Chapter 55: FRIDAY

Selena’s POV

It’s Friday.

I wake up with that soft, pleasant tiredness, the kind that comes from doing too much fun the day before and knowing you’re about to do even more today.

The morning is all activity.

After breakfast, they split us into groups and explain the plan: a hike along the Eko coast, but with a twist. A photographic challenge. Capture people, capture places, capture moments that feel alive.

I love it instantly.

We start moving, the path stretching ahead of us, sand giving way to walk, the ocean breathing steadily beside us. Cameras are handed out, and for a second everyone looks confused, until the clicking starts.

Then it becomes chaos in the best way.

Mia surprises me. I always knew she was observant, but watching her adjust angles, play with light, crouch low for a shot and then climb halfway up a rock like it’s nothing—yeah, I didn’t see that coming. She knows cameras. Really knows them.

I do my thing too. Framing faces mid-laughter. Catching the ocean foam as it crashes against the rocks. Mr. Cameron is there, walking slowly, occasionally stopping to photograph the horizon like he’s memorizing it.

We don’t win the challenge.

Apparently, some people decide climbing actual trees is necessary for “the perfect shot.” Insane behavior. But honestly? It worked. Their pictures were amazing.

My legs ache, my lungs burn a little, and I’m smiling too hard to be competitive about it.

Whoever designed these retreat activities deserves a medal. Everything feels intentional, like it’s not just about fun, but about shaking something loose inside us. Stretching bones. Stretching minds.

By afternoon, we’re back at the beach.

Volleyball this time.

The sun is high, the sand is hot, and people are divided into teams with loud opinions and zero strategy. I play for a bit, laugh a lot, give up quickly to avoid an incident like the tennis game.

After that comes the sunset boat ride.

I’ve never been on a boat before.

That fact hits me as I step on and feel it rock slightly beneath my feet. I’m not with Mia or Isabella this time. Different group. Different faces. And weirdly, I like it. Conversations flow easier when no one already knows your whole story.

The boat cuts through the water, wind pressing against my face, the sun melting into the horizon. Everything turns gold, then orange, then something deeper. I sit there quietly, hands gripping the edge, thinking how strange it is that life can surprise you like this—at a retreat you almost didn’t attend.

By the time we get back, my skin feels tight with salt and sun.

I hurry to the room, shower fast, letting the water run just long enough to rinse the day off me. I flop onto the bed afterward, towel wrapped around my hair, scrolling through TikTok and YouTube like it’s a mission.

I searched up tennis drills, footwork, Quick tips and anything I could find.

I tell myself it’s just preparation.

I don’t want to rely only on what Jayden has taught me. I want options. Something extra. Something that might surprise him.

Then I pause.

“Urghhhh “

Actually… this isn’t fair.

The person who taught me everything I know is the same person I’m competing against. That’s basically setting myself up to lose. I laugh softly at the thought, tossing my phone onto the bed.

I reach for it again anyway.

I open my messages, thumb hovering.

I almost text Ethan to ask ….How’s everything at home? —then I stop.

The message slips into my mind uninvited.

STAY AWAY FROM JAYDEN ASHFORD.

My stomach tightens.

Will I get one today?

I tell myself no. Probably not. But the thought doesn’t leave. Instead, it grows.

What if someone is actually watching me?

Are they here? At the retreat? Blending in? Or are they somewhere else, watching through something I can’t see? Is it connected to Jayden? A bodyguard? Someone he hired without telling me? That doesn’t sound like him but what do I really know?

Do they have videos of me? Photos? Have they been following me since before this retreat?

I sit up straighter on the bed, suddenly aware of how quiet the room is.

Okay. Breathe.

This is not something to spiral about now. When I get home, I’ll tell Ethan. I won’t ignore it then. But here? I keep it to myself. I don’t ruin this retreat with paranoia.

Still, the feeling lingers, like eyes on my back.

Dinner tonight is different. No big gathering, no long tables. Everyone’s eating in their rooms, easing off after a full day together. I order something light since I know I’m going to play later.

A few moments after dinner my phone buzzes.

Jayden.

“Let’s meet earlier tonight, since there's no group dinner. I'll be on the court by seven.

Perfect.

I stand up immediately….ignoring the strange certainty that tonight won’t be simple.