MasukRose stepped out into the west wing corridor, the polished marble floors reflecting the soft glow of the chandeliers above. “Impressive.” The voice came from behind her, smooth, controlled, and laced with something sharp enough to cut which made Rose stop. She didn’t turn immediately. Instead, sh
After a while the meeting eventually came to an end, but the tension it created did not dissolve. It simply changed form. Instead of a single controlled room, the energy scattered across the mansion. Conversations broke into smaller circles, voices lowered but no less intense. In one corner of t
The meeting didn’t end after the announcement. It carried on, but the atmosphere had shifted in a way no one could ignore. On the surface, everything remained composed. People adjusted themselves, sat up straighter, and slipped back into their seats as if nothing had happened. Polite words like “c
A few days later after the kidnapping incident, everything went back to normal. Rose was eventually discharged from the hospital two days later and she returned back to her normal routine and her familiar space where Rose was peacefully happy. It was in the middle of this fragile calm that Donna m
After leaving the police station, Alissa decided to go home to change her clothes. When she got home, the house felt too quiet. Alissa stepped inside slowly, her eyes taking in the familiar space that no longer felt the same. Rose walked beside her but stayed a step back, giving her room. Her fat
That afternoon, Edward came by to check on Alissa. She was sitting up in bed when he walked in, looking calmer than before, though the weight of everything still lingered in her eyes. Rose was nearby, quietly scrolling through her phone, but she glanced up the moment Edward entered. Edward didn’t
The next day. It was still early in the school day, just before the second bell. The halls buzzed faintly with the murmur of students heading to first period, but Victoria wasn't in class. She excused herself with the calm assurance of someone used to moving unnoticed—just a quiet nod and a vague
When Rose stepped back into the classroom, the weight of her discovery still clung to her. Kehlani glanced up from her desk, her eyes sharp. “You look like someone who just clawed something out of a grave,” she murmured. Rose slid into her seat with a sigh. “I might have.” Kehlani leaned closer,
Inside the office, Lopez shut the door with a sharp click, crossing to her desk. “Jesse,” she said, folding her hands, “I’m going to ask this once—who told you to start those rumors?” Jesse’s breath hitched. “I… I don’t know what you’re—” “Stop,” Lopez interrupted, her voice slicing clean through.
The halls were quieter after lunch, the chatter reduced to a low hum as students moved between classes. But Rose wasn’t heading back just yet. She slipped down the side corridor that led to the faculty offices near the gym, her steps quiet but deliberate. She had already checked the schedule and kn







