My Love Burns for Anyone Worth It novel Chapter 1

**Vows Became Blame by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 1**

Bella Shaw had been given a second chance at life.

As she stood before the mirror, her gaze transfixed on the youthful, unblemished visage staring back at her, she marveled at the delicate, pale fingers that rested by her side. A moment of disbelief washed over her, freezing her in place. Then, with a jolt of realization, she snatched up her phone and hurriedly checked the date displayed on the screen.

June 26, 2024.

This was the moment right after the college entrance examination—the pivotal time when she was expected to submit her applications to universities. It was also the period when her two childhood companions, Sebastian Gale and Ronald Lowe, had begun their relentless pursuit of her heart in her previous existence.

A spark of exhilaration ignited within her, illuminating her eyes with hope. Without a moment’s hesitation, she bolted toward the office.

“Ms. Scott, I need to change my application from Eastbridge College to Northfield College,” she declared, her voice filled with urgency.

Ophelia Scott, her academic advisor, looked up from her desk, her expression transforming into one of delight. “Ah, so you’ve finally come to your senses! You are the top scorer in the entire city, Bella. While Eastbridge College is a commendable choice, Northfield College stands as the pinnacle of academic excellence. It would indeed be a shame to miss out on such an opportunity.”

Bella managed a bittersweet smile, a hint of regret flickering across her features. “I was being stubborn before. I’m sorry, Ms. Scott. I’d like to switch back, please.”

The process of changing her application was surprisingly swift. By the time Bella returned home, she was greeted by a sight that filled her with warmth and nostalgia.

Her two childhood friends, Sebastian and Ronald, were there, accompanied by her best friend, Tessa Moore.

“What are you all doing here?” Bella asked, her voice a mixture of surprise and delight.

As she stepped inside, Sebastian, who usually maintained a cool demeanor, welcomed her with an unusually bright smile. “Did you forget? We promised to celebrate tonight at your place since we all got accepted into the same college!”

Ronald, ever the carefree spirit, approached her and playfully tapped her lightly on the head. “Oh, you little scatterbrain! We knew you were buried under a mountain of work preparing your honor graduate speech, so we took it upon ourselves to set everything up here. All you need to do is show up and enjoy the feast!”

Just as Bella was about to respond, her phone buzzed insistently in her pocket. It was Ophelia calling.

“Bella, you rushed out so quickly earlier, and I forgot to mention something important. You were originally slated to give the speech as our top-performing student in three days, but two significant board members have intervened, and they’ve decided to give that honor to Tessa instead,” Ophelia explained, her tone laced with regret.

Bella could hear the confusion in Ophelia’s voice. It was clear to anyone with common sense that Bella, as the top scorer, was the more fitting choice. Yet, as Bella glanced at Sebastian and Ronald, a sudden realization dawned on her. Their fathers were, in fact, board members of the school.

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