The outdoor cushions were scattered across the area, as Jana and Alexandra sat in soul ties, the breeze gentle as it rustled through the trees. It felt private, almost sacred.

They were both lying on their backs, their heads tilted toward the stars, the occasional laugh or splash from the pool in the distance acting like white noise. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. There was something comforting about the silence. But then Jana broke it with a soft sigh.

"Lowkey..." she said, voice gentle, "I think I miss Kenny."

Alexandra turned her head, a small smile tugging at her lips as she looked at her friend. "You do?"

Jana nodded, her expression somewhere between fondness and worry. "Yeah. Like, I kept trying to be all chill about it because we've only been a couple for, what, five days? But now that he's gone, it's like... ugh. I keep wondering what he's doing. If he's laughing with someone else. If he's thinking about me at all."

Alexandra reached over and gently nudged Jana's shoulder. "I really think Kenny is the right person for you."

Jana glanced over, her lips curving up. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," Alexandra affirmed. "When I watch you with him, you seem really comfortable. Happy. It's like, I don't know, like you're not trying so hard to impress someone, you're just yourself."

CONFESSIONAL

"Kenny and Jana are like a Disney story, he's like the Prince Charming that comes at the end of the movie after all the trouble."

Jana's smile softened, but then she exhaled through her nose. "I'm kind of scared though. Like I said, it hasn't been long. We haven't gone through anything really tough yet. So what if he's not feeling it as deeply as I am? What if this little break makes him realize he wants someone else?"

Alexandra's brows furrowed with sympathy. She rolled onto her side to face Jana more directly. "That fear is valid. But it's normal. It doesn't mean something's wrong with you, or with him. You guys just haven't had the time yet to really know. It's only natural that you'd be nervous. Even the girls in the strongest couples are freaking out a little right now."

Jana looked surprised. "You mean like... Kaylor, Serena, you?"

Alexandra nodded quickly. "Girl, yes. Kaylor's trying to stay strong, but she's crying constantly. Serena keeps putting on this calm front, but I catch her zoning out sometimes. And me?" She let out a breath. "I'm still worried. Just not, like, dying inside every five seconds."

Jana laughed. "That's... improvement?"

"Major growth," Alexandra grinned.

Jana smiled before her expression turned a little sheepish. "So... Jacobi asked to share a bed tonight."

Alexandra's eyes widened slightly. "Wait, what? And you said yes?"

"I mean, yeah... at the time it felt like a harmless thing. I didn't want to shut him down completely, especially since we've been vibing a little. But now, I don't know. I'm kind of regretting it."

Alexandra burst out laughing. "Girl. There is nothing wrong with you exploring that connection."

Jana raised a brow. "You really think so?"

"Of course," Alexandra said, more seriously now. "This is what this part of the process is for, isn't it? Like, you sharing a bed with Jacobi doesn't mean you've betrayed Kenny. If anything, it helps you figure out how strong your feelings for Kenny really are. And if there is someone else out there who could give you something more... then better to know now than later."

Jana blinked up at the sky, processing that. "Yeah. You're right. I guess I needed to hear it out loud."

Alexandra smiled at her softly, then went quiet for a second before Jana turned the question on her.

"How are you feeling... with Louis gone and everything?"

CONFESSIONAL

"I think every time someone mentions his name I twitch a bit."

Alexandra let out a long breath. "At first, it was hard. Really hard. I was so scared. Like every thought I had was worst-case scenario. I kept holding his past over his head, imagining him doing something wild or playing up for the challenge, even though I know that's not who he is anymore."

Jana listened quietly, watching her.

"But then..." Alexandra continued, "I had a really honest talk with Matheus. And hearing it from someone who's seen me and Louis from the outside, it helped. He told me our connection looks real. That it feels real. And that made me believe in it a little more. Like, I needed that external validation to remind myself not to spiral."

Jana gave a small smile. "I'm glad you're feeling better about it."

Alexandra chuckled, cutting her off. "Better, yes, but I'm still worried, don't get it twisted. I'm just not dying every five seconds anymore."

That sent Jana into a fit of laughter. "That's your new catchphrase."

"Right?" Alexandra giggled. "Put it on a t-shirt."

The two girls fell into a quiet chuckle, shoulders shaking gently as they lay side by side, staring up at the stars again.

"I just miss him, you know?" Alexandra added after a beat. "Not even in, like, a clingy way. I just... miss the way I feel when I'm around him."

Jana turned her head. "You're really falling for him, huh?"

"I think I already did," Alexandra whispered.

The air was still for a moment. Then Jana reached over and squeezed Alexandra's hand gently. "He'd be stupid not to feel the same."

They lay there for a while longer in silence, letting the night carry their unspoken worries away into the breeze, both comforted by the knowledge that whatever came next, they had each other through it all.

