Love Isle: 60 Days With My Ex-Fiancé

(Song: Heartbreak Anniversary by Giveon)

BELLE

"Brandon." I murmured my fiance's name and cuddled closer.

"Go back to sleep, my love."

"You're going," I felt him shift away. "Don't go, stay awhile with me." I wrapped my arms around him, holding onto the warmth.

"I have to, baby. Our wedding starts in the next five hours," he kissed my hands, before lifting my arms from his body. "I don't want anyone to know I saw you before the wedding. I hear it's a bad omen." He whispered with a low chuckle, putting on his shirt.

"Five hours is a long time." I held his hand, my lips formed into a pout. "Come on, just an hour more." I said, hoping he would touch my one last time before our wedding.

He leaned a bit, kissing me full on the lips. "I didn't let you sleep enough last night," he said, hinting about our love making session. "After today, we won't be spending just hours, but the rest of our lives together," his hands on my cheeks, "I can't wait for you to become my wife and have our babies."

'I might be carrying one now.' I thought. I wasn't on birth control and he didn't wear a sheath. We made love four glorious times last night, so, there's every possibility.

"I love you."

"Love you too, Mrs King." He said in response as he went to the door.

After I heard the soft clicking sound of the door, I snuggled deeper into the sheets. I was smiling softly thinking about him. I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of the moment linger. Last night was pure magic.

It was just in a matter of hours, and I would officially become Mrs King.

************************

"Wake up, sleepyhead!" That was Samantha's voice. "You're getting married, baby!" She said in a raised voice, as she pushed open the curtains.

"Samantha!" I groaned as I turned my face to the pillow.

We have been friends since my first year at college and since then, she has always been the death of me. Today, she was my maid of honor.

"Get up, girl. It's your big day!" She pulled down the covers and exclaimed when she found me stark naked. "Where are your clothes?" Then she looked to see my nighties tossed carelessly at one end of the room and my lace panties on the night stand. She brought her face to mine, her eyes narrow. "Brandon was here last night, right?"

"I... He... He only came to say hello." I stuttered, biting my lips. I knew I was very terrible at telling lies.

"Hello? And there are tiny bites on your neck, boobs and thighs," she pointed out. "I can also see some in your belly. Hello indeed!" She snorted.

'Lord, this girl's eyes are very sharp.' I sighed.

"What's wrong with you two?" She continued. "Brandon was not meant to see you before the wedding. Not only did he set his eyes on you, he buried himself inside you."

I rolled my eyes. "Samantha, gosh! He's going to be my husband in some hours. There's nothing bad in what we did last night."

"Go have your shower, young woman. Your hair and makeup team will be here soon."

*********************

In no time, I was done with my hair and makeup. As a fashion stylist, Samantha helped me my wedding dress.

"How is my makeup, Sam?" I was looking at myself in the mirror.

"Perfect, baby. The makeup artist did a nice job. You look radiant." Samantha winked at me. "Brandon might eat his tongue when he sees you. I only hope he doesn't tear your clothes and take you on the altar."

I gasped. "Samantha, you're so vile."

"Shh, I'm still mad that Brandon saw you before the wedding. It's a bad omen."

This was the exact same thing Brandon said to me in the early hours of today.

"I don't believe that, Sam. It's not real."

She made me sit on the chair again. "For last touches, let's add some sparkly jewelry and fix your hair a bit. Your brother, Dillon will soon come here to walk you down the aisle. You know how grumpy he can get if we waste his time."

I laughed at what she said. Dillon was my brother and only family member. Our parents died in an autocrash three years ago.

As for my wedding with Brandon, I didn't want something extravagant or lavish. I was grateful that Brandon didn't want any of that as well. We had just twenty guests who were basically business associates and few friends. Samantha was my maid of honor and my only bridesmaid. Brandon had simply one groomsman who was also his best man.

"Voila! We're done. Let's go outside and wait for Dillon." She said, giving me a bouquet of flowers.

