(Author's note: The point of view (POV) always shifted between the author's POV and Sakura's POV only, so don't get confused since I wanted to make the story flow naturally).

As the days passed and Sakura's suffering continued, Sasuke's frustration and worry grew. He couldn't bear to see the girl he loved in such agony, but Sakura's unwillingness to open up left him feeling helpless.

One day, as Sasuke was checking his email on his laptop, he noticed a new message with an attachment that sent shockwaves of fury through his veins. The subject line read, "A Secret I Bet You Didn't Know."

His heart pounding, Sasuke opened the email, and his eyes widened in disbelief and rage. There, on the screen, was an inappropriate photo of Sakura, unconscious and vulnerable, with Sasori's hand caressing her face. Sasori's signature Rolex watch glistened on his wrist.

The room seemed to spin as Sasuke's anger surged to the surface. In his mind, he couldn't fathom how anyone could have betrayed Sakura so cruelly. His fingers clenched into fists as he seethed with fury.

Without a second thought, Sasuke stormed out of his room and headed straight to Sakura's house, his mind consumed by thoughts of confrontation. He didn't notice the worried messages from Sakura, who had been trying to reach out to him, desperately wanting to explain her situation.

Sasuke reached Sakura's doorstep, his fists trembling with anger and his heart heavy with betrayal. He pounded on the door, and a surprised Sakura opened it, her eyes filled with fear and concern.

"Sasuke, what's wrong?" Sakura asked, her voice trembling as she saw the rage in his eyes.

Sasuke, still burning with fury, couldn't hold back his anger any longer. He shoved his laptop screen in Sakura's face, displaying the incriminating image of her with Sasori.

"What the hell is this, Sakura?" Sasuke's voice was filled with betrayal and anger. "Explain yourself!"

Sakura's eyes widened in shock as she saw the image, and she stepped back, her hands trembling. But it didn't take long for her to realize what had happened. She had seen enough of Sasori's manipulation to understand his twisted games.

"Sasuke, it's not what you think!" Sakura pleaded, her voice shaking with desperation. "I swear, I didn't send that photo. It's Sasori. He's been tormenting me, threatening to release those pictures."

Sasuke, still blinded by anger, couldn't see past his own rage. He lashed out, wrongly directing his fury at Sakura. "How could you let this happen? How could you put yourself in this situation?"

Tears welled up in Sakura's eyes as she tried to explain, "I didn't want any of this! I didn't have a choice!"

But Sasuke, in his blind rage, turned away from her and stormed off, leaving Sakura broken and betrayed on her doorstep.

Unbeknownst to Sasuke, the true villain, Sasori, was still lurking in the shadows, manipulating the situation to his advantage. The puppeteer's web of deception was far from unraveling, and Sakura was left to face the consequences of his cruel games alone.

As Sasuke stormed away from Sakura's house, his heart heavy with anger and confusion, Sakura watched him retreat with tears streaming down her face. She felt utterly defeated, betrayed not only by Sasori's manipulations but now also by the one person she thought would always be by her side.

Inside the dimly lit room, Sakura slumped onto her bed, her shoulders trembling with sobs. She knew she needed to explain the truth to Sasuke, but she also understood that her secrecy and Sasori's cunning had pushed him to the brink of frustration and anger.

Hours turned into a sleepless night as Sakura replayed the events in her mind, desperately searching for a way to prove her innocence. She couldn't let Sasuke's trust in her crumble, not after all they had been through together.

Meanwhile, Sasuke had retreated to his own room, his thoughts a turbulent mix of anger, confusion, and regret. He couldn't deny the love he felt for Sakura, but the shocking image on his laptop had clouded his judgment.

He stared at his phone, contemplating whether to call Sakura and demand an explanation. But pride and anger held him back, and he couldn't bring himself to dial her number. The hurt ran too deep, and he felt that he needed time to sort through his emotions.

At the same time, Sakura found herself shedding tears as she drifted off to sleep, her heart heavy with the realization that she had lost Sasuke's trust. She knew that the true battle against Sasori's manipulation had only just begun, and she was determined to prove her innocence and reclaim the love she had feared slipping away.

...

In the aftermath of the manipulated photo incident, Sakura and Sasuke found themselves trapped in a painful silence, their once-loving relationship fractured by doubt and mistrust.