The night air in the villa felt heavier than usual. As the stars twinkled high above, casting a faint silver glow over the grounds, the girls gathered in the dressing room, the soft sounds of their nighttime routine filling the space—brushes running through hair, the soft clink of jewelry being removed, and the zip of makeup bags being closed. Despite the usual rhythm, the mood was far from relaxed. The tension from the evening's challenge still clung to them like humidity, impossible to shake off completely.

Kaylor stood at the mirror, pulling her long hair into a loose braid, her expression thoughtful as she finally broke the silence. "You know... I don't regret anything I did tonight," she said, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. "I mean, we're here to explore, right? I know that. But I still can't help but miss Aaron. And I keep questioning, what's he doing right now? Like, is he thinking about me? Or is he caught up in everything over there?"

Her words hung in the air, making the unspoken worries in the room feel suddenly more real.

Leah, seated on the edge of the dressing table brushing out her hair, nodded slowly, her gaze soft and understanding. "He's definitely thinking about you, Kaylor. I don't doubt that for a second. You can see how much he cares. He wouldn't just forget about you the moment he stepped into that villa."

Kaylor gave her a small smile, appreciating the reassurance even though her heart still felt unsettled.

Alexandra, who was sitting cross-legged on one of the chairs, applying a bit of lip balm even though she knew it would wear off the second she got under the blanket, added her voice to the mix. "Leah's right. You shouldn't be stressing too much. I know that's easier said than done, but seriously, Kaylor—believe in what you two have. Believe that he's thinking about your connection as much as you do. That's all you can do right now."

Kaylor exhaled deeply, nodding. "Yeah. Yeah, you're right. I'm just in my head. It's hard not to be."

As they wrapped up in the dressing room, gathering their things, they exchanged soft goodnights with the other girls who were headed for the main bedroom.

Kaylor, Serena, and Alexandra grabbed pillows and blankets from the bedroom, their movements quiet and unhurried, like they were trying not to disturb the delicate peace of the night. Together, they made their way outside to Soul Ties, their chosen sanctuary during these emotionally charged nights.

The air outside was cooler, soothing against their skin. The soft rustle of the trees and the gentle hum of the villa's lights filled the silence as they laid out their bedding. Serena settled into the middle, pulling her blanket up to her chin as she stared at the sky, her mind racing with thoughts she hadn't yet voiced.

For a moment, they all just lay there, wrapped in their own worlds, listening to the sounds of the night. Then Serena spoke, her voice soft, almost tentative, as if she wasn't sure she wanted to ask the question that had been weighing on her heart. "Do you guys really believe... the guys will come back single?"

The question landed like a stone in the quiet space between them. For a long beat, no one said anything. The weight of the uncertainty, the not knowing, the fear of betrayal, was too real, too raw.

Alexandra was the first to break the silence, her voice quiet but honest. "I don't know," she admitted, turning her head slightly to look at Serena. "I really hope so. I want to believe it. But honestly? After that challenge... I just don't know."

Kaylor shifted, propping herself up on one elbow to look at them both. The vulnerability in Serena's voice had struck a chord. "What would you do if Louis didn't?" she asked gently, knowing it was a hard question but feeling like they needed to be honest with each other.

Alexandra didn't answer right away. She stared up at the stars for a few moments longer, gathering her thoughts. When she finally spoke, her voice was steady but filled with emotion. "I think... I think I'd leave. No, I know I'd leave. If he came back with someone else, after everything we've been through, after how much I put my heart into this... It would break me."

Her words settled over them, the truth of them undeniable. The idea of leaving the villa, of having this journey end not with love, but with heartbreak, was something none of them wanted to think about, but it was a reality they had to face.

Kaylor reached over and gave Alexandra's hand a gentle squeeze. "That's fair, Lex. You deserve better than that. We all do."

Serena nodded, her eyes glistening a little in the moonlight. "Yeah. We've all given so much. It's just hard because we don't know what's happening over there. And our minds always go to the worst place."

The three of them fell silent again, comforted in a strange way by their shared vulnerability. There was something reassuring about knowing they weren't alone in their fears. That they were in this together, no matter what happened.

The early morning sun spilled softly across the villa, casting a golden glow over the sleeping figures curled up on the cushions of Soul Ties. It should have been a peaceful start to the day, but peace wasn't exactly in Jana's plans.

With a grin, Jana tiptoed over to where Kaylor, Serena, and Alexandra were still sleeping, their blankets tangled around them. Without warning, she launched herself onto the cushions, bouncing on them like a kid on a trampoline. The soft thuds and her gleeful giggles filled the morning air.

"Rise and shine, ladies!" she said, practically singing.

Alexandra groaned, half-asleep, before instinctively kicking out at Jana. Her foot connected just enough to send Jana toppling forward, landing in a heap on top of her. The two girls burst into laughter, Jana pressing a playful kiss to Alexandra's cheek as Alexandra tried, and failed, to look annoyed.

