Wiley leaned against his car, waiting in anticipation for Joey and Kat to finish their make-out session on Joey’s doorstep. He stared hypnotically at the sprawling landscapes of Vhantrosa, peaking over the Durants’ garden.
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It had only been a few months since they moved from the real world as they knew it, but the Chain Islands still felt like an entirely different universe. Wiley remembered the first time they set foot on the island, the surreal feeling of crossing over into an unknown land. No one in Vhantrosa knew about the real world, and the real world had no knowledge of this place. It was as if they had stepped into a hidden realm.
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The summer had brought new friendships and discoveries, but also old, haunting memories. He couldn't shake the feeling that the past was not as distant as he hoped. The guilt gnawed at him daily. He blamed himself for not being there that night, for leaving her alone. Every time he saw his sister struggle, he felt a stab of regret. Moving to Vhantrosa had been a chance for a fresh start, but some wounds were too deep to heal.
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During the summer, Wiley had met the Cuthbert triplets—Aaron, Lizzie, and Liv. They were the epitome of Vhantrosa’s charm, effortlessly blending into the island's vibrant life. They were evidently very popular, and it wasn’t long before they welcomed him into their circle.
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Joey Durant and Katherine Archer, or Kat, were the couple everyone envied. Madly in love and tied to the hip, their public displays of affection were as constant as the sunrise. Kat was the jealous type, fiercely protective of Joey and their close-knit group of friends. Known for her sweet, tender nature, she would ride or die for her friends and the dark secrets they harboured.
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Auden Drew, Kat's best friend, was the most loved person in school. Extremely popular due to her relatable nature, Auden acted like she wasn't filthy rich and remained humble, endearing herself to everyone.
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Jae Starling, the star athlete of the basketball team, was the most popular boy in school and every girl's crush. He shied away from relationships after his ex-girlfriend moved away, burned at the stake by the very people she once called friends. Since their first introduction, he and Wiley had become best friends even though the rest of the group had their personalities would clash.
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The Cuthbert triplets, Aaron, Lizzie, and Liv, were known for their carefree attitudes and dominance in social circles. They threw the best parties and used their wealth to exert power. People stayed out of their way, aware of their potential to ruin any social reputation. Kat had initially been sceptical about inviting Wiley into their group, knowing the weight of the secrets they shared. However, it was the triplets who vouched for him, introducing him to the rest and integrating him into their inner circle.
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Olivia Cuthbert, or Liv, secretly harboured feelings for Wiley, but it was Auden with whom he resonated most. The bond between Auden and Wiley grew naturally, drawing them closer as they navigated their complex world together.
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As Wiley stared out at the serene beauty of Vhantrosa, he heard Kat’s giggles approaching his vehicle. The island was supposed to be their refuge, but it was becoming a labyrinth of secrets and unresolved pain. He needed answers, and he knew that the key to uncovering the truth would be found amongst the intimate circle of people he now called his friends.
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Wiley's thoughts drifted back to the day he tested his new friends. He couldn't forget what he overheard the Cuthbert triplets talking about that summer night. To see how they would react, he invited them over for a pool party the day his sister returned from the mental health resort. The moment they saw her, their faces went pale, and an uneasy silence fell over the group. Their shock and speechlessness only fuelled Wiley's determination to uncover the truth. He smiled and acted friendly, but deep down, he was watching their every move, looking for any sign of guilt.
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It was also strange to him that they always changed the subject and acted wildly suspicious whenever Jae's ex, Heather, was mentioned. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, and Wiley knew he had to stay close to them to find out what they were hiding.
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He got into the vehicle and ignited the engine, driving them to his house where they were going to spend the rest of their day, probably just hanging out and doing boring teenage things. It was strange how they could expertly hide their dark secrets and how they acted so normal, or at least as normal as the filthy rich could be.
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Jae was already in the indoor pool when Wiley arrived with the rest of his friends. He informed Wiley that his mom had left and said he could wait here, adding that his sister was upstairs, not wanting any attention. The reminder of her trauma hit Wiley hard, but he masked his emotions, leading the group toward the swim room.
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Wiley couldn't help but reflect on how uncomfortable his sister must have felt, being left alone with Jae, who they both barely knew. He tried to incorporate her into their plans, hoping to ease her mind, but first, he brought the refreshments his mom had prepared for them into the swim room. As he entered, he stumbled upon a tense moment between Jae and Aaron. Aaron seemed angry, scolding Jae, but Jae remained unphased. The moment Wiley stepped in, Aaron tried to downplay the situation, quickly diverting Wiley's attention. "Where’s Auden?" Aaron teased. "You two seem inseparable these days."
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Olivia's eyes darkened with jealousy, but she kept her emotions hidden. Kat and Joey, oblivious to the tension, jumped into the pool, starting their usual flirtatious banter.
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Jae’s phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen, his face going pale. Without a word, he left the room to take the call in private, a look of shock and panic etched across his features.
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The group was left in an awkward silence, quickly broken by Aaron's voice. "So, we need to spice things up. Who’s up for a little fun?" he grinned mischievously. "How about we pull a prank on someone at school? Something brutal that will remind everyone who runs this place?"
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Joey and Kat's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, I have the perfect target," Kat said, her voice dripping with anticipation. "Mr. Thompson, the new math teacher. He’s been way too strict, and it’s about time we put him in his place."
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Wiley felt a knot of discomfort in his stomach. The idea of using their power and influence to intimidate and humiliate someone didn’t sit right with him. Yet, he forced a smile, pretending to share their excitement. Deep down, he questioned his morals and knew he would never give in to such absurdities if not for wanting to bring his sister’s honour justice. As Aaron and Joey brainstormed more elaborate pranks, Wiley's mind raced with conflicting emotions. He watched as his friends revelled in their power, using their influence to manipulate and intimidate. It made his skin crawl, but he played along, masking his true intentions behind a facade of camaraderie.
