#chelly

the whole villa is glowing. soft string lights zig-zag across the terrace, casting a warm, golden hue over everything. fairy lights wrap around palm trunks, and the neon signs come alive in full force — words like “it’s giving” and “gassed up” light the walls in pink, purple, and electric blue.

the pool lights up from below. the firepit flickers in the center of the villa, surrounded by half-moon couches and big throw pillows.

this is where the real conversations happens. faith thinks to herself.

music plays in the background, just low enough to feel the beat. something chill, something vibey. laughter echoes across the space as the girls get to know each other.

“my mom’s advice to me before i left, she was like - if you gotta make out, do it to the best of your ability, don’t disappoint me! do what you gotta do!” the group laughed as olandria told her story.

soon the other girls arrived. belle-a was warm and bubbly. she pulled her into a gentle hug as she introduced herself. huda? sharp, stylish, but definitely watching the room like she was sizing everything up from the jump.

the girls all circled up, small talk and giggles flying through the air. faith smiled through it all, but a quiet thought stayed lodged in the back of her mind: this is a competition. every compliment, every look, every joke — it all mattered.

the girls migrated to the couches, chatting and drinking champagne. the sky had deepened into a soft navy blue, the stars just starting to appear. glasses clinked, music hummed gently from the speakers, and that perfect villa glow wrapped around them like a warm hug.

“okay, so real question,” huda said, crossing her legs. her tone was playful, but her eyes held something deeper. “do y’all think any of you are like… ready to be a mom?”

chelly didn’t miss a beat. “i’m still torn in between wanting to explore my life and have fun,” she said honestly, brushing a curl behind her ear, “but also i really want to be a mother. i just don’t know when.”

“girl, that’s real,” orlandria nodded, her voice a little softer now. “like, i can see myself being a mom… but not yet. i’m still figuring me out.“

they laughed, but huda smiled gently, sensing the right moment.

“well,” she said, taking a quiet breath, “im a mommy.”

silence, brief and respectful, fell over the group. faith looked up, her eyes locking with huda’s.

chelly blinked. “wait — seriously?”

huda nodded. “yeah. she’s a girl, only 4.”

orlandria’s face softened instantly. “oh my god. you’re actually a mom? like a real mom?”

“mmhm,” huda said, a small, proud smile forming. “it’s the best thing in the world. i don’t always lead with it, but it’s who i am. i don’t think I’ll tell any of the guys yet until we i know we have an actual connection.”

faith reached over, resting a hand on huda’s leg. “that’s beautiful. and brave. i can’t even imagine what that took — to leave her, even for a little while.”

the conversation then changed to something lighter and the mood lifted again. they were gathered near the firepit, laughter spilling between them as they side-eyed the front entrance every few seconds.

“okay, why do i feel like something’s about to go down?” belle-a whispered, fanning herself with her hand.

“girl, they’re stalling,” chelly said.

and right on cue, the villa doors opened with a soft chime — and out walked ariana madix.

immediately, the girls lit up.

“oh my god!” faith gasped, eyes wide as she stood up, brushing down her outfit.

“is that — that’s ariana?!” orlandria squealed, already halfway to the steps. “she looks good oh my gosh.”

“ladies!” she greeted, arms out, her voice warm but commanding. “welcome to love island usa!”

the girls gathered around her, clapping and giggling.

“you all look incredible,” ariana said, flashing a bright smile. “i know it’s hot out here, but things are about to get a whole lot hotter.”

faith caught chelly’s eye and grinned.

ariana continued, “now i know you’ve been dying to meet the boys — but before we do that, i want to say something. you are all here because you bring something special. beauty, brains, boldness. own it. this summer is yours.”

the girls let out a cheer.

“now,” ariana said, her voice dropping just enough to build the suspense. “shall we bring in the boys?”

“yes, please!” orlandria practically screamed, making everyone laugh.

the camera panned to the entrance as ariana turned toward it dramatically. “boys — come on in!”

and one by one, they started to walk out.

nic walked in first, and her breath caught just slightly. tall, sweet smile, chill demeanor. he had that relaxed energy that made her shoulders drop. he introduced himself with a soft “hey, i’m nic,” and the way he held eye contact? it gave boyfriend. she was intrigued.

then taylor — all cowboy boots and southern drawl — gave her a subtle smile, and it hit her in a different place. it was quiet confidence. like he wasn’t here to play games… unless he was winning them.

the villa doors opened again — and austin stepped out.

tall, beach-blonde, and clearly no stranger to a gym, austin had an easy, slow swagger and wore his confidence like cologne. his smile was all charm, but his eyes? they scanned every girl with intention. faith caught the slight up-nod he gave her, and she smirked to herself.

“oh, he looks like he’s about to be trouble,” orlandria muttered.

“trouble or fun?” chelly raised a brow.

right behind austin came jeremiah. carmel-skinned and athletic with a clean fade, jeremiah walked in like he was on a mission. his energy was calm — cool — but commanding. like he didn’t have to say much because the room already felt him.

“mm,” huda whispered under her breath. “he’s fine.”

“jeremiah is dangerous fine,” faith added, not even pretending to be subtle.

jeremiah posted up at the end of the line, flashing a soft grin. “what’s up, ladies?” he said in that deep, laid-back voice that had half the girls adjusting their outfits.

ace walked in last like he owned the air. tattoos, swagger, that half-smirk that said he knew how fine he was. faith raised a brow but didn’t look away. ace looked right back. neither said a word — but everything was said.

ariana turned back to the girls. “now that all of the boys are officially in the villa,” she said with a knowing look, “it’s time to find out who’s catching whose eye.”

the girls exchanged glances, hearts pounding, pulses rising — because now, the real fun was about to begin.

and with a lineup like that?