CONFESSIONAL

"Jana is like the sun, you love it and you hate it."

"Get off me, psycho!" Alexandra laughed, her voice still thick with sleep.

Serena rubbed her eyes, giggling at the scene, while Kaylor pulled the blanket over her head. "You're all insane," Kaylor mumbled, though the smile tugging at her lips gave her away.

Moments later, Leah and Liv wandered over, both drawn by the commotion. Leah's hair was a mess of waves from sleep, and Liv had an amused look on her face as she watched the chaos unfold.

Kaylor sat up finally, stretching her arms above her head, but instead of commenting on the mayhem, she sighed dramatically. "I miss Aaron so much it actually sucks," she said, her voice full of genuine longing.

Alexandra, still lying down with Jana sprawled across her, let out a sleepy laugh. "Kaylor, you haven't even fully woken up yet and you're already thinking about Aaron? Let the man breathe!"

The group burst into laughter, the tension of the past few days momentarily lifted by the shared humor.

Kaylor shook her head, pulling a pillow into her lap. "I can't help it! I'm really trying to get to know the other guys, like, I swear I am, but the whole time I just feel so guilty. Like, what if he's over there feeling the exact same way?"

Jana sat up, brushing her hair back. "Kaylor, I'm sure he's just as heartbroken as you are. I mean, if he cares as much as we all think he does, he's probably sitting there feeling the same guilt after the challenges. That connection you two have... it's not something that just disappears overnight."

Kaylor nodded, taking in her friend's words. The reassurance helped, even if it didn't erase the ache in her chest.

"Come on," Leah said, standing up and stretching. "Let's go get ready for the day. Maybe a little glam will help distract us from missing these boys."

Together, they made their way to the dressing room. The familiar routine of picking out bikinis, doing makeup, and chatting helped settle their nerves. Jana perched on a stool, running a brush through her hair as she spoke. "I'm not gonna lie... I lowkey miss the boys. Like, I didn't think I would this much, but I do. The villa just feels weird without them."

Kaylor hummed in agreement as she lined her lips. "Yeah, I feel that. But honestly? I'm just happy I'm doing this with you guys. If I was alone here? I would have lost my mind by now."

Alexandra, applying mascara, smirked at her reflection. "Girl, if I was stuck here by myself, I'd have killed someone by now. No question. I'd be the first islander to get kicked out for homicide."

The girls burst out laughing again, the tension melting a little with the humor.

"I'm serious though," Alexandra continued, setting down her mascara wand and turning to face them. "One thing that would actually kill me? If I found out he made another girl breakfast. Like, that's intimate, you know? I don't care about a kiss in a challenge. But him, in the kitchen, cooking for some girl like he's Gordon Ramsay? Nah. All guns blazing. I'd be storming Casa Amor myself."

The girls couldn't stop laughing, picturing Alexandra storming across the villa grounds, wielding a spatula like a weapon.

"You're wild," Liv said, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.

"But she's right," Nicole chimed in, dabbing some concealer under her eyes. "It's those little things that would sting the most. The stuff that shows care, not just the physical stuff."

Alexandra nodded, her tone softening. "Exactly. And even if he comes back single, I'll still want to talk to him about what went down. I don't want to act like nothing happened, you know? I need to know where his head was at. I think we all deserve that."

The girls all murmured in agreement, the laughter fading into thoughtful silence. They knew the next few days would be some of the hardest yet—full of uncertainty, doubt, and hope tangled together in ways that felt impossible to separate.

The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the villa as the girls settled down on the soft grass outside. The air was filled with the gentle hum of the villa birds chirping, the occasional splash from the pool, and the quiet rustle of the breeze through the palm trees. Despite the idyllic setting, there was a heaviness in the air, an unspoken tension that had been building with each day of separation from the boys.

Jana lay back on the grass, arms stretched above her head, gazing at the sky. "I'm not even gonna lie," she said, breaking the comfortable silence. "I'm definitely missing Kenny more than I thought I would. Like, I knew I liked him... but I didn't think it'd hit me this hard."

The other girls hummed in agreement, understanding exactly what she meant. The separation had forced all of them to confront feelings they hadn't fully realized they had.

Liv, sitting cross-legged and absentmindedly plucking at the grass, let out a sigh. "The boys here... they're attractive, don't get me wrong," she said, glancing around at the others. "But I'm scared I'll just be too much for them, you know? Like, my energy, my vibe, it might be overwhelming. I feel like none of them really get me."

Jana sat up slightly, propping herself up on her elbows. "I get that, Liv. I feel the same sometimes. Like, it's not just about finding someone hot. It's about finding someone who vibes with you, who gets your energy, who wants to match that. And honestly, no one here feels like Kenny to me."