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Lizzie’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "Wiley, you've been quiet. Any ideas?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
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Wiley forced a smile. "Just thinking," he replied. "But how about something more subtle? A prank that will really get under his skin without leaving a trace."
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The group seemed intrigued by the suggestion, nodding in agreement. As they continued to plot, Wiley's resolve strengthened. He would stay close to them, pretending to be one of them, all the while searching for the truth. His sister's honour and his own conscience depended on it.
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Just then, Jae returned, his face still pale from the phone call. "Everything okay?" Aaron asked, trying to sound casual.
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Jae nodded, but Wiley could see the unease in his eyes. "Yeah, just family stuff," Jae said, brushing it off. "Why are you all looking so excited, don’t tell me you’re planning something again?"
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As the group discussed their next move, Wiley couldn't shake the feeling that something more sinister was at play. He knew he had to tread carefully, balancing his quest for justice with the dangerous game he was now a part of. He found Jae’s restraint to participate a bit refreshing. Most of the time, he wasn’t sure why Jae was friends with this group. Jae and Auden seemed to be the only ones with a sense of compassion and empathy, but he couldn’t quite rule out their involvement in these sinister discoveries.
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Just as Kat and Joey's laughter filled the air with their playful banter, Aaron's gaze caught Wiley's attention. "We need to remind everyone who’s in charge around here," Aaron said, a chilling edge to his voice. "How about a prank that leaves a lasting impression?"
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The group's eyes lit up with interest, nodding in agreement. As they brainstormed ideas, Wiley's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. His friends’ power and money made them feel invincible, capable of anything. It was this very arrogance that he needed to navigate carefully.
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Kat leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, this is going to be so much fun," she whispered to Lizzie and Liv, her excitement barely contained. "Let's make it unforgettable."
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The three girls had been inseparable since they were little. Growing up in the elite circles of Vhantrosa, they shared everything—dreams, secrets, and sometimes betrayals. Despite the occasional fallout, their bond remained unbreakable. They knew each other’s deepest fears and insecurities, which made their gossip sessions both cutting and comforting.
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Lizzie smirked, glancing at her brother. "What about Wiley's sister? Everyone’s so interested in her lately. She doesn’t want anything to do with us, though."
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"Yeah," Kat added, "we could target one of her friends, maybe Clary or Stasi. It’ll send a message."
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The mention of Stasi made Joey shift uncomfortably. Wiley noticed the slight change in his demeanour, curiosity piqued. "Stasi, huh?" Joey muttered, trying to hide his discomfort.
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Kat raised an eyebrow, sensing something off. "What's the matter, Joey? Got a soft spot for Stasi?"
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Joey forced a laugh, brushing it off. "Nah, just didn’t think she'd be much fun to mess with."
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Wiley felt his blood boil. He stepped forward, his voice unwavering. "Leave my sister and her friends out of this," he said, his tone sharp. "If any of you mess with them, you'll regret it. My sister means everything to me, and I won't let anyone hurt her again."
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The group fell silent, shocked by Wiley's sudden outburst. The boys exchanged glances, and Aaron was the first to speak up. "Alright, Wiley," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "We'll leave them alone. Let's just focus on Mr. Thompson."
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Wiley's heart pounded in his chest, but he managed a nod. "Good. Let's keep it that way."
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Kat and Lizzie looked taken aback, but Aaron's firm words seemed to settle the matter. They turned their attention back to plotting their prank on Mr. Thompson, the tension slowly dissipating.
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As the group moved on, Wiley couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. He had stood up for his sister, and for now, that would have to be enough. But the look on Joey's face when Stasi was mentioned lingered in his mind, a reminder that the truth was still out there, waiting to be uncovered.
The conversation shifted to the upcoming Valentine's Week. Lizzie, who had been openly in love and flirtatious with Jae since they were kids, leaned toward him, her eyes twinkling. "So, Jae, who are you sending roses to on Rose Day Monday?"
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Jae hesitated, his mind drifting back to the brief moment he shared with Wiley's sister earlier. There was something familiar about her, something that stirred a sense of protectiveness and empathy in him. He wished he could send her roses, to give her some reassurance, but his loyalty to Wiley kept him silent. Instead, he smirked and made a casual comment. "I might just keep it a surprise."
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Kat playfully nudged Joey. "You know I want to feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. You better buy me the most roses!"
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Liv casually added, "I always get so many roses, but Auden seems to get the most. What about you, Wiley? Who will you be sending roses to?"
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Wiley felt the weight of their gazes and forced a casual smile. "Haven't decided yet," he said, avoiding the intensity of the question. He was more concerned about his sister than participating in the frivolity of Rose Day.
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Aaron, ever the joker, leaned back with a smug grin. "Ultimate bachelor here. I’m not wasting my money on any worthless girl at school. Too good for that," he declared, eliciting laughs from the group.
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Joey, always quick to please Kat, wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry, babe, I'll make sure you're buried in roses."
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As the group chatted animatedly about their plans for Valentine's Week, Wiley's mind wandered back to his sister. The thought of her enduring another public spectacle made his stomach churn. He needed to ensure she felt safe and supported, especially with these upcoming events.
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The laughter and banter continued, but Wiley's thoughts remained divided between the carefree world of his friends and the unresolved pain lurking beneath the surface. It was a balancing act he was determined to master, for his sister's sake and his own.
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He just had to keep up the facade a little longer.
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