Chapter Eight: First Day At The Villa

(Song: Easy by Camila Cabello)

BELLE

I woke up the next morning feeling a little lightheaded. Last night was a whole lot. This wasn't what I planned for before coming here. My mind was clogged, events of last night still feel like a dream. I flicked my eyes towards the last bed which happened to be Brandon's. He wasn't there. I don't know if I should feel relieved he didn't sleep on same bed as Carina or... Wait, I looked at other beds, not everyone had their partners with them. Maybe, some of them have woken up.

'I shouldn't be bothered if Brandon stayed on same bed with another woman? I don't actually care.' I have to concentrate on getting my mind off Brandon. He doesn't mean anything to me.

"Good morning, beautiful. How was your night?" Kyle said, stopping my conflicting thoughts abruptly. He sat down on the bed as he brushed some strands of my hair back. "Didn't want to disturb by waking you up."

"Hey, good morning. It's alright, Kyle." I put up a smile on my face.

"Are you still feeling tipsy? Here, I got you a glass of water and painkillers for the hangover."

"I'm fine, Kyle. Thank you for helping me out last night." I sat up on the bed, stretching my hands and legs.

"My absolute pleasure," he passed the teacup to me. "I made you coffee."

"Ouu, thank you." I said again as I sipped through the cup.

"Do you have any plans for today?" Kyle asked.

"Nope, don't have any in mind." I shook my head.

"I don't think they would be any challenge today. We can walk around the villa and the rest of the isle."

I would like to make us breakfast first."

"Don't bother, I can..."

I stood up from the bed, adjusting my robe properly. "I'm making breakfast, Kyle. You have done a lot for me since last night. Let me do this as a form of appreciation."

He shrugged. "Since, you're insisting. Alright."

I brushed my teeth and showered. I changed into a bogus short sleeved top and a pair of shorts. Before going to the kitchen, my eyes went to my phone first. I remembered I haven't touched it this morning. I picked it up, and as I made my way to the kitchen, I found out that I had a message notification.

"Seems there's a new challe..." My words were cut short when I sighted Brandon's name as the sender. Not wanting to spoil my mood by opening the text, I quickly deleted it. 'If he thinks he can pacify me with some silly texts, then he's very wrong.'

In the kitchen presently, my eyes wandered around, looking for the possible meal to make. I opened the the fridge. It was pretty filled up. I think I'd be making a breakfast skillet.

I brought out some sausages, eggs, potatoes and cheese from the fridge and went into work.

Halfway into my skillet, Samantha stepped into the kitchen with a huge smile on her face.

"I hope you put my belly into what you're making." She put her eyes on the pan.

"It's for Kyle and I only." I tried to sound serious with my words. I had already added her to the meal even before she walked in.

She rolled her eyes. "Oh please. Just make sure you involve me or else I'll take Kyle's. Imagine, only a night spent here and you're already choosing a man over me. Where was he when we battled life together through out college? I've been with you through thick and thin..."

I couldn't hold myself anymore as I burst out laughing. "Samantha, please, I included you. How could I ever forget my best friend?"

"You just saved Kyle's stomach," she chuckled. "What can I help you with though? You should have called me to assist you."

"There's nothing much to do again. You can wait a while to get yours."

I was done in no time. I took out one of the plates from the rack. "Sam, this is for you."

"Put more." She said when I paused from putting

"For real, Sam? I know you're not a breakfast person. Where did this sudden surge if appetite come from?"

"I ate nothing last night," she poured some of the cold milk into a glass. "Thank you, baby." With that, she walked out of the kitchen with her meal.

I was a little surprised that Kyle didn't show up at the kitchen. It kind of reminded me of times with Brandon. Brandon would always be with me while I was cooking. Most times, he helped with the cooking as well. What I made this morning happened to be his favorite breakfast. I felt a twinge of sadness. I missed those happy moments.

'Why are you still thinking about him? You're not doing yourself any good if you keep on doing that.' A voice in my head spoke to me.

Just as I was about lifting the tray, Kyle walked in.

"Oh my, this place smells so heavenly." He took the tray from my hands. "I know it's going to tast

We had breakfast on the dining table.

"This tastes so, so nice. Thank goodness I let you have your way, if not, this is what I'm going to miss.

"Thank you."

"No, I should be the one saying that. Thank you, Belle. I can't remember the last time I ate something this tasty."

We were done and I carried our empty plates to the kitchen.

"Hey." Someone said from my back while I was busy washing the dishes. A very familiar someone. That was my ex fiancé's voice.

I turned, however, not to give him any hope I knew he was the one behind me.

"Is there a problem?" I returned back to the dishes.

"No, not really. I sent you a message last night..."

"I didn't see anything." I cut him off rudely.

"Please, can we talk?" He asked, his voice laced with desperation. "There's so much I want to say to you."

I was through with the dishes and I wasn't ready to give him a listening ear. "I don't want to talk to you." I stated, looking at him dead in the eye. He could plead from now till eternity. My mind was already made up.

"Please, Belle."

Not wanting to listen, I made my way out of the kitchen, but this man literally held my arm, stopping me. "Please." He pleaded again.

I could smell a faint waft of cheese and sausage on his breath when he spoke.

'Wait, did Samantha give him some skillet I made this morning? Was that why she wanted more?' I waved off that feeling. It's not possible. Maybe, Carina made him something to eat. That thought added to my annoyance.

"Get your hands off me."

Suddenly, we heard a loud crash from outside, followed by gasps. We both rushed outside to see what was happening.

I was somewhat relieved no one was hurt, and grateful that it served as a distraction between Brandon and I.

I went closer to Jodi to ask her what had happened. There were shattered glasses on the floor and a very enraged Max.

"Jodi, what's going on? Why is Max looking that way? Who did he have a fight with?"

"Something is wrong." Her eyes were fixed on the glasses.

"Wrong? What's wrong?" I wasn't able to understand her.

"I think someone is trying to pull strings. My suspicion is getting clearer now."

I could not wrap my head over what she said. Who is that someone? What suspicion was she referring to?