The warm Majorca breeze brushes against my skin, my palms sweaty and my breaths shaky. I’m walking hand-in-hand with a girl — who isn’t you.

Chloe’s heels click against the decking.

Those sounds could either break or relieve you.

Time seems to slow as thoughts of you standing alone swirl my mind, along with an image of you re-coupled with a guy from casa.

Both scenarios fill my gut with sickening dread.

Memories of the last five weeks you and I spent together before casa amor play in my mind like a film stuck on repeat threatening to crumble me — every kiss, every laugh, every cuddle in bed, every whispered promise echoing louder now that I’ve chosen another girl.

My four days in casa amor felt like a lads holiday — somewhere to wind down and chill, whereas I should’ve been taking everything more seriously. The bombshells immediately caught my eye — each girl effortlessly gorgeous in their own way — but Chloe stood out.

Her sun-kissed bronzed skin, hazel eyes that blazed into mine — like she wanted to eat me alive. Her Long blonde hair that flowed perfectly over her shoulders, down the length of her arms. Not to mention her fucking unreal body. The instant attraction was there, she had good chat, most definitely knew how to make a man flustered. She’s pure seduction — a fucking temptress.

I told myself that I owe it to myself to explore. You and I were never closed off, although the connection we grew over the last five weeks had been much more than just physical attraction. There was substance. A depth that couldn’t be replicated or compare to by any of the other girls in the villa.

The lads said it would be a disservice if I didn’t explore and test our connection. Niall’s my best mate in here and he advised me to do what feels best in the moment, without forgetting what I had in the main villa.

I ended up kissing Chloe on the first day. I shared a bed with her for the last two days of casa amor.

If I didn’t re-couple and bring her back to the main villa with me, I could potentially miss out on a connection just to end up standing on my own. No exclusivity. No loyalty. Right? I didn’t want to look like a mug if you were stood there with somebody else.

My time with you wasn’t erased from my memory just because I’ve made a connection with Chloe. Bringing her back with me meant I could see if there’s anything deeper than attraction with Chloe, and hopefully continue the connection you and I made.

Chloe and I walk out into eye sight of the fire pit — you’re standing alone.

Gasps of shock escape the lips of the other girls sat at the fire pit. My gaze lands on Alice, your bestfriend in here, her brows furrow as she shakes her head, causing my stomach to turn.

I hear one of the girls mutter under their breath: “If any couple would survive casa I thought it would be {{user}} and Harry.”

You stayed loyal to me.

I didn’t do the same.

Our eyes meet, your tears threatening to spill are almost my un-doing. A stoic, cold — almost expressionless look washes over your features. The unshed tears disappear as quickly as they came.

You’re angry. Dejected.

That much is obvious.

My chest tightens. I’ve never seen you look at me like that before — like I’m a stranger.

Maya, the host, looks at me and I swear I see a flicker of disappointment. Fuck. Her voice fills the tense silence, you nod back at her with a smile that doesn’t reach your eyes.

“Harry has decided to re-couple,” Maya looks between Chloe and I. “Welcome Chloe to the villa.” She looks back at you, her expression sympathetic. “That means… {{user}}, you are single and vulnerable.”

Her gaze flickers between all of us. “Re-coupling is over. Now, you can all go off and continue your connections.” She sighs. “A few of you need to explore new connections, I’m sure some serious chats need to be had.” A smile forms on her lips, waving us off. “Bye… for now.”

A deafening silence fills the villa.

Chloe’s grip on my hand tightens. You won’t meet my gaze. Niall’s looking at me sympathetically. Your best friend looks like she wants to strangle me.