We waited for close to an hour and yet Dillon hasn't shown.

"What time is the wedding again?" Samantha asked, her fingers tapping on the table lightly.

"Nine am."

"Oh, wow! This is twenty minutes past ten." Samantha said, looking at her phone screen.

"Are you serious? What could be the problem?" I was getting nervous.

"Stay here. Let me go outside and know what is going on."

As Samantha was about leaving the room, Brandon's best man, Malcom burst in.

"Malcom, what's happening?" Samantha questioned him. Her hands on his shoulder.

"We're looking for Brandon. Is he here?" His eyes were everywhere, balls of sweat on his face.

"I'm sorry, what!" I rose up from my seat immediately. I wanted to be sure that I heard him clearly.

"The priest will cancel the wedding in the next thirty minutes if he fails to show up. Some of the guests have left."

"Have you tried calling him? Have you gone to his room?" I was getting frantic. My heart was pounding so fast.

"Belle, please calm down." Samantha came to my side, holding my hand.

"No, Sam." I shook my head. "I can't be calm." My anxiety was growing. 'Something was seriously wrong.' I thought.

"His line is dead. I don't think I have gone to his room though..."

I hurriedly went to my room. With shaky hands, I picked up my phone and dialed Brandon's number. It wasn't going through. I tried again for the second, third and fourth time and yet, it gave the same response. His line was dead.

"Why is he not answering? Where are you, Brandon?" I muttered to myself.

I went for his second line and it went straight to voicemail. My heart fell. He was deliberately avoiding my calls. Suddenly, I remembered his words as well as Samantha's, about the bad omen stuff. 'Maybe, I shouldn't have let him see me.'

I took a deep breath. I didn't want to think that Brandon would do this to me. Still in doubt, I went to his room. Samantha and Dillon were there already. They were not aware when I entered, because they had left the door open.

"That fucking bastard has the guts to embarrass my sister!" Dillon yelled. "I have always warned Belle about him, but no, she wouldn't listen. Now see." He rubbed his face in frustration, sighing. "The idiot has fled. His car is not outside."

"What do we tell Belle? She's going to be so broken."

I looked around, my gaze on the corners of his room. None of his stuff were anywhere. His room was empty.

My anxiety turned to panic when the realization hit me that Brandon had actually left me on our wedding day. Tears filled my eyes. My heart was slowly shattering into bits.

Suddenly, the room around me began to spin. I tried to reach out to hold onto something, but I couldn't.I felt myself falling and my phone slipped from my fingers. Everything went black. I was vaguely aware of the screams and the sound of my name being called. But it was all distant. I couldn't respond.

I was out cold, my body overwhelmed by the shock and heartbreak of Brandon's betrayal.

(Song: How Do I Say Goodbye by Dean Lewis)

BELLE

"He said he loved me," I said in between sobs, holding Samantha tightly. "Why will he do this to me?" I wiped my eyes with the last wrap of tissue on my nightstand.

"Don't cry, baby." Samantha rubbed my back lightly.

"I can't make it stop, Sam." I felt like I had a disease with no cure. I could not believe that Brandon would do such a heartless thing to me. The love we shared, the promises we made to each other, the number of kids we'd have - all of that were just part of my imagination now. My heart hurt like hell.

"Please, It's been two days already. You have barely eaten anything, you haven't even left your room." She passed new tissue wraps to me.

Samantha was right. Two days had passed since my failed wedding with Brandon, and I was still in shock. I felt that I should be better by now, but no, the pain grew worse. I have been hoping he would call or text, to tell me something came up, that he was sorry and he still loves me. But no, none of that came.

Samantha has been with me, in my room since that day, always trying to cheer me up and bring me something to eat.

"Look at me," she slowly brought my face to hers. "You're hurting yourself, and I don't like it. I made you breakfast," With one hand, she brought the tray to the bed. "And, you're going to eat."

I shook my head, showing refusal. My appetite was totally messed up.

