Hailey’s POV
When Roy and Ryan finally got me out of the station, I felt the weight lift off my chest. My wrists were sore from the cuffs, my body still trembling from the fear of what could have happened, but the relief of walking out into fresh air was almost intoxicating. Ryan had already erased every criminal charge against me before we left, using his reach and connections. One moment I was terrified, being accused of crimes I didn’t commit, the next I was free, like nothing had happened. Except the humiliation lingered.
Roy drove us to school the next morning, his expression unreadable, focused as always. I wanted to feel safe, but my stomach still twisted. I knew whispers had already spread like wildfire, and as we pulled up to the front gates, I saw the principal waiting, arms cr
