The next morning, they were ready to depart. After a long journey, they finally arrived at Sam's home.
"So, John, why didn't you want to go directly to your house?" Sam asked.
John smirked. "Well, hello, sister! Did you forget that Sarah lives right across from my house? That would be a big problem right now."
"Yeah, you're right," Sam agreed. "Let's freshen up and then call Leah to give her a treat. She's been a huge help."
A little later, John dialed Leah's number. "Leah, we'd like to invite you for a meal—a small token of thanks from our side. So please, do come!"
"Oh, John, that's sweet! Don't worry, I'll be there," Leah replied happily.
By evening, the weather had turned chilly, and dark clouds loomed in the sky. Soon, Leah arrived, accompanied by Mr. Thompson.
John's face lit up as he saw her. "Wow, Leah, you look marvelous!"
"Thank you," Leah said, blushing slightly.
"Please, take all these presents. They're for you."
Just as Leah was about to respond, a voice suddenly interrupted their beautiful moment.
"This never would have happened if it weren't for that stupid tournament you wanted to go to!" Sarah snapped.
Suddenly, a deep voice interrupted.
"What stupid tournament, Sarah?"
Everyone turned in shock—even Mr. Thompson looked stunned. It was Kevin, and beside him stood Rose.
"What's going on?" Rose asked, her eyes scanning the tense atmosphere.
Sarah's expression twisted with rage. "It's because of you, Rose! Why don't you just die? I wish you had never woken up!"
Before anyone could react, John moved so fast that no one saw it coming—he slapped Sarah fiercely.
"Get out!" he yelled. "You are of no use to us anyway! We liked you at the beginning, but now it's clear—you actually tried to kill Rose!"
Kevin's eyes widened. He was the only one who had witnessed that moment, yet somehow, John had found out too.
But John wasn't done. His anger boiled over as he continued, "You tried to kill our beloved Rose!"
Rose, visibly shaken, finally spoke up. "Sarah... is it true?"
Sarah stood frozen, paralyzed with fear. Tears threatened to spill, but before she could react, Leah reached for her hand and pulled her away.
Leah grabbed Sarah's hand and whispered, "Let's get out of here while we can." As she turned to leave, she shot a sharp glare at Rose.
"I think you should stay and enjoy yourself with them," Leah sneered. "Maybe even marry all three of them. You're not worth our friendship—pathetic, just like your name."
Kevin stepped forward, grabbing Leah's wrist. His eyes burned with anger. "Not as pathetic as you are, Leah. If I ever see you again in my life, you will regret it."
Mr. Thompson, sensing the tension, stepped in. "I deeply apologize for their rude behavior," he said, before escorting Leah and Sarah away.
As the car drove off, Rose broke down in tears. Sam, John, and Kevin immediately surrounded her.
"We will always be here for you," Sam reassured her. "If it was the tournament that caused this mess, then it was also the tournament that brought us closer."
"Rose, don't cry," John said, trying to lighten the mood. "I'll buy you ice cream!"
Sam playfully smacked the back of his head. "Seriously? Ice cream in this weather?"
"Oh, come on, man, I was just—"
"Just what?" Rose interrupted, bursting into laughter.
She wiped away her tears and smiled brightly. "You know what? Maybe I do have three loves instead of one. And I'm happy that you guys are part of my life."
"You bet," Kevin said with a grin.
Sam gently cupped Rose's face, kissed her cheek, and gazed into her eyes.
"Always," he whispered.