"You have to eat or you'll get sick. Just a bite, please." She brought a slice of bread to my lips.

As she was still trying to convince me to eat, Dillon stepped in. With the way he was dressed, I was certain he was going to work.

"How long are you going to stay this way, Belle?" He stood by the door for a moment. "Do you remember what I said to you the first time you told me you were in a relationship with Brandon King?" He knew fully well that I would not be giving him a reply.

Of course I remembered. Dillon never approved of my relationship with Brandon. He made it clear to me from day one.

"I'm pretty sure you do," he continued, coming to sit on my bed. "You're here crying your eyes out while that bastard is most likely to be in his house chilling or worse, in another woman's arms."

That stung a bit.

"Dillon!" Samantha scolded. "That's not something nice to say to your sister, especially at this moment."

"That's the truth, Samantha. She needs to know that fact."

I felt his hand on my shoulder.

"Don't let your broken heart get a better part of you, Belle." Standing up from the bed, "I would be going to work now. Our late parents left a legacy for us to continue. Get yourself together, Cooper Holdings needs us." After that, he left.

"Belle..." Samantha tried to say something with regards to what Dillon said.

I didn't know if what Dillon said gave me sudden appetite, but I needed to eat. "Sam, please feed me, I'm hungry." I was going to think about what Dillon said later.

As the days turned into weeks, I realized that Dillon was right after all. I was better off without Brandon King. I could not believe I put my life on hold because of him. As a matter of fact, I won't let myself fall for another man the way I did for Brandon.

Part of my moving on scheme was to delete every trace of Brandon from all my devices. As for the engagement ring and other stuff he got for me while we were still dating, I sold them and gave the proceeds to charity.

'I'm so over you, Brandon King.'

A month later, Samantha came to visit.

"Hey girl." She dropped her bag on my nightstand.

"Hey Sam," I turned my chair to face her. "I've missed you." I smiled, opening my arms for a hug.

"I've missed you too, baby. How are you, really?" She brought my face to hers, looking at me with concern.

I let out a deep breath. "I've been good. Just working."

At least, thinking about Brandon didn't hurt that much anymore.

"Ahh, I'm glad. That means you have gone out, right?"

"No, I've been in my room all this while. Dillon always make it possible for me to join work conferences and meetings online." I was just done with one some minutes ago before she came in.

"Alright, that's progress," Samantha commended. "So, Belle, there's something important I would really like to tell you."

"What is it, Sam?"

Samantha gave me a long look. "Promise me you would say yes and I would spill."

"Seriously?" I said with a weak laugh.

She nodded.

"Alright, I promise." I made a cross sign on my chest.

"Okay, there's this reality dating show coming up in a month's time. The name is Love Isle. It's been around for a while now." She sat down on my bed.

I nodded in response, not expecting what she was going to say next.

"I've been thinking and I have the perfect idea," her eyes lit up as she took my hands in hers, "You should audition for it."

My eyes widened in horror. "That's not possible." I drew my hands away.

"It is very possible, Belle," Taking my hands again, "You would be perfect for it. You're charming, smart and gorgeous. You're also CEO to Cooper Holdings..."

"Co CEO," I corrected. "Dillon is head as well."

"As I was saying, that gives you a better chance of getting selected. Plus, you will meet new people. From research, this year, the show would be happening in Fiji for sixty days. I heard the prize money is up to half a million dollars."

"Samantha, I'm not auditioning for any show." I said with a final tone.

"Come on, Belle. You have nothing to lose," she assured. "This is just like going on a vacation to Fiji for two months. I bet you would have some fun," she tried to convince me. "And you might find a new man." She murmured.

"That is never happening. Brandon is my last." I replied to her last statement. I don't think I would give love a second chance in a very long time.

"Give this a second thought, baby." She picked up her bag, ready to leave.

Samantha was right. I actually did not have anything to lose. Maybe, this was the push I needed to get my life back on track.

'Go for it, Belle. You won't regret it.' A voice in my head said to me.

