With the pressure mounting, the Rose family had no choice left.
The evidence, the media attention, the public outrage—it was too loud, too undeniable. So, in front of cameras and microphones, they finally gave in.
A public apology.
To the media.
To the school.
And most importantly… to the families of the victims.
Annie and Kayla watched the broadcast together, silent at first. Watching Rose's father—the once untouchable politician—stand beside his disgraced daughter and try to salvage their name.
"We deeply regret the harm caused…"
But no words could undo what had been done.
And then the final blow came.
Rose was officially expelled from Briarwood High.
Annie blinked at the screen, then slowly smiled. Kayla let out a breathless laugh and leaned back.
"They finally backed off," Annie whispered.
Kayla nodded, eyes shining. "And we're still standing."
The Rose Garden was finished.
With Rose expelled, her loyal circle shattered, and the truth laid bare for all to see, the toxic reign that once ruled Briarwood High had come to an end.
No more whispers behind fake smiles.
No more fear walking the halls.
No more roses hiding thorns.
For the first time in a long time, peace settled over the school.
The misery was over…
Or was it?
A few years passed in the blink of an eye.
Annie and Kayla had graduated from Briarwood High, leaving behind the memories of fear, fire, and victory. They'd moved on—grown up, moved forward, and started building their lives in peace.
The Rose Garden was just a story now. A closed chapter. A past they had survived.
But peace has a way of hiding shadows.
And neither of them knew...
There was unfinished business still waiting for them.