The air was thick with tension as students gathered in the auditorium for the early morning assembly. Whispers moved like wildfire something big was coming.
Kira stood near the edge of the stage, eyes searching. She felt it deep in her gut today was the day Alice would get her justice. Alice, calm yet fierce in her stance, walked in beside the Principal , clutching a neatly folded sheet of paper.
"Good morning, students," the Principal began. "Before we begin, there's a matter of great concern that must be addressed regarding the recent incident involving Miss Alice Dark Hart."
The crowd stirred.
Just then, Kira stepped forward. "Miss Tracy, may I speak?" She hesitated, then nodded.
Kira turned to face the sea of curious students. "Two days ago, a video of Alice went viral. A disturbing clip that portrayed her as a predator, allegedly setting Rachel up."
Gasps.
"But the truth has come out. That video was heavily edited manipulated by someone who wanted to destroy Alice."
A murmur rose.
Kira held up Rachel's written confession.
"This is a statement from Rachel herself. She admitted to accepting a bribe from Liliana to lie to falsely accuse Alice and back up the fake video. And just in case anyone thinks we're bluffing…"
She handed the paper to the Principal."There's a video recording of Rachel's confession. It's been sent to your email." The Principal opened her laptop. Silence fell as the screen lit up and there Rachel was, eyes red, voice shaking as she said: "Liliana paid me $2000 and promised to help me win student president if I agreed to lie. The video was edited. Alice never meant those things,it was an act. I… I just needed the money. But I can't live with the guilt anymore."
The video ended.
All eyes turned to Liliana, who stood dumbstruck, pale, and alone. Her clique had already begun stepping back, one by one, as if her evil had become contagious.
"Is this true, Miss Liliana?" Miss Tracy asked.
"I… I…" she stammered, tears welling. "That's not how it happened she's lying! Rachel's doing this because—because—"
"Enough," Miss Tracy cut her off. "You will face disciplinary action and a formal expulsion hearing. Your scholarship is revoked pending investigation." The crowd roared with whispers. Kira turned to Alice and whispered, "Justice served."
Alicia sat on the patio, sunlight kissing her skin as she leaned over her sketchpad. Her eyes were soft, thoughtful her mind finally at peace after days of tension. Leo walked up, holding a fresh smoothie in one hand.
"Mind if I sit?"
Go ahead," she said casually, eyes still on her drawing. "What's that?" he asked, leaning over. Alicia hesitated, then turned the pad toward him.
"Jewelry designs," she said. "I've always wanted to create something beautiful. I know it sounds random but… I don't want to be just a rich man's wife. I want to build something of my own." Leo looked at her, something flickering in his eyes.
"Alicia," he said softly. "You don't need to explain yourself to anyone. If this is what you want I'll help you make it real. You'll have your own label, your team, your platform. I'm with you." She smiled faintly. "Thank you."
"I've also decided something else," she said, finally looking him in the eyes. I accept this marriage. Maybe not with all the bells and fireworks, not yet. But… I'm willing to give it a chance. Let's start as friends. If it grows, it grows."
Leo leaned back, hiding the hope in his eyes with a grin. "I must really be irresistible."
She laughed lightly. "You're ridiculous."Still, friends?" he extended his hand. "Friends," she said, shaking it.
He didn't let go immediately. "And maybe… one day… more?" She raised an eyebrow. "Don't push it."