My Love Burns for Anyone Worth It novel Chapter 3

**Vows Became Blame by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 3**

A fleeting shadow of sorrow flickered across Bella’s eyes, an echo of the past that lingered like a haunting melody. Once, she and her friends had been inseparable, bound by shared laughter and dreams. But now, the scars she bore from that very bond ran deep, etched into her heart from a life that felt both familiar and foreign.

How had they ended up enamored with Tessa? The question danced in her mind, but it was a ghost of a thought—irrelevant and unchangeable. The events had already unfolded, and the past was a closed chapter, one that she could not reopen. Why waste her breath pondering the whys and hows when the answers were lost to time?

With a calmness that belied the storm within her, Bella extricated herself from their embrace. “I went on a graduation trip,” she stated, her voice steady, though the weight of her words hung in the air.

Sebastian’s brow furrowed, confusion clouding his handsome features. “Why did you go alone?” he questioned, his concern evident. Ronald’s gaze was sharp, laden with disapproval as he shot her a look that spoke volumes.

“Are you not worried about getting lost? Didn’t we agree that the four of us would go together?” Ronald chimed in, his tone a mixture of incredulity and concern.

Bella maintained her composure, though the mention of Tessa stung. “We said the three of us,” she replied, her expression carefully crafted to mask the turmoil inside.

Sebastian’s demeanor shifted abruptly, as if a light bulb had flickered on in his mind. “Do you not like Tess? If that’s the case, we can keep our distance from her, alright?” His voice was earnest, laced with a hint of desperation.

“I only looked after her because we were all headed to the same college. If it bothers you, we can limit our time with her. You’re the one who means the most to me,” he added, his eyes pleading for her understanding.

Had she not been reborn with the memories of her past life, perhaps his words would have struck a chord within her. But now, they felt hollow. With a slight shake of her head, she moved past them, heading toward her room. “I’m just going to drop off my luggage,” she said, her tone dismissive, as if she were leaving behind more than just her bags.

Sebastian and Ronald exchanged glances, their concern evident as they trailed after her.

“Our class is having a barbecue by the beach today. You should come with us,” Ronald urged, his voice brightening with hope.

The thought of Northfield College loomed in her mind, a distant place thousands of miles away where she would likely never cross paths with them again. It seemed like a fitting opportunity for a proper farewell, and after a brief pause, she nodded in agreement.

The beach gathering was alive with laughter and chatter, nearly everyone from their class was present, including Tessa.

Bella noticed that her spontaneous solo trip had clearly unsettled Sebastian and Ronald. They kept their distance from Tessa, avoiding even the most casual greetings, their attention solely focused on Bella. They hovered around her, offering her food, shielding her from the sun, their devotion drawing teasing remarks from their classmates.

At one point, Bella excused herself to the restroom nearby. As she stepped back outside, she was met with a sight that froze her in her tracks.

There stood Sebastian, the charismatic heartthrob, and Ronald, the rebellious spirit who seemed to fear nothing, both with their heads bowed. They held Tessa’s hands like two obedient puppies, their expressions pleading, silently begging her to spare them from her wrath.

“Please don’t make us chase Bella anymore. We can’t keep pretending. Every moment with her is pure agony. The one we truly care for is you. Why can’t we remain by your side?”

Tessa stood between them, a glimmer of satisfaction flashing in her eyes, though it was subtle enough to be missed. But rather than softening at their confessions, she remained unmoved.

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