My Love Burns for Anyone Worth It novel Chapter 9

**TITLE: Vows Became Blame by Mark Twain**
**Chapter 9**

Sebastian’s eyes darted away, burdened by guilt, unable to meet Bella’s penetrating gaze. In that charged moment, Tessa, with a hint of mischief dancing on her lips, only added fuel to the already raging fire.

“I liked it, so he gave it to me. Is that really such a big deal?” she declared, her tone light and carefree, as if she were discussing the weather rather than igniting a storm.

The instant those words escaped her lips, Sebastian and Ronald instinctively moved closer to Tessa, protective instincts flaring up, fearing Bella’s reaction might spiral into anger. Yet, Bella simply closed her eyes, inhaling deeply as if to gather her thoughts. When she opened them again, an eerie calmness had settled over her; all traces of emotion had vanished.

“From now on, I won’t be showing you my designs first,” Bella stated, her voice steady and resolute as she turned her attention to Ronald. Then, with a piercing look at Sebastian, she added, “And I won’t pray for your safety anymore.”

With those words hanging in the air like a heavy fog, she turned on her heel, closed the door with a definitive click, and severed the fragile threads that had once connected them.

From that day forward, Bella never crossed paths with Sebastian or Ronald again. Each day, their apologies arrived like clockwork, but deep down, she understood the truth—they weren’t truly remorseful; they were merely panicking at the thought of losing Tessa, desperate to win her back.

This state of affairs continued relentlessly until the eve of the new school year.

Feeling the weight of nostalgia, Bella resolved to visit the secret haven they had all cherished together. After her parents’ divorce, Sebastian and Ronald had discovered her fondness for roses. In a gesture that spoke volumes, they had purchased a plot of land in her name and filled it with the blooms she adored.

Whenever sorrow clouded her heart, she would retreat to that sanctuary, and they would always find her there, waiting amidst the fragrant petals. Tomorrow, however, she would be leaving for Juville, and this would likely be her final visit to the place that held so many memories.

Yet, as she approached, her heart sank. The roses were torn apart, their delicate petals scattered like confetti across the ground, a chaotic display born from Tessa’s desire for the perfect photograph. And there stood Sebastian and Ronald, grinning foolishly, capturing the very moment of destruction that they had once lovingly nurtured.

They were oblivious to her presence until a soft sound escaped her lips, breaking the silence. Panic flickered across their faces as they turned to see her standing at the entrance, a ghost from their past. They rushed toward her, desperation etched on their features.

“Bella, please, let us explain! Tess wanted to take pictures here, so we just—” Sebastian began, his voice laden with urgency.

But Bella’s eyes held no trace of the anger or hurt they anticipated. Instead, they reflected a profound calmness, as if she had already made peace with the situation.

“It’s fine. Enjoy your photos,” she replied, her voice steady, and she began to turn away.

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