"Samantha, wait." I stopped her before her hand got to the doorknob.

"Did I forget something?" She asked, turning back.

"I will do it."

She squealed with excitement. "Yes! I know you would agree."

"Only on one condition."

"Anything for you, baby."

"You are coming with me."

She drew me into her arms. "That won't be a problem."

"How do we get started?"

(Song: Bellyache by Billie Eilish)

BELLE

I stood in front of my open closet, staring blankly at the carefully hanged clothes before me. This was the moment I most dreaded - packing and arranging.

"Have you packed your bikinis?" Samantha asked as she zipped up her bag. "Voila! Finished before you."

My room was scattered with different sets of clothes. Did I forget to say? Yay! I got selected as one of the contestants for Love Isle. Samantha as well got selected. We were expected to be at the airport within two hours.

"Bikinis?" I gave her a questioning look.

"Yeah. The show is happening on an island in Fiji. Pack all your sexy bikinis, girl. Don't forget your sunscreens as well." Samantha pointed at them on the table. "There were be men around, you know. Fine, sexy, hot-blooded males." She winked.

"What's that for? I told you I'm not going there for love." I rolled my eyes. The one I thought I had vanished into thin air.

"I know, baby. You know you would get paired up with a man for the next sixty days."

"Yeah, that's not a problem, if I would even last till day sixty. I only agreed to this because you asked me to and I also need to clear my head." I threw in some sunscreens into my box.

"Are you girls, ready yet? I need to drop you both at the airport before going to work." Dillon's voice sounded from the living room.

"Your sister..."

"Yes, we are." I zipped up my bag, glaring at Samantha. I had packed a mix of casual and dressy outfits as well as bikinis and some dinner gowns for the show's more glamorous events.

Dillon took us to the airport, and before going back to work, he said his parting words to me.

"I don't know whatever this you're going to..." He started.

"It's a reality TV dating show, Dillon." Samantha muttered.

"Yeah, that, I keep forgetting. Reality TV can be crazy, and those producers will stop at nothing to get drama. You need to be careful not to lose your guard."

I nodded, my eyes locked on his. "I know, Dillon. I'll be fine. Morever, I'm not going there to find love. It's only fun and games for me."

"That's absolutely fine. And don't forget, you're going to be living with a bunch of strangers in a confined space..."

"It's a villa." Samantha interrupted, making me laugh.

"Whatever, Samantha. Villa, confined space - same thing." He sighed, then continued his advice. "Emotions would be high and it's going to get intense there. I want you to stay true to yourself and don't let anyone define your worth." He said, his voice filled with love.

"Thank you, Dillon. I will always remember that " I smiled, feeling grateful.

When last was Dillon this emotional with words? Only God knows.

He pulled me into a hug. "Whatever happens on that island, know that I will always be here for you."

As we hugged, the airport announcer's voice sounded on the loudspeakers, calling for the next flight which was mine and Samantha's.

"It's okay, now. She won't be gone forever." Samantha tapped on Dillon's shoulder. "It's just sixty days."

I pulled away, smiling at him. "I will miss you, Dillon."

"I will miss you too. Take care of yourself. You also, Sam!" He waved as Samantha and I made our way past the airport gate.

I hope I was ready for whatever that would happen in the next sixty days.

***************

For the next one week before the main show, I stayed alone in a room without my phone, just like the other contestants. A night to the introduction day, one of the show organizers informed me that I would be introduced as the first contestant.

"Oh wow." I don't know if I should feel excited or nervous.

"Here, take your tag and microphone. Welcome to Love Isle." He gave the items to me.

"Thank you."

My name was boldly written on the tag. I let out a deep breath. 'It's tomorrow, Belle. You can do this.'

Finally, the D-day was here. Two hours to the said time, I kicked off with my preparations.

Not in the mood to search for what to wear, I picked up the first dinner gown my hand could reach. Luckily, it was one of my most beautiful gowns. But there was something about it. It was the exact one I wore on my twenty fourth birthday, the same day Brandon asked me to be his wife.