Leah, who had been quietly braiding a small piece of her hair, finally spoke up. "I feel like I've done all the exploring I need to do. I've tried, really. I talked to Josiah, shared a bed with Ignacio, even tried having a proper conversation with Jalen. But still... I'm not feeling it. It's like my mind keeps going back to Miguel. Even when I'm trying to stay open."

Serena nodded, pulling her knees up to her chest. Her eyes were distant, focused on something unseen as she spoke. "I'm just missing Kordell. Last night's challenge really highlighted that for me. It made me realize how much I want him to come back and still want me."

Nicole, who had been unusually quiet, let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "I feel like I already knew I liked Kendall before Casa started," she admitted, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "But now? I just truly like him. Like, everything about him. And honestly, I'd probably accept anything he does over there. That's how much I want us to work."

There was a beat of silence as everyone absorbed Nicole's words, understanding the depth of what she'd just confessed.

Alexandra, who had been laying on her side, resting her head on her arm, finally spoke. Her voice was soft but certain. "I think the hardest part in all of this is going from being with them every second of the day... to not seeing them at all. Like, before Casa, we'd wake up together, eat together, nap together, spend every moment side by side. And now? It's just us, wondering. That shift? That's what's killing me."

The girls all nodded, the truth of Alexandra's words sinking in. They hadn't realized how much they'd come to rely on the boys' presence—their laughs, their hugs, even their annoying habits. It felt like something was missing, a piece of their daily lives just gone without warning.

"Yeah," Kaylor added, her voice quiet. "It's like we've all had to relearn how to exist here without them. And it's not easy. Not at all."

The group fell into a thoughtful silence, the weight of their emotions settling between them. For a moment, the only sounds were the wind and the distant chatter of the Casa Amor boys on the other side of the villa.

Liv finally broke the quiet, her tone lighter as she tried to lift the mood. "You know, if they come back acting up, I'm not above throwing someone's suitcase in the pool. Just saying."

The girls burst into laughter at that, grateful for the levity. Jana wiped a tear of amusement from the corner of her eye. "Liv, I'd pay to see that. Honestly."

"Girl, we might have to form a pact," Serena said, smiling for the first time that morning. "If one of them disrespects us, we all go in on it. No girl left behind."

"Agreed," Leah said firmly, grinning. "A sisterhood of the traveling revenge."

CONFESSIONAL

"I don't think I could ask for a better group of girls to go through this with."

"Honestly, though," Alexandra said after the laughter died down, "I just hope they remember who they are and what they have waiting here. That's all I can hope for at this point. And if they don't? Well... then maybe they weren't the right person after all."

The late afternoon sun bathed the villa in a soft golden hue, casting long shadows across the garden. Alexandra and Jana had claimed the big daybed in the corner of the yard, where the warm breeze gently swayed the fabric canopy above them. Alexandra sat cross-legged in front of Jana, her long, silky hair spilling down her back like a dark waterfall as Jana worked her fingers expertly through it, parting sections to braid.

"You're honestly so lucky your hair's like this," Jana said, concentrating as she wove the strands. "It's thick, but not too thick. Soft, but it holds a braid so well. What do you even do to it?"

Alexandra smiled, closing her eyes as the gentle tug of Jana's fingers lulled her into relaxation. "I don't do much, honestly. Just oil it every few days—coconut or argan, depending on what I have. And I always let it air dry. I've been trying not to put heat on it but this villa has fried my hair, that why I'm always oiling it."

Jana grinned. "Girl, that's where I'm going wrong. I just put my wig on and go about my day. Maybe I should start borrowing your oils."

"You can anytime," Alexandra offered, glancing over her shoulder with a grin. "We'll have your hair looking healthy and thick in no time."

The peaceful mood was suddenly interrupted by Kaylor's voice echoing across the garden. "I GOT A TEXT!" she yelled, holding up her phone, her eyes wide with excitement.

Jana paused mid-braid, and Alexandra sighed, already sensing that the moment of calm was over. Kaylor cleared her throat dramatically and began to read.

"Islanders, to celebrate the 4th of July, the villa and Casa Amor will compete against each other in today's game! #IndependenceSpray #RedWhiteAndChew."

Alexandra groaned loudly, flopping backward onto Jana's legs, covering her face with her hands. "Oh no. No, no, no. I don't want to go up against Casa Amor. I can't do it."

Jana ignored her groans and instead let out a squeal of excitement, clapping her hands together. "Yesss! This is going to be fun! A little friendly competition never hurt anyone!"

Alexandra peeked up at her, frowning. "Friendly? Jana, our actual men are in that other villa, probably living their best lives. You know this is just going to stress us out more."

Jana laughed, tugging Alexandra gently back upright so she could finish the braid. "Come on, Alex. Look at it this way, we'll get to win. Imagine the bragging rights! We can show those boys what they're missing."

Kaylor jogged over to them, still holding her phone. Her expression was a mix of nerves and excitement. "What do you think they'll make us do? That hashtag sounds messy."

Alexandra groaned again, pulling her knees up to her chest. "Something involving food, for sure. And probably something involving being sprayed with god-knows-what. I swear, I don't know why they always want to make us look mad on national television."

Jana smirked. "Because it's Love Island, Lexie. It's literally in the contract at this point."

(There was no way I was writing that challenge I was literally gagging watching them.)

Liv was the first to break the silence, brushing stray strands of wet hair out of her face. "Okay, I'm just gonna say it, I'm so glad we won that challenge. If we went through all of that and lost? I don't think I could've handled it."

The other girls immediately agreed, nodding and letting out tired laughs. Alexandra stretched out her legs in front of her, wiping at a streak of ketchup still clinging stubbornly to her shin. "No, honestly, that had to be the nastiest thing I've ever done in my life. Like, I'm all for a bit of fun, but that? That was just evil."

Jana, still picking what looked like bits of soggy cracker out of her braid, groaned dramatically. "I feel traumatised. I don't think I'll ever look at ketchup the same way again. Or mustard. Or any condiment, to be honest."

That set the group off in a fresh wave of laughter, the stress of the day finally starting to melt away as they shared in their misery.

Liv leaned back on her elbows, looking up at the darkening sky. "And this was my first 4th of July too. Like, ever. And now? I'm not even sure I want to spend another one. I don't know if I can risk it!" Her voice was filled with mock horror, and the way she widened her eyes sent the girls into hysterics again.

"You poor thing," Alexandra giggled, clutching her stomach. "You came here expecting fireworks and cute red, white, and blue bikinis. Instead, you got doused in mystery sauces and had to crawl through jelly pits."

Jana wiped tears of laughter from the corners of her eyes. "Welcome to Love Island, babe. This is the real American experience."

Kaylor, who had just joined them after rinsing off in the outdoor shower, plopped down next to Serena and shook out her wet hair. "I swear I still smell like pork. Does anyone else smell that? Is it me?"

CONFESSIONAL

"There's so many food that I don't think I will eat the same again."

The group leaned in, sniffing dramatically, before bursting into fresh giggles.

"No, that's definitely you," Serena teased, nudging her with her shoulder. "You were the one who face-planted into that giant bucket of pork or whatever it was."

Kaylor groaned, dropping her head into her hands. "I don't think I've ever been more embarrassed in my life. And now every guy in Casa Amor probably thinks I'm a walking jar of pork."

Alexandra nudged her. "Honestly, if they don't love you at your meat-smelling worst, they don't deserve you at your best."

The girls cheered at that, raising invisible glasses in a mock toast.

Leah, who'd been quietly untangling her hair, smiled softly. "At least we did it together. I feel like today was gross, yeah, but it brought us closer. Like, who else can say they bonded over being sprayed in the face with god-knows-what?"

Liv nodded, sitting up straighter. "True. I actually feel like I know you guys way better now. Like, Liv's a beast in challenges, who knew? And Lexie? The way you powered through that last round? Iconic."

Alexandra groaned, covering her face with her hands in mock shame. "Don't remind me. I was so desperate to win I didn't even care what they threw at me. I was just like, Get me through this, I am not losing to Casa Amor."

Jana laughed, leaning back against the cushions. "Well, you smashed it. We all did. And now? The boys better know what they're missing out on."

As the sun finally disappeared behind the villa, casting the garden into a soft twilight, Jana grinned. "Okay, so who's up for raiding the fridge? After all that, I feel like I actually deserve a real 4th of July meal, something that isn't sprayed out of a bottle or dumped on my head."

Alexandra laughed, getting to her feet and offering a hand to pull Jana up. "Now that's a tradition I can get behind."

Later that night, the villa buzzed with the usual excitement as the islanders dressed up for the evening. The soft hum of music drifted through the air as everyone gathered in little groups, eager to distract themselves from the weight of Casa Amor.

Alexandra, looking effortlessly stunning in a white two-piece, was lounging with Matheus on the daybed, her legs curled beneath her. The fairy lights above cast a soft glow on their faces, and for a moment, it felt peaceful despite the storm of emotions swirling beneath the surface.

Matheus leaned back against the cushion, smirking as Alexandra chattered on, her energy a mix of nerves and determination. "Since you're gonna be here for my birthday tomorrow," she said, poking him lightly in the arm, "I expect you to be up at the crack of dawn making me pancakes. Like, proper fluffy ones. And I want a bowl of fruit too, not just chucking some berries in a bowl, I mean the ones you do back at home, sliced nicely, with care."

He raised an eyebrow at her, playing along with a grin. "Pancakes. Fruit. Anything else, boss?"

Alexandra giggled, resting her chin in her hand. "Yeah, my regular smoothie, the one I make every morning. You can handle that, right?"

Matheus let out an exaggerated sigh, pressing a hand to his chest. "I'll just write all this down, yeah? Wouldn't want to mess up the queen's birthday."

His sarcasm made her laugh, but the light faded from her eyes as she glanced away for a second. "Honestly, though... the only thing that would make it the best birthday is if Louis walked through that door tomorrow. Single. Like, actually single. And not having done anything in Casa Amor."

Matheus' grin softened as he saw the hope flicker across her face. He shifted a little closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "It'll happen, Alex. You gotta believe that. He's probably missing you as much as you're missing him."

She opened her mouth to respond, heart swelling with conflicting emotions, when Kaylor's voice rang out from across the garden. "I got a text!"

Everything froze for a second. Alexandra felt the air change, the tension crackling like static as she straightened up, heart thudding in her chest. The playful banter with Matheus forgotten, she was already on her feet, instinct pulling her toward Kaylor's voice.

Kaylor's hands trembled slightly as she held the phone. Her voice quivered as she read out the message. "Girls, you've been sent a story from Casa Amor."

It was as if a cold wind had blown through the villa. The girls shared a look, no words needed. They knew this moment could change everything. Alexandra's stomach twisted in knots, dread creeping up her spine. Without thinking, she broke into a run, her heels slapping the ground as she reached the garden. The others were crowded around Kaylor now, all eyes glued to the phone as Kaylor opened the video.

The screen lit up, and the first image was like a punch to the gut. Kordell. Sitting close to a girl, laughing softly as they talked about lip balm. The girl playfully applied lipgloss to her lips, leaning in closer... and then kissed him. Gasps rippled through the group. Serena froze beside Alexandra, her face pale, eyes wide with disbelief.

Before anyone could process it, the video cut to another clip, Kordell again, this time in bed with the same girl. She was straddling him, their bodies close, too close.

Alexandra blinked, her own throat tightening at the raw hurt radiating from Serena. Without thinking, she reached out, her fingers brushing Serena's, then holding on tightly. A silent promise of support. Serena didn't speak, didn't look away from the screen, as if hoping the images would somehow change.

The video kept going, offering no mercy. Now Aaron appeared, sitting with a girl tucked against him, her legs casually draped over his lap. The villa fell deathly quiet as they watched him massage her foot, the ease of his touch a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding in their hearts. Then he began speaking in soft Spanish, his voice low and intimate, and the girls exchanged bewildered glances, trying to make sense of it all.

Alexandra felt her world tilt when, in the background of that clip, she spotted Louis. Her Louis. It wasn't a clear shot, he was blurred at the edges, but she knew it was him. Knew the shape of his shoulders, the way he leaned in as he spoke to the girl beside him.

Alexandra's heart squeezed painfully. She strained her eyes, trying to see more, but the video shifted again, the scene gone too fast.

CONFESSIONAL

"I could see Louis in the background of one of the clip.....I don't know how I feel about that just yet. I'm trying so hard not to overthink, but I can't help it. Like... what if he's doing something and I'm sat here being loyal, missing him every second, and he's just... moving mad over there?"

Her mind raced, panic clawing at the edges of her resolve. But she stayed quiet. This wasn't about her right now. Kaylor and Serena needed the space to process what they'd just seen. She squeezed Serena's hand tighter, grounding them both, swallowing down the lump in her throat.

The garden felt heavier, as if the weight of betrayal and confusion had settled over them like a storm cloud. The video ended, leaving a haunting silence in its wake. No one moved. No one spoke.

Alexandra kept her gaze on the dark screen, her mind replaying the moment she saw Louis over and over, searching for any sign, any clue. But all she could feel was that gnawing, sickening fear, what if he wasn't the Louis she thought he was anymore?

CONFESSIONAL

"I'm trying my best to be comforting to the girls but all I keep thinking about is Louis and that girl."

Kaylor let out a shaky breath, her face pale, eyes glossy with tears that refused to fall just yet. With a sudden burst of frustration, she threw the phone down onto the beanbag beside them as if the device itself had betrayed her. The sound of it hitting the seat echoed in the silent garden, a small, sharp reminder of the chaos unfolding in their hearts.

Without a word, Kaylor turned and walked away, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as though she were trying to hold in the pieces that were breaking apart. Liv didn't hesitate. She quickly followed after her, calling softly, "Kay, wait. Hey, come here. Let's talk about it, yeah?"

Meanwhile, Serena stood rooted in place, her expression distant, eyes locked on the dark garden beyond the lights. Then, quietly, as if the weight of it all was too much, she walked in the opposite direction, needing space but not wanting to be alone. Leah exchanged a glance with Alexandra and Jana, and together, the three of them fell into step behind her, Nicole joining without a word. It was instinct. They weren't going to let her process this by herself.

They found a quiet spot on the large villa couch, Serena sinking into the seat like all the energy had been drained from her. Her hands trembled as she wiped beneath her eyes, and Leah sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Jana dropped onto the cushion beside them, her usual fire dimmed but still burning low beneath the surface. Alexandra lowered herself onto the other side of Serena, her mind still racing, torn between wanting to be present for her friend and the knot of anxiety in her stomach about Louis.

Within minutes, Liv and Kaylor rejoined them, Kaylor's face streaked with tears she could no longer contain. Liv stayed close, keeping a comforting hand on her back. The group sat in heavy silence, the only sound the hum of the night around them.

Serena, unable to help herself, reached for the phone again. She unlocked it, her fingers hesitating only a moment before she pressed play on the video once more. The scenes unfolded just like before, Kordell's easy smile, the girl's boldness, the bed, the kiss, the straddling. Serena's face crumpled as she stared, trying to make sense of how the boy she'd missed so much could do that to her.

Kaylor wiped at her own tears and muttered, "We need to know what Aaron was saying. I need to know what he was saying in Spanish. Get Ignacio. Someone get Ignacio."

Nicole stood and went to call him over, but Alexandra barely noticed. She was lost in her own mind, heart thudding painfully as she replayed that single blurry glimpse of Louis in the background. The way he leaned in toward that girl, the way his body language looked familiar yet foreign in this context. Maybe it was nothing, she tried to reason. Maybe it wasn't like that. If it was, they'd have shown it. Right? They would've shown it... But the doubt was a bitter taste she couldn't swallow.

CONFESSIONAL

"I don't want to take away from what Serena and Kaylor are feeling, because their hearts are breaking right now, and I hate seeing them like that. But at the same time... I can't lie and say I'm okay. I just... I feel scared. Scared that I'm gonna end up looking stupid. Scared that everything Louis and I built is just... gone."

The air felt stifling as she sat there, trying to focus on Serena, trying not to let her own fear creep too far in. She watched as Serena stared blankly at the screen, then, without warning, let out a soft laugh. It wasn't happy; it was hollow and bitter, the sound of someone who couldn't quite believe the joke the universe had played on her.

Serena stood abruptly, wiping her face roughly. "Nah, I'm done. I can't sit here like this." She started walking toward the villa, her steps quick, like if she stopped she might shatter completely.

"Serena, wait," Leah called, getting up immediately. Alexandra followed, glancing once at Jana, who also rose without hesitation. The three of them caught up to Serena just as she pushed open the dressing room door and stepped inside.

Once they were in the relative privacy of the dressing room, the emotions that had been bubbling beneath the surface finally spilled over. Jana crossed her arms, pacing a few steps as her temper flared. "You know what? We should just pull up to Casa Amor right now. Like, for real. Go over there and beat the hell out of those boys. Who do they think they are?"

Serena let out another bitter laugh, this one edged with disbelief and heartache. She shook her head, pulling her hair back from her face as if trying to regain some control. "I didn't even do half of what he did, man. I was out here, sleeping outside with mosquitos biting me all night, and he's over there dry humping some girl like I never existed."

Her words hit hard, and Alexandra felt her heart break for her friend. She couldn't imagine Serena's pain, couldn't imagine how it must feel to see those images replaying over and over.

CONFESSIONAL

"I think what's hitting me the most right now is watching Serena. Like... the way she's handling this? I don't even know how she's doing it. She's trying so hard not to let it break her, not to let everyone see how much she's hurting, and I respect that so much"

Jana stopped pacing and sat down beside Serena, pulling her into a side hug. "Stop watching it, rena. Seriously. It's just torture at this point. You've seen enough."

But Serena, her eyes wild with the need for answers, shook her head stubbornly. "I need to understand it. I need to see it again, to— I don't know. Maybe if I watch it enough times, it'll make sense. Maybe I'll see something different."

Alexandra sat quietly, watching Serena as she clutched the phone like it held the key to fixing her broken heart. But Alexandra knew it wouldn't. And as much as she wanted to comfort her, her own mind kept circling back to Louis. That flash of him in the background. The uncertainty. The fear that maybe she was next.

And so, as Serena replayed the video again, Alexandra stayed by her side, the storm brewing within her as she tried to be strong, for her friend, and for herself.

CONFESSIONAL

"I think if Serena can keep her head up after seeing what she just saw... I can too. I have to. For her, for Kaylor, for myself. We're in this together, and I'm gonna hold it together until I know the full truth."

On one of the daybeds, away from the loud banter, sat Louis and Amaia. The atmosphere between them felt heavier, more fragile, like a glass on the verge of shattering.

Amaia shifted slightly, tucking one leg beneath her as she turned to face him better. Her expression was soft but searching, as if trying to find something in his face that might ease the uncertainty she'd been feeling all day.

"You know," she said, offering a small, hopeful smile, "I feel like we haven't really spoken the whole day. Like, properly spoken."

Louis returned the smile, but it was tight-lipped, and his eyes didn't quite match the curve of his mouth. The guilt that had been gnawing at him all afternoon felt heavier now, seeing the hope in her eyes.

