Chapter 9

Sebastian also averted his gaze, guilt-ridden and unable to meet Bella's eyes. In that moment, Tessa only poured fuel on the fire with a proud, little smile. "I liked it, so he gave it to me. Is that really such a big deal?" As soon as the words left her mouth, Sebastian and Ronald instinctively moved to shield Tessa, fearing Bella might lash out. But Bella only closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them again, all emotion had vanished. "From now on, I won't be showing you my designs first," Bella said, looking at Ronald. Then, she turned to Sebastian. "And I won't pray for your safety anymore." With that, she turned, closed the door, and severed everything between them. She never saw Sebastian or Ronald again. Their apologies arrived without fail every day, but Bella knew they weren't sorry—they were only panicking at the thought of losing Tessa if they couldn't win her back. This continued until the day before school started. Bella decided to visit the secret spot they had all shared. After her parents' divorce, Sebastian and Ronald learned she loved roses. They bought a piece of land in her name and planted it full of the roses she adored. Whenever she was sad, she'd go there, and they'd always find her there. She was leaving for Juville tomorrow, and this would probably be her last visit. But when she arrived, she found the roses ripped apart, petals scattered everywhere because Tessa had wanted them that way for photos. And the two who had once planted that garden for her stood there smiling, taking pictures of the one who had destroyed it. They didn't notice her until they heard a sound. When they turned and saw Bella at the entrance, panic flashed across their faces. They rushed toward her. "Bella, let us explain. Tess wanted to take pictures here, so we just—" But her eyes held none of the anger or hurt they expected—only calm. "It's fine. Enjoy your photos." She turned to leave. "Bella!" "Bella, wait!" Their voices rose behind her, but she didn't look back. Only when hands grabbed hers from both sides did she stop and face them. "School starts tomorrow. I'll drive you. You said you'd give us your answer tomorrow." Sebastian gripped her hand tightly, a strange unease creeping into his chest. As if competing, Ronald quickly added, "Take my car. I'll drive you. I'm waiting for your answer too." They were still vying with each other, but Bella freed her hands easily and offered a light smile. "Relax. I've already made my choice." She turned and walked away, leaving Sebastian and Ronald standing there, their unease growing, as if something within them was slipping out of control. The next day, as Bella finished packing and prepared to block Sebastian, Ronald, and Tessa on every account, her phone chimed with two messages. Sebastian: "Bella, sorry. Something came up at the last minute. I can't drive you today." Ronald: "Bella, I can't send you off today. Something urgent came up." After reading them, she instinctively opened Tessa's social media. As expected, a new post was up. "College is great. So many seniors are fighting to help me move my luggage!" Bella let out a soft laugh. Their "urgent matters" were nothing more than fearing someone else might take Tessa away. She didn't call them out. Instead, she blocked every one of them. Dragging her suitcase, she walked out of the house and looked one last time at the place she had lived for 18 years. Then she lit a match and set it on fire herself. As the flames swallowed the house, she took her suitcase, turned away, and never looked back.