As the Love Island USA Season 7 reunion approaches on August 25, 2025, fans are buzzing with anticipation about the romance that blossomed between Chelley and Ace in the sun-soaked Fiji villa. Their chemistry was undeniable, captivating viewers with stolen glances and heartfelt moments. But in a candid new interview with Teen Vogue alongside her villa bestie Olandria, Chelley dropped a bombshell: despite being “happily in love,” she and Ace aren’t officially a couple—yet.
“I’m not fully in a relationship yet because I’m like, ‘Look [Ace], you told me you want to be exclusive, I said Yes. But until you ask, ‘Will you be my girlfriend?’ I am not your girlfriend, okay?'” Chelