34 Petal's Fall (4)

The crowd might not think deeply about what the last footage was but Luke and I know what happened that night.

That pretty face was plastered through the monitor as people began standing up and moving in front to get a glimpse of the two stars of the night.

One staff finally yelled "It's done!" then the monitor was shut off.

Noah was speaking with the staffs to find out what happened as they explained that the monitor is connected to the service room located at the further back while also making clear that someone tampered with their system. As the place was only frequently rented for this kind of occasions, they neglected the computer's security so somebody easily hacked them.

For the slideshow presentation, they reasoned that it was out of their hands. Clearly stating that the guy in charge has the authority over it as he picks the videos shown.

The emcee and the one who was managing the projector shook their heads as they refused to admit their connection expressing that they just followed the arrangement. The teachers also kept mum.

Luke was staring widely at Lily unbelieving of what he saw and heard as Lily try to move closer and grasp his clothing as she emotionally appealed.

"Brother, listen to me. This, this were all fabricated. Think of it, huh? Why would we be both be coincidentally filmed? Brother, someone's making up stories. That, that wasn't me, I swear!"

Her face was scrunched up in a pitiful state as her eyes tear up. Luke was obviously trying to get her off him as his face showed no emotion. Since she failed on getting his sympathy, she turned on me.

All throughout I've been keeping quiet with my hand over my mouth.

"Oh~ I should get this on camera," one spectator said as he fished out his phone from his pocket. The others around him sounded in agreement as they all pulled out their phones and get us on camera.

It was then that Lily snapped as she stood up and screamed. "You dare!" She moved on to that group as she snatched their phones. "Stop! Stop all of it!" She threw what she seized in her hand as she frantically stomped on them.

One guy expressed his extreme displeasure by shoving her to the side as he shouted, "B****! Who are you to do this?!"

Not even one had the interest in helping her up as most of them stared and jeered calling her all sort of names. Those who were brave to do so were born from families whose superior to her.

It was Noah who had the heart to help her. Luke also unwillingly stood up and called for help as the crowd started to become restless. Soon, few males in uniform came to keep the crowd under control.

Those whose mood soured because of the worthless drama headed straight out sighing as they regret coming on tonight's reunion. Some said this today's bad joke shall forever be etched on their mind. Half of them stayed as if they were watching a movie.

I was also one of them.

I was honestly not expecting for that slideshow. I thought I was already evil in finding someone to hack through different sources and play those footages if things go wrong for me. What a coincident that she did the same! She used it to humiliate me. Now, were in the same boat.

Since Lily started it then let me join in the fun. Only idiots would never get even. And if I'm buried alive then I'll just drag her down with me. Blame herself for having a black heart.

Luke was already pleading with the remaining crowd to stop filming with Noah helping him. The two friends; Amara and Rose remained standing quietly on the side.

'one, two, three.' I counted in my head as I start my self-directed play.

Tears started to form around my eyes. I stood up opening and closing my mouth wanting to say something but no sounds were heard. Then I turned to Lily, shocked and disappointment clearly showing on my face as I softly asked, "Why?"

I said softly but I made sure that people near me still heard my questions. Luke too, had been disappointed with the entire discovery. Two of his closest friends were now practically estranged.

Lily pulled away from Noah and slowly walked over to my side. "Iris, we've known each other for a long time. Am I really that evil? I'm your friend and I would never do you harm. Someone must have planted it." She stopped in front of me as she resumed. "In middle school, I helped you fend off those bullies. In high school, I always showed my support. When they questioned your innocence I proved them otherwise. On the island…." She trailed off as she blinked her beautiful eyes. Something clicked on her head as she widened her eyes. "Was it you?" she said it too softly like a murmur. "It was you." She repeated. "It was your doing, right?!" Her tone was firm. "It can only be you. You're the only one who'd benefit from all this!" She shouted as she stepped back. "You're showing your true self."

'D*mn girl. Why'd you had to be so clever now? I was supposed to reveal that myself like those gangsters in movies. What will I do now?'

Acting thick-skinned, I claimed it was false. "What? What do you mean?" I finally let go of two tears as I persisted. "Lily please don't do this. Why are you doing this to me? I've been a good friend. All those times when I was feeling low, you're the only one I can find to confide in. But, but.." I pinched my skin when no one was looking so I can be as red as tomato then drop a crocodile's tear. I did not continue what I was saying as she yelled.

"No! I should be the one asking those! You planned all this! You knew what will happen so you switched rooms-----"

"Enough!" Luke roared at her. "Just stop!"

"Brother Luke she's----"

"You practically admitted it yourself! Guards! Take her!" Luke said angrily that it stunned Lily. She belatedly remembered her words. She felt weak on her knees as she dropped to the floor not knowing where to continue. When the security came, she struggled but what can a single female do.

The rest of the night turned chaotic as police were involved. Luke reported the case to the officers as it was the right thing to do and informed Heather and Aster of the findings. The hacked footage was of no use in court but they got the cooperation of the resort and had the original film turned over. The crowd dissipated after the police let them go. For us who stayed, our parents or close relatives were called in and briefed on the situation. They talked it out and reached an agreement.

Pride and greed, that was what I had in mind when I heard our parents and officials talked. They could not let go of the status they've built and settled things with money.

The He family lost our cooperation and had their Company drop in revenue. They were not destroyed overnight but these decreased peoples trust. The case for Lily wasn't forwarded and as agreed, they paid a hefty compensation. Those who were part of the plan were unlucky as they faced the charges. News about last night was strictly monitored and destroyed as it can harm the families' reputation.

A few days later, Lily dropped out of school and left abroad.