Maybe I should find another gown. I don't want to have thoughts about him. On another thought, I was like fuck it, I'm so over Brandon, then I put it on. I wore my hair in loose waves, applied not so heavy makeup. I put on my necklace and earrings. I was wearing my left stiletto heel when I heard a knock on the door.

"Miss Cooper, you're up in five minutes."

"Damn! Five minutes." I muttered. I was about walking out of the door when I suddenly remembered my tag and microphone. "Shit! Shit!" I took few steps to the table where they were, to pick them.

The man at the door who had called me earlier was speechless when I came out of my room.

'Why is he looking lost?' I wondered.

I waved my hand over his face to draw his attention. "Hello."

"Uhm... Yes. Three minutes remaining."

"Alright."

"You're putting on your microphone and name tag right?"

"Yes." I pointed at where I had put both of them.

I could hear the booming voice of the host from where I stood.

"It's your host again, Logan Ward. Welcome to the eleventh season of Love Isle. As usual, we have ten singletons from all walks of life. They will be living together in this luxurious villa, hoping to find their perfect match."

'Not me.' I shook my head. No love. No relationships.

"As they get to know themselves, there will be challenges, surprises and loads of drama facing them. But the real question here is will they find love?"

I let out a deep breath. "Come on. My feet are aching." I muttered.

"Let's meet our contestants."

'Ahh! Finally!' I tried to calm myself. This was my moment.

"First up, we have twenty four year old entrepreneur from California, Belle Cooper. She's Cooper Holdings' heiress. I smell money here."

The large, sleek doors in front of me slid open. I thought it was supposed to be a stage with audience, but it was the villa itself, the swimming pool area to be precise.

As I stepped into the villa, my eyes got wide in awe. The pictures Samantha had shown me before didn't do justice to what I was currently seeing.

The host stood in the middle of two couches facing each other. The large pool of water was at the back.

"So stunning." The voice of the host brought me back to reality. "This one is different. From her introductory video, she said she's not here for love. She's only here for some fun time." He shrugged. "Well, we will see to that."

I smiled at him. "Hi Logan."

"Hey Belle. Take your seat." He pointed at the couch on the left.

I slowly sat down with a smile on my face. I had mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness.

The next contestant was Sam. Gosh! She was beautiful as hell. When she saw I was the one sitting, she increased her pace, despite the fact she was on heels. I hope she doesn't fall and embarrass herself.

"Hey Sam. You look hot!" My voice barely audible.

"You look tastier." She grinned.

"This place is so awesome, Sam." I whispered in her ears as she sat down beside me.

"I told you." She held my hand tightly. "I'm super nervous, Belle."

"I am too, Sam."

The host, Logan called in three extra females. They all looked gorgeous.

It was time for the men. He called in the first one.

'Okay, he's not that bad.' I thought. He had those muscles and abs. But why was he shirtless though?

The second and third looked so much like the first in body stature.

There was something about the fourth. His piercing green eyes was visibly clear through his glasses. He was handsome, no doubt. I could not believe I felt a flutter in my stomach when he flashed a smile. I would definitely avoid this one.

If I was to pair up with a man, I have to go with someone I was least attracted to. Let's wait for the last one.

"The last contestant for the night." Logan announced.

"At last." I murmured. Samantha quietly excused herself to get water.

"I know you guys aren't ready for him. He is one of the most eligible bachelors. He is super duper rich. Billionaire CEO to King Corporations."

My head spun up. 'No, it cannot be Brandon. This is Fiji, not the US.'

"Let's welcome Brandon King!"

My mind was racing, my palms were getting sweaty as I fixed my eyes on the doors.

I was still in denial. 'No, there are a thousand and one Brandon Kings across the world. It can't be..."

It was him.

I thought I could hear the ambulance sirens from a distance. I hoped they were coming to take me because at that moment, my heart stopped beating.