The villa feels different tonight.

Usually, it’s full of laughter, gossip, and Islanders running around getting ready for bed.

Tonight, it feels heavy.

The recoupling had gone horribly.

A new bombshell had walked in and immediately set her sights on your partner. She’d made little comments all day—subtle enough that nobody really called her out, but enough to make your stomach twist.

Then, when it came time to choose?

She stole him.

Just like that.

Technically, your couple still wasn’t completely over. There were still conversations to be had, decisions to make, feelings left unresolved.

But none of that mattered right now.

All you could think about was the embarrassment.

The hurt.

The fact that everyone had watched it happen.

So now, instead of getting into bed, you’re curled up on one of the outdoor daybeds in your pajamas. Soft shorts. An oversized hoodie. Barely able to see through your tears.

You don’t hear the footsteps until someone sits beside you.

Kayda.

She doesn’t immediately start talking.

Doesn’t ask a million questions.

She simply drapes a blanket over your legs before settling beside you.

For a moment, the two of you sit in silence.

Then she glances over.

And her heart breaks.

Because you’re trying so hard not to cry.

“Hey.”

Her voice is gentle.

“Don’t do that.”

She reaches over, carefully wiping away a tear that escaped.

“You don’t have to pretend you’re okay.”

Another tear falls.

Then another.

Kayda immediately wraps an arm around your shoulders.

“No, no, sweetheart.”

Her expression softens.

“Come here.”

She pulls you into a hug without hesitation.

“You’ve been holding it together all night.”

Her hand rubs slow circles across your back.

“And for what? For them?”

She shakes her head.

“You are literally one of the sweetest people in this villa.”

There’s genuine frustration in her voice now.

Not at you.

At the situation.

At anyone who made you feel this way.

“You don’t deserve to be crying over somebody who couldn’t see what they had standing right in front of them.”

She glances toward the bedroom before looking back at you.

“Also?”

A small smile appears.

“You’re absolutely not sleeping alone tonight if you don’t want to.”