Sakura, heartbroken and feeling misunderstood, confided in Ino, her best friend. Ino, always one to offer blunt advice, tried to comfort her. "Sakura, you need to talk to Sasuke. He loves you, and he needs to understand the truth."

Sakura sighed, her voice laced with sadness. "I tried, but he wouldn't listen. He's so angry."

Ino's face hardened with determination. "Well, if he won't listen, make him listen. You two are meant to be together, and you can't let some manipulative creep ruin what you have."

Meanwhile, Sasuke confided in Naruto, his closest friend. Naruto, known for loyalty, encouraged Sasuke to sort things out with Sakura. "Sasuke, don't let anger and pride get in the way of your love. Talk to Sakura and find out the truth."

Sasuke's expression wavered between guilt and stubbornness. "I know, but I just can't believe she'd let something like that happen."

Naruto placed a reassuring hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "Trust her. She loves you. You've been through too much together to let this break you."

Sasori, still relishing in his sinister game, approached Sakura one day while she sat on a bench in the schoolyard. His voice dripped with malice as he taunted her, "Enjoying your little drama, Sakura? You'll never be rid of me."

Sakura, her eyes blazing with defiance, snapped back at him. "You won't win, Sasori. I'll find a way to expose your lies."

Sasori chuckled darkly, reveling in the chaos he had sown. "We'll see about that."

The battle for Sakura and Sasuke's love and trust raged on, with Ino and Naruto acting as the voices of reason, urging the two lovers to overcome their pride and doubts. And amidst the manipulation and deceit, the true strength of their bond would be put to the test.

...

In the midst of her heartbreak, Sakura found solace in watching movies from the 1990s, particularly those starring Julia Roberts. She observed scenes where Julia Roberts' character begged her love interests to listen, only to be left behind, much like her own situation. Lying on the sofa with disheveled hair, she absentmindedly munched on a snack, lost in her thoughts on a Sunday morning.

Her father, who had gone for a walk to clear his mind from troubles caused by her mother, returned home and sat down beside her. He spoke softly, his voice carrying a sense of concern, "Sakura-chan, there's Aunty Miyoko's birthday party, and your mom will probably attend. The theme is 'The Preacher and The Sexy Eve.' I don't want her to feel embarrassed if she wears something inappropriate."

Sakura responded with little enthusiasm, "Why do you still care so much about Mom? It's clear she doesn't care about any of us anymore."

Her father, ever the optimist, tried to reassure her, "Of course, she loves us. She's just going through a weird phase in her life."

Sakura sat up, her frustration evident. "So, you want me to be the 'Sexy Eve' in front of a bunch of middle-aged adults? Don't be ridiculous!"

Her father attempted to reason with her, "Well, since I don't have any other girl to accompany me to the party. But don't worry, maybe this is a chance for me to talk to your mom and make our relationship work again."

Sakura hesitated for a moment, then made a condition, "Okay, but Papa, promise me you'll be the 'Ice King' and flirt with the sexiest 'Eve' at the party. Make Mom jealous and reconsider leaving Julian."

...

Sakura and her father arrived at the party dressed as 'The Preacher' and 'The Sexy Eve,' unaware that Miyoko had changed the costume theme at the last minute. To their surprise, everyone else was dressed in more laid-back formal clothes. Sakura's revealing attire immediately drew attention.

Uncle Jiraiya, always one to tease, couldn't resist making a comment. "Oh, my little Sakura. Long time no see. You look so... adorable," he said, inappropriately touching her butt.

Sakura managed an uncomfortable grin. "Thanks, Uncle."

Sakura's eyes widened when she accidentally locked eyes with Sasuke, who seemed equally shocked by her appearance. Sasuke's mother, Mikoto, teased her son, "Looks like someone intentionally didn't bring his girlfriend and decided to go with his mom instead."

Sasuke, blushing, looked away. "She's not... I mean... Why the hell are you here?"

Sakura tried to brush off Sasuke's comment. "Accompanying my father, of course. Just like you're following your mom like a puppy."

As they continued to bicker, they noticed Sakura's father attempting to flirt with Miyoko, who was dressed somewhat revealingly, albeit in a casual gown.

Unbeknownst to them, Sakura's mother and Julian watched Sakura's father from a distance. Sakura's mother shook her head in disbelief. "I can't believe Kizashi is flirting with another woman, especially one who just got a breast implant last week."

