The Bound Between Us

Chapter 996

With just one sentence, Layna might as well have handed Mr. Simmons a death sentence.

Mr. Simmons, breathless from chasing after her, caught the accusation and snapped, “Layna, what are you talking about? When did I ever take your clothes off?"

That was the moment it finally clicked for Mr. Simmons—why Layna had ended up at this so-called "reform" school.

Layna wasn't like the other wild kids. She was more like a hidden snake-quiet, patient, and lethal when you least expected it.

Most troubled kids rebelled for attention, to make their parents notice, or just to stand out. But Layna's darkness ran deep; she could ruin someone's life without leaving a visible bruise.

Now Layna was sobbing, her bare arms covered in fresh bruises for everyone to see. Even Emmie, who was usually unfazed by drama, looked shaken.

Scott pushed through the crowd, his face darkening as he took in Layna's story and the marks on her. "Mr. Simmons, you're a teacher! How could you do something so disgusting?"

Mr. Simmons was frantic, stumbling over his words. "I didn't! Duncan, listen, this is what happened: Layna came to my office, she started undressing herself and threw herself at me! I pushed her off and she ran out!"

He turned to Layna, desperation twisting his voice. "Layna, tell them the truth! Please! I didn't do anything!"

panic only made him look guiltier. The hallway was crowded with students and teachers, everyone staring and murmuring. Mr. Simmons could feel their judgment

finger at him. "It was Mr. Simmons! He called me to his office and told me to take my clothes off. When I refused, he hit

you can't lie like this! You'll ruin his life!" Mr. Simmons was practically pleading, but the more upset he got, the more he seemed like the

this to a child? I'm taking her home right now, and I'm calling my lawyer. I'll sue

to tears. "I didn't do it!

lying," Carli piped up, stepping forward. "Mr. Simmons called her to his office. I

words slammed the door shut on any defense

was no coming back from this no way to clear his

started shouting about how strict and unfair Mr. Simmons had alwaysbeen.

let this slide. After what they'd heard, who would trust the

next day, the story was everywhere on the news, all over social media. Mr. Simmons became a public enemy. Angry people showed up at the school, throwing eggs and trash, demanding

Reporters camped outside the

police came.

was taken

his office, and while Layna's clothes had been removed, there wasn't any physical evidence of abuse. No one could prove

none of that mattered. People had made