Chapter 10
“Bella, why would you spread those lies about me and ask people to bully me?” Amy’s voice trembled as she held up her phone. The school forum blazed with accusations – that she’d plagiarized her award–winning essay, that she’d bribed a teacher for a better grade. The comments were being followed on the posts that blamed me for sleeping with the directors in order to get the admission in the university.
The bullies were more brutal to me, accusing me for being shameless so as to sell myself just to get a seat in the university. All those posts and comments were done by Amy’s friends and supporters. Only a few, who were not blinded as my mates, were confronting the wrong rumours spreading throughout the college by asking for proof from Amy and her friends, also revealing how she plagiarized my essay to pass the entrance exams.
Marcus grabbed the phone, his face a mask of anger. “Bella, I can’t believe you! Just because you’re failing, doesn’t give you the right to drag Amy down with you.”
Even Dylan, usually so calm, looked at me with suspicion. “I… I don’t know what to believe, Bella. But Amy would never accuse you for anything like that.”
My heart sank as I protested, “But I didn’t do anything! You can check the social media software or you can ask those people if I instructed them in any way! I would never…” My voice trailed off, choked with disbelief.
Marcus scoffed, saying, “As if you haven’t manipulated things enough already.”
He put an arm around Amy, who looked pale but maintained an innocent expression, before saying “Don’t worry, Amy. We’ll get to the bottom of this. I’ll talk to Principal Davis myself.”
Dylan nodded in agreement. “Yeah, Amy. We’re here for you.”
They led her away, their backs to me. I stood alone, the sunlight of the broad day reflecting in my tear–filled eyes. The warmth of the hot sun couldn’t touch the icy chill of betrayal. Two drops of tears rolled down my cheeks as I turned to leave. After taking a few steps away, I turned back only to find my two mates busy comforting Amy and calling the authorities to take down the comments from social media, the gesture they never bothered giving me despite knowing how harshly I had been trolled these days. I walked out of their eyesight and this time none of them chased after me.
1/3 58.3%
As I came back home, eres still filled with tears, my gaze fell on my grandmother, who had been eagerly waiting for my arrival. As soon as she saw me her sickened face lit up and she hugged me instantly, “Bella, you have topped the Lunar university. Why didn’t you tell me yet? It’s an occasion to celebrate
I was not going to study there. That’s why I didn’t feel the need to tell my grandmother. Also because I didn’t want to listen to all the trolls I had been facing these days. I couldn’t afford her suffering any heartbreak, knowing what had happened in my previous life. But, I didn’t know how she came to hear about my results and seemed to be filled with excitement.
forced my tears to go back as I forced a smile only to cheer up my grandmother before I said “I wanted to give you a surprise, Grandma,”
“I knew it,” she said while patting my head, “Or else why would my sunshine hide anything from her grandma? Are you planning to hold a grand celebration? Let’s call Dylan and Marcus. They are pretty good at planning these events, and don’t forget to prepare the invitation list in advance. I always forget one or two people.*
My heart ached, seeing my grandmother so excited about the celebration. She was equally excited about my wedding in my previous life, only to be left dying in agony
I wiped the corner of my eyes as I said, my voice hoarse, “Let’s talk about it later, Grandma. I’m very tired right now. I need rest.”
After throwing out these words, I headed towards my room and shut the door behind my back. I didn’t have the strength to look into her eyes and play an, knowing her days are getting over. After I shut the door, I burst into tears. I cried uncontrollably, apologizing to my grandmother, “I’m sorry, Grandma. I couldn’t save you in my previous life, and caused you heartache. But, I’ll not repeat my mistake again. I’ll not let you suffer. Never!*
As I wiped the tears off my eyes, my gaze fell on a big velvet box, placed on my study table. I walked closer only to find a gift box with a letter. Only a few words were written on it.
[A small gift to a precious lady]
I opened the gift box only to find a very shiny gown. The gown was a masterpiece of haute couture, exuding opulence and sophistication. Made from the finest silk and satin, the dress shimmered with an ethereal glow, as if infused with a thousand tiny diamonds. There was also a slip stuck to it. It had