Julian replied mockingly, "Well, darling, I don't know what made you decide to marry him."

Sakura's mom playfully smacked Julian's arm. "Oh, don't be mean. He's probably just seeking attention."

As Sakura's mom and Julian headed to the food table, Sakura's father watched them, his expression filled with sorrow amidst the sea of people at the party. The tangled web of relationships and misunderstandings continued to unravel, creating a drama-filled atmosphere at the event.

...

Sasuke had patiently awaited the right moment to talk to Sakura, to convey his apologies and attempt to mend their strained relationship. However, as he contemplated his approach, Sakura abruptly excused herself, addressing Sasuke's mother, Mikoto, while pointedly ignoring Sasuke's presence. Her urgency to find her missing father was evident.

Amongst the meticulously trimmed topiary hedges, Sakura detected a swirl of smoke that ignited her curiosity. She decided to follow the whimsical trail and soon stumbled upon her father, seated alone upon an ornamental toadstool with a cigarrette between his fingers.

With a faint smile, Sakura addressed him, "Hey, Papa. Managed to make Mama jealous yet?"

Her father, marked by a touch of disappointment, shook his head, "Not yet. Miyoko left me in shock, even when I merely winked. Thank God I refrained from dressing as a Pope."

In a distant corner, Nagato, the notorious relative, resided, bedecked in the elaborate attire of the archbishop. Sakura couldn't help but notice that her father had been shedding tears.

Sakura, overwhelmed by guilt, spoke tenderly, "Papa! I'm sorry."

Her father, taking a deep breath, confessed his sorrow, "The way she looked at me... It's more like she judged me rather than loved me."

In an attempt to reassure him, Sakura offered comfort, "But she truly loves you. Both of you love each other. This is merely a temporary setback."

Her father, however, had a more pessimistic perspective, "Is it? I'm uncertain. Let me share my viewpoint. You meet someone, a mix of lust and tenderness defines your love, and you think it's true. After marriage, the true nature of both parties is revealed, and you face their flaws and yours. Eventually, feelings turn into a mix of understanding, or, in fortunate cases, something like rueful camaraderie... and you find yourself with two choices: starting over with someone else or sticking with what you've got and hoping to age with a bit of dignity. That was my plan, you see, before recent events. A tad overly optimistic, I must admit."

Sasuke, having searched earnestly for Sakura, finally located her engaged in a poignant conversation with her father. His hesitation led him to make the decision to grant them space and privacy.

"Hello there, young man! Your presence here is quite the surprise!" Sakura's father addressed Sasuke with a faint but welcoming smile.

Sasuke approached cautiously, aware of the intimate moment.

"Oh, it appears that Miyoko apprised you of the dress code alteration. Fortunately, you aren't left here in solitude, hiding like that gentleman," Sakura's father teased, referring to Nagato, who blushed with embarrassment.

Sasuke remained composed and responded, "Indeed. I brought my mother along."

Sakura's father cast a quick glance at Sakura, who signaled for him to halt the conversation.

"Apologies for interrupting your conversation with your daughter, Mr. Haruno. Enjoy the remainder of the event," Sasuke politely excused himself as he turned to depart.

Sakura attempted to call out to him, but her plea fell upon deaf ears, and Sasuke continued on his way.

Sakura's father broke the silence with a rueful grin as he embraced his daughter's shoulders affectionately, "Seems like both of us have encountered love's tribulations."

Sakura, determined to depart, encouraged her father, "Come on, Papa. Let's head home."

Nagato hesitantly intervened, "May I join you?"

Sakura nodded in approval, "Of course."

Nagato proceeded towards a nearby bush, making a gesture, and called out, "Come along, Yuki-chan. We're departing."

Emerging from behind the bush, Yuki, a green-haired woman in her 40s, was the most extravagantly attired guest of them all. She greeted the others with flushed cheeks, "Good evening."

...

Meanwhile, back at the party, Sasuke had retreated to a quieter spot, attempting to process his feelings and the unexpected encounter with Sakura. His mother surprisingly approached him, sensing his unease.

"Sasuke, are you alright?" she asked, her maternal concern evident.

Sasuke sighed, his gaze distant. "I'm not sure, Mom. Everything is so complicated right now."

Mikoto placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Relationships often are, Sasuke. But it's important to communicate and work through the difficulties. If there's something on your mind, you should talk to Sakura."

