A slow smile spread across Hayley’s face. “Now, that I can help with.”

I let out a breath, some of the weight on my chest easing.

“Good,” she said. “Because I want to meet these men of yours.”

I blinked. “Right now?”

“Of course right now.” Hayley grinned. “Unless you’re hiding them for dramatic effect?”

Despite myself, I laughed. "No, they are waiting outside."

She stood, crossing the room, and opened the door. Kai, Samuel, and Adam straightened immediately, looking at me first before shifting their focus to Hayley.

Her eyes flicked between them, and then she smirked. “Well, well. It’s a pleasure to meet you all. Though I do believe I already know you,” she added, her gaze settling on Kai.

His lips quirked.

Hayley studied the three of them for a long moment, then stepped aside. “Well, don’t just stand there. Come in.”

The guys hesitated, looking at me first. I gave a small nod, and that was all they needed. They stepped inside, moving carefully, like they weren’t sure what to expect.

Hayley shut the door behind them and crossed her arms.

“Alright,” she said, her sharp gaze flicking between them. “So, which one of you wants to start explaining how this whole thing works?”

Samuel, ever the diplomat, spoke first.

“It’s not complicated,” he said evenly. “We love Sadie. She loves us. We take care of each other.”

Hayley arched a brow. “Sounds simple. But life rarely is.”

“No, it’s not,” Samuel agreed. “But we’re committed to making it work.”

She watched him for a moment longer, then nodded.

“You’re the steady one,” she murmured, almost to herself. “The one who keeps everything from falling apart.”

Adam snorted. “He thinks he does, anyway.”

Samuel shot him an unimpressed look.

Hayley smirked. “And you… you’re the troublemaker.”

He grinned, entirely unbothered. “I prefer to think of myself as the fun one.”

She hummed. “You’re the one who makes her laugh, huh?”

Adam’s smile softened as he glanced at me. “Yeah,” he said. “I try.”

Something flickered in Hayley’s expression… approval, maybe. She turned to Kai, tilting her head. “And of course, you were the first boy she ever loved.”

The air shifted slightly. My face went hot.

Kai didn’t look away from Hayley. “I never stopped.”

Her expression warmed. “Yeah,” she said. “I can see that.”

She exhaled, looking at me now, and then at all of them. Then, finally, she nodded.