My Love Burns for Anyone Worth It novel Chapter 16

**Vows Became Blame by Mark Twain – Chapter 16**

Bella nodded thoughtfully, her voice steady and calm as she replied, “You know, most of the things I need can easily be found right here. Nothing feels particularly urgent or essential. I thought I’d just pick up what I need once I get settled in.”

As she spoke, Nina felt a sharp twinge of envy twist in her stomach.

“That was clever of you,” Nina said, a hint of bitterness creeping into her tone. “When I arrived, my mom practically stuffed my bags with every little thing she thought I might need. I swear, just lugging that heavy luggage around nearly exhausted me before I even got here.”

Despite her words, a subtle warmth lingered in Nina’s voice, a trace of nostalgia for her mother’s overzealous care.

Bella’s thoughts drifted to her own upbringing. Her parents had married out of convenience rather than love, their personalities clashing in a constant battle of wills. Bella had been born more out of obligation than affection, and the lack of warmth from her parents had left her feeling like a ghost in her own home.

After their divorce, she quickly became a burden neither parent wanted to shoulder.

Listening to Nina’s recounting of her own “troubles,” Bella offered a gentle smile. “That’s just their way of showing they care, in their own, flawed way,” she said softly, trying to find solace in the idea that even the most dysfunctional relationships held some form of affection.

Once they finished unpacking, the two girls decided to explore the campus, their laughter echoing through the hallways. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, exhaustion from their long journey finally caught up with Bella, and she succumbed to sleep.

The next day heralded the official commencement of classes at Northfield College.

Bella awoke early, her mind buzzing with anticipation. She washed her face, brushed her hair, and made her way downstairs, only to be greeted by a palpable hum of excitement filling the air.

“Who are those two guys? I didn’t see them during orientation,” one voice chimed in, filled with curiosity.

“Even if you helped with orientation, you wouldn’t know everyone. But wow, they’re seriously handsome. They must be freshmen,” another voice responded, a hint of awe lacing their words.

“Look! They seem to be waiting for someone. I wonder who’s lucky enough to have two guys like that waiting for her…”

Bella’s curiosity piqued, her brow arched as she sought out the source of the crowd’s fascination. As she navigated through the throng of students, her heart skipped a beat when she spotted two familiar faces.

It was Sebastian and Ronald, standing side by side on the sidewalk, their eyes scanning the crowd, searching. The moment their gazes locked onto her, they called out in unison, their voices cutting through the chatter.

“Are you two still caught up in your games?” she shot back, her sarcastic tone leaving Sebastian and Ronald momentarily bewildered.

Thinking she was still upset, they exchanged glances, trying to coax her with patience.

“Bella, have you misunderstood something?” Sebastian asked gently, reaching for her hand once more, only to have her withdraw again, a resolute look crossing her face.

Her smile faded, replaced by a cool, detached expression. “I thought I made myself clear. Sebastian, Ronald, if you have feelings for Tessa, then go after her. I never forced you to linger around me. What, is Tessa threatening to walk away again just because I haven’t given you a response?”

“Since you care so much about her and are willing to do anything for her, fine—I’ll step aside. The three of you can sort out your feelings however you see fit. But for the sake of the fifteen years we’ve shared, please leave me out of it. Is that clear enough?”

Her words hung in the air, heavy with finality. She truly didn’t understand. She had come all the way to Juville to escape their entanglements, yet they still wouldn’t let her be.

At her declaration, Sebastian and Ronald’s expressions tightened, a mix of hurt and frustration clouding their features.