He exhaled slowly, running a hand over the back of his neck before replying, "Yeah... I know. I guess I've been keeping a bit of space. Not because I wanted to be rude or anything. I just... I've been trying to figure out the best way to have this conversation."

The tone of his voice, quiet, serious, almost resigned, caused Amaia's smile to falter ever so slightly. She straightened a little, her heart sinking as she braced herself for what was coming. It was the kind of tone that always came before hard truths.

Louis glanced down at his hands, fidgeting with the hem of his shorts before looking back at her, meeting her gaze squarely. "The last few days, getting to know you, it's been fun. You're great, Amaia. Honestly. And I think if we'd met earlier, like before this whole villa situation with Alexandra... maybe I would've felt differently. Maybe I would've been more open." His voice softened, but his words were firm. "But the thing is, we didn't meet earlier. We met now. And no matter how much I try to be present here, no matter how much I tell myself to just see what happens... I can't stop thinking about Alexandra. Everything about her. About us."

Amaia swallowed hard, the smile she'd tried to hold onto now completely gone. She felt the sting of disappointment, the kind that comes when you've been hoping against hope for a different outcome. "So what are you saying?" she asked, though deep down she already knew.

"I'm saying I don't want to lead you on. I don't want to keep spending time with you like this and make you think something might happen when my head and my heart are somewhere else. With someone else." His eyes filled with genuine regret. "I hope you don't feel like I've led you on already. That wasn't ever what I wanted."

Amaia let out a small, bitter laugh, more to stop herself from tearing up than anything else. She shook her head, glancing out toward the pool, trying to gather her thoughts. "No, I get it. I do. I understand." She paused, drawing in a deep breath. "But it does sting. I can't lie about that. I guess I just wish you'd said this earlier, Louis. I wish I'd known where your head was really at from the start. Then maybe... I don't know, maybe I would've tried to explore something with someone else instead of spending my time trying to turn your head when, really, it was stuck on one person the whole time."

Her words weren't meant to hurt, but the honesty of them did. Louis felt his stomach knot tighter. "You're right," he admitted quietly, his voice heavy with remorse. "You're absolutely right. And I'm sorry for that. I should've seen it sooner. I should've said something sooner. I hate that I didn't because you didn't deserve that."

CONFESSIONAL

"I feel like the biggest idiot right now. Like... I should've said something to Amaia sooner. I knew, I knew, from the start that my head wasn't gonna turn. Not for real. Not when it comes to Lexie. But I kept telling myself maybe I should give it a chance, maybe I'm here to explore, maybe I'll regret it if I don't at least try."

Amaia turned back to face him, offering a sad but sincere smile. "It's okay. Well, no, it's not okay, but... I get it. At least you realised it now rather than later, right?" She tried to inject some lightness into her voice, but it wavered slightly. "And honestly, it was probably kind of pointless on my part to even go there after seeing you and Alexandra. The way you look at her, the way you talk about her. It was kind of obvious where your heart was. But, hey, it never hurts to try, right? At least now I know for sure. And I can see you really like her."

Louis gave a small, almost sad chuckle, grateful for her grace in a moment when he felt he didn't deserve it. "I do," he said simply, honestly. "I really like her. And I feel like I'm just counting down the moments till I can see her again. I thought being here would help me figure things out. Instead, it just made me realise how sure I am about her."

CONFESSIONAL

"I just hope I haven't messed this up. I hope she's still thinking about us the way I am. Because if I walk back in that villa and I see her with someone else... I don't know what I'll do. But at least I'll know I was true to how I feel."

Amaia nodded, glancing down at her hands in her lap, fingers absentmindedly picking at her nails. "Well, I hope it works out for you two. I mean that." She looked up, meeting his gaze. "Just promise me something, yeah?"

"Anything," Louis said immediately.

"Promise me you'll be honest with her. Like, whatever happens. Don't leave her guessing like you left me guessing."

His chest tightened at her words, but he nodded without hesitation. "I promise. I swear."

They sat there a moment longer in the quiet, both processing everything that had just been said. Then Amaia gave him a soft pat on the knee, rising from the daybed with as much dignity as she could muster. "I'm gonna go get a drink," she said lightly. "Clear my head a bit."

"Okay," Louis said, watching her go, the weight of the conversation still heavy in his chest. He leaned back on the daybed, eyes turning to the stars above, mind full of Alexandra and everything he wanted to say to her when this was all over.

CONFESSIONAL

"I just want to see her again. That's all I want"

I can't believe I haven't posted in more than ten days what the helly.

Anyway back to love island 7, Huda, coulda, shoulda left the villa. Girl she pisses me OFF like she needs to be evicted from MY villa so fast.

My crack ship nicolandria is officially dead cause nic out here screwing...feck.

Hannah and pepe.....spit start...mad one.