Vexlyn

Ariella Grey just switched schools to escape a scandal so messy it could’ve made national news. New name? Check. New school? Check. No drama? Yeah, right.

Enter Zayne Carter — annoyingly hot, dangerously charming, and somehow tangled up in the past she’s trying to forget. One fake relationship, a couple of stolen kisses, and a whole lot of blackmail texts later, Ariella’s peaceful new life is officially ruined.

At Royal Crest, secrets don’t stay buried and love comes with receipts.
Who knew high school could be this dramatic?

Hearts In Disguise

Plot Twist Number 111:After the detention disaster, Caleb dropped another bombshell.He was throwing a party.On. His. Private. Island.

Ivy: "Bro… are you Elon Musk's cousin or what?"

Caleb: "Nah. My dad just sells a lot of cement."

Me: "Like Dangote cement?"

Caleb: "Something like that."

The Island Arrival

Plot Twist Number 112:The island was insane.White sand. Blue water. Villas.And a swimming pool shaped like a pizza slice.They had a juice bar called 'Slay Hydrated.'Lucifer already claimed a hammock and a cup of ice cream.

Ivy: "Bro I'm not leaving. I live here now."

Me: "Same. Where's my room?"

The Poolside Romance

Plot Twist Number 113:While everyone else was busy trying to take Insta pics without falling in the water, Caleb pulled me aside.

Caleb: "Ari… I like you. A lot. Like, want-to-watch-your-favorite-movies-and-share-my-last-slice-of-pizza-with-you type of like."

Me: "Bro… that's serious."

Caleb: "I've been thinking about you since Truth or Dare night. Even when Nate tried to choke me out."

Me: "That was iconic though."

Then — BOOM — this boy leans in and kisses my cheek.And I MELTED like cheap ice cream in Lagos heat.

Lucifer (from a distance): Meow (Translation: Finally.)

Plot Twist Number 114:Meanwhile Nate was watching us from behind a coconut tree like a heartbroken telenovela villain.

Nate: "This isn't over."

Ivy (sneaking up on him): "Bro, you're acting like a badly written Wattpad bad boy."

Late Night Confessions

That evening we all sat around a bonfire.Mia tried to flirt with the DJ.Zayne tried to swim with the dolphins (there were no dolphins).Lucifer was stealing marshmallows.

Caleb: "I've never felt this comfortable with anyone before. Ari, you're… chaotic, weird and hilarious, and I'm obsessed."

Me: "Aww. You're not too bad yourself, rich boy."

He grabbed my hand.Everyone started fake coughing.

Ivy: "Y'all better kiss or I'm throwing myself into the ocean."

And GUESS WHAT — we did.Right there under the stars.Cue romantic soundtrack.Cue Ivy screaming like she just won ₦1 million.Cue Nate throwing his cup into the fire like a dramatic extra.

Lucifer: Meow (Translation: Took you long enough.)

Plot Twist Number 115:Just when the romance hit maximum level, a mystery boat arrived at the shore.A guy in a hoodie handed me a box.No name. No note.Inside?A necklace with a tiny, glowing locket and a paper that said:

"This isn't over. Stay away from Caleb."

Plot Twist Number 116:We all lost our minds.

Ivy: "BRO, THIS IS A MOVIE NOW."

Mia: "I want popcorn and an inhaler."

Nate: "Good. Suffer."

Me emotionally spiraling: continuous

Chapter 17: Island Love, Jealous Nate & The Mystery Package