The next morning, the campus courtyard buzzed with unease. Rumors had spread like wildfire overnight, and Hannah was at the center of them. Students whispered behind their hands as she passed, their eyes darting between her and Emily, who sat on the steps with her usual entourage, a picture of false innocence.
Sara spotted Hannah from across the courtyard. Her friend's shoulders were hunched, her steps hurried, as though she wanted to disappear. Sara's heart clenched.
She glanced at Daniel beside her. His gaze was sharp, locked on Emily. "She's cornering Hannah," he muttered. "If we don't do something now, Emily will crush her."
Sara took a deep breath, her palms damp. She hated the spotlight, hated being the center of gossip. But if she stayed silent, Hannah would be destroyed.
"No," Sara said firmly, her voice steadier than she felt. "I won't let that happen."
Emily rose gracefully from the steps, her eyes locking on Hannah as she passed. "Oh, Hannah," she cooed, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "I hear you've been talking a lot lately. Care to share your stories with everyone?"
Hannah froze, her face pale, lips trembling.
A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd. The whispers grew louder.
Before Hannah could stammer a reply, Sara stepped forward. "That's enough, Emily."
The courtyard fell silent. Heads turned.
Emily raised an eyebrow, a smirk curling her lips. "Oh? The heiress herself decides to speak? How noble of you, Sara. Protecting your little sidekick?"
Sara's chest tightened, but she didn't flinch. She raised her chin, meeting Emily's gaze head-on. "Hannah isn't lying. And she isn't your pawn anymore. If you want to come after someone, come after me."
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Even Hannah looked stunned.
Emily's eyes narrowed, the smirk faltering for just a moment before returning sharper than ever. "Careful, Sara. You might regret those words. People could start thinking you've got something to hide."
Sara's voice rang clear. "The only one with something to hide is you."
The whispers grew louder now, shifting. Students exchanged uncertain glances. For the first time, Emily's control wavered.
Adrian appeared at Sara's side, his grin mischievous but his eyes deadly serious. "I have to admit, Emily, your act is impressive. But everyone here knows when rumors start, they start with you. Funny coincidence, isn't it?"
Leo crossed his arms, stepping up behind them. "And let's not forget your late-night meetings with certain 'family friends.' People talk, Emily. Secrets don't stay buried forever."
Emily's smile thinned. "Baseless accusations. How childish."
Lina slipped an arm around Hannah, guiding her gently behind the group. "You're not alone anymore," she whispered, loud enough for Hannah to hear, but soft enough not to draw attention.
Hannah's eyes brimmed with tears, her knees nearly buckling.
Daniel finally spoke, his voice low but commanding. "Enough games. Emily, we all see what you're doing. Threats. Lies. Manipulation. It ends here."
The courtyard pulsed with tension. Students looked between Emily and Sara, between the polished mask of cruelty and the trembling but unyielding defiance of a girl who had everything to lose.
Emily's mask cracked, just slightly. Her eyes burned with venom as she leaned closer to Sara. "You think you've won? This is nothing. I'll make sure you regret standing in my way."
Sara's voice trembled, but she refused to back down. "I've lived with regret my whole life, Emily. But I won't regret protecting my friends."
The crowd erupted — whispers, murmurs, a few even clapping softly. Emily's face hardened. She turned sharply, her heels clicking against the stone as she stormed off, her entourage scrambling after her.
When the crowd finally dispersed, Hannah collapsed onto the nearest bench, burying her face in her hands. "Why… why would you do that for me?" she whispered through sobs.
Sara sat beside her, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "Because you're worth protecting. You made a mistake, Hannah. But you're not beyond forgiveness. Not with us."
Lina added with a small smile, "Family isn't just the one you're born into. Sometimes, it's the people who choose to stand beside you."
Adrian flopped down on the other side of Hannah, tossing her a tissue dramatically. "Don't cry too much. I hate tears, they ruin the mood."
Leo rolled his eyes, though his voice was softer than usual. "What Adrian means is, you're not alone. Not anymore."
Daniel met Sara's gaze, pride shining in his eyes. "That was brave."
Sara's lips curved into a faint smile. For once, she didn't feel like the fragile girl trapped in her stepmother's shadow. For once, she felt like herself.
But deep inside, she knew Emily wasn't defeated. No — Emily was planning her next move. And Grace would be waiting to sharpen the knife.
For now, though, Sara let herself breathe. Just for a moment, she allowed herself the comfort of victory — however fleeting.