but he couldn't bring himself to look me in the eye.

　　I shifted my gaze to Evan, hoping for a different reaction, but his expression mirrored Brandon's. The same guilt, the same regret.

　　"So, we're back to square one," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

　　Evan finally met my gaze, his eyes filled with sorrow. "Lydia, please understand. We care about you deeply, but what happened last night… it wasn't right. You were intoxicated, and we should have been stronger, more responsible."

　　"Stronger?" I echoed, my frustration growing. "You think I didn't want it too? You think I don't know what I was doing?"

　　Brandon stepped forward, his hand reaching out but stopping short of touching me. "Lydia, it's not about what you wanted. It's about what's right. You were in a vulnerable state, and we took advantage of that, even if it wasn't intentional. We should have protected you, not…"

　　"Not what?" I challenged, my voice rising. "Not loved me? Not made me feel like I belonged? Or not spending a night with your true mate?"

　　Evan shook his head, his expression pained. "It's not that simple, Lydia. We have duties, responsibilities and so do you. Last night shouldn't have happened."

　　Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked between them, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. "You're saying you regret it?"

　　Brandon took a deep breath, his voice gentle but firm. "We regret the circumstances, in which everything transpired. You deserve better than what happened last night."

　　I bit my lip, trying to hold back the tears. "So, what now? We just pretend it didn't happen and go back to how things were?"

　　Evan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "No, we don't pretend. We acknowledge it, learn from it, and move forward. But maybe it's best if we resume our roles as just your betas. I think it's best for everyone."

　　I stared at him, feeling a cold wave of despair wash over me. "Just my betas? That's it?"

　　Brandon nodded slowly, his eyes filled with indifference. "It's for the best, Lydia. We don't want to hurt you more than we already have. We need to focus on our duties, on supporting you as your betas, not complicating things with our feelings."

　　I shook my head, unable to believe what I was hearing. "So, that's it? We just… go back to being formal and distant?"

　　"It's the right thing to do," Evan said softly. "We're sorry, Lydia. Truly. We never wanted to put you in this position."

　　I felt a tear slide down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it away. "Fine," I said, my voice trembling. "If that's what you think is best."