Sasuke nodded, realizing the wisdom in his mother's words. "You're right, Mom."

Mikoto smiled warmly. "That's my boy. Just remember, love can endure many challenges if you both are willing to fight for it."

"But how?" Sasuke seemed frustrated. "She was... I don't know. Stupid. Why did she trust that dumbass so much? Now I have her photos, very inappropriate ones. What if Sasori sent them to everyone at school? What will happen to her then?"

Mikoto looked at her son with wide eyes. "Sasuke, what are you talking about?"

Sasuke looked away, his anger palpable. "Sakura slept with Sasori, the college guy who became our guest photography mentor."

Mikoto took a seat beside her son, concern etching her features. "Sasori? The same Sasori who's friends with your brother? That's highly unlikely, Sasuke. I've known the Haruno family for a long time, and I believe Sakura is a good girl."

Sasuke sighed again, his turmoil evident. "That's what I've been trying to believe, Mom. But I don't know. She was missing for three years and suddenly came back from New York, looking very pretty. All the guys can't take their eyes off her every single day. She clearly tries to get their attention, wearing black stockings and lifting her skirt. And now, she's wearing a revealing costume."

Mikoto looked at her son with shock, realizing the depth of his emotions. She had never seen him speak so openly before. It was clear that Sasuke had been hiding these feelings for a long time. Concerned, she touched his hand, offering reassurance.

"So, she is pretty?" Mikoto teased, attempting to lighten the mood.

Sasuke's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at his unintentional admission. "Forget it, Mom."

"Oh, my little boy. You've grown up." Mikoto gently caressed his head. "But, sadly, you're a bit cold-hearted and arrogant, just like your father."

Mikoto then looked at him more seriously. "Listen, dear, remember that Uchiha men are men of honor. You should face the problem and not run away from it. Go talk to her. If she's already gone home, then call her or go to her home."

Sakura sighed deeply. "But why is it so difficult?"

Mikoto smiled knowingly. "Because you don't allow yourself to show your vulnerability to anyone, and that's your problem."

...

The following evening, Sasuke decided to visit Sakura's house, feeling compelled to clear the air between them. However, he was taken aback when Sakura's father, Kizashi, opened the door.

"Oh, hi there," Kizashi greeted Sasuke with a polite smile.

"Sakura?" Sasuke blurted out Sakura's name immediately, his impatience evident.

Kizashi appeared surprised. "Oh, what a surprise! I thought she went with you," he said with curiosity.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "No."

Kizashi's curiosity got the better of him. "Hm. Actually, what the hell happened between you two? Would either of you care to tell me?"

Sasuke, growing increasingly impatient, needed to find Sakura and resolve their issues. "Sorry, but can you tell me where she is now?"

Kizashi pondered for a moment. "She said she was going to get some fresh air, but I don't know where she went."

"Okay, thank you," Sasuke replied swiftly before departing, not engaging further in conversation.

Kizashi slouched a bit, feeling disappointed. "I thought he might be interested in joining me for a few beers."

Sasuke, now feeling truly puzzled and frustrated, decided to call Naruto for advice.

Meanwhile, Naruto was having a meeting with Sakura, Ino, Sai, and Hinata at a nearby cafe when he saw Sasuke's name light up his phone's display.

"Naruto, don't," Ino cautioned, shaking her head firmly.

"But why? Sasuke is still my friend too. I mean..." Naruto tried to reason.

"No," Ino insisted.

Sai, who was feeling perplexed, chimed in, "Could someone please explain what's going on?"

Ino playfully smacked his arm. "Just don't get involved!"

"Listen, Sakura," Ino began, turning her attention back to her friend. "Starting tomorrow, dress more formally and conservatively, so people take you more seriously. Then, muster up the courage to confront Sasori. Threaten to expose his actions to the school principal. Don't back down. Think of yourself as Wonder Woman."

"But h-how? I don't even have any evidence," Sakura replied, her optimism waning.

Naruto inadvertently blurted out information Sakura wasn't aware of, "But Sasori sent those photos to Sasuke, I think."

"Really? Oh, it makes sense now why Sasuke got so mad at you, Sakura," Ino seethed with anger. "That Sasori bastard! This was his intention all along - to drive you and Sasuke apart so he could take advantage of you."

Sai chimed in with disdain, "That's horrible. Seriously."

Hinata suggested, "Oh, Sakura, you should talk to Sasuke immediately. He must be very confused."

"I tried... but," Sakura looked downcast. "He didn't want to listen."

"Don't," Ino vehemently interrupted. "Not yet. You should play hard to get first, raise your own value, and act as though you're saying, 'Catch me if you can.' That's how you deal with a man with an ego as big as Sasuke's."

"Poor Sasuke," Naruto mused, concern in his voice. "But what if he changes his mind and decides to talk to Sakura?"

"Don't care!" Ino stated firmly. "Listen, as a woman, you should never lower your standards for a man. Make sure that other men, who are more handsome than Sasuke, are attracted to you. Perhaps pretend to hang out with someone from outside your school?"

Sakura sighed in resignation. "That's what I suggested to my father when my mom cheated with her TV presenter partner. And it failed horribly. All I need is suggestion to how to kick Sasori's ass."

"Then just kick his ass," Naruto suggested straightforwardly, thinking like a man.

"No, no, no. Girls are different. We should use our brains, not our muscles. Think about it, Sakura," Ino intervened.

"That's what I'm doing right now," Sakura replied, visibly exhausted. "What's next?"

Ino leaned in closer to Sakura and whispered her ideas to embarrass Sasori in front of everyone and expose him as a harasser.

The others at the table exchanged puzzled glances.

"What is it? Please tell me!" Naruto couldn't contain his curiosity.

"Thanks, Ino," Sakura grinned confidently. "Thank goodness I have a smart brain."

...

Sakura, Naruto, Hinata, Sai, and Ino had just parted ways at the cafe, exchanging their goodbyes. Since the two couples were heading home together, Sakura found herself walking alone. Lost in her thoughts, she strolled down the pedestrian street, unaware of what was about to happen. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out to her from behind.

"Sakura...!" panted Sasuke, racing towards her, his breath heavy.

"Geez. Why are you running?" Sakura teased, attempting to feign indifference.

"Sakura... could we talk for a while," Sasuke said with determination.

Sakura remembered Ino's advice to play hard to get, so she continued walking, and as expected, Sasuke followed her. It wasn't until Sakura noticed that she was crossing the street against a green light that she realized something was amiss.

Before she could react, a taxi came dangerously close to hitting her. Sakura, caught off guard, didn't react until Sasuke, in a typical romantic movie fashion, swept her into his arms, saving her from the oncoming vehicle. However, the moment turned comical as Sakura's head accidentally bumped into a nearby lamppost.

Sasuke's arm was slightly bruised, and he struggled to get up from the ground with Sakura's weight on top of him.

"Argh! Argh! Sasuke, what the hell are you doing?" Sakura groaned, clutching her forehead, which was now bleeding.

"Sakura... you're heavy," Sasuke hoarsely replied as he tried to free himself from her.

Realizing her mistake, Sakura immediately rolled to the side, allowing Sasuke to breathe freely once more.

"Sasuke... my head hurts... it's painful," Sakura muttered, feeling a bit dizzy. "I need to go home."

Sasuke, shocked to find Sakura's forehead bleeding, reached out to touch it. "Sakura... there's blood."

Sakura gasped, suddenly becoming dramatic, fearing the worst. She thought she was going to die.

Sasuke quickly retrieved his handkerchief from his jeans pocket and tried to stop the bleeding. "Here, hold this until we get to the nearest hospital."

"Sasuke-kun... Why is your face so blurry?" Sakura blinked her eyes in confusion.

"Oh no," Sasuke panicked. "Don't be dramatic, Sakura."

In Sasuke's arms, Sakura suddenly fainted. He looked around at the bustling street, reluctant to seek help from strangers.

"Oh god, you are such a nuisance," Sasuke muttered under his breath as he gently cradled Sakura. "You really need to stop being so careless."

Sasuke yelled and waved down a passing taxi. "Stop! I'm not doing anything illegal. This girl just fainted in my arms," he explained bluntly as he entered the cab, the driver eyeing him incredulously due to the blood on Sasuke's coat.

"O-okay. Where are you headed?" the cab driver asked, flustered.

"To the nearest hospital, of course! What else would it be?!" Sasuke snapped irritably.

The cab driver sighed, muttering to himself. "Kids these days, such brats."

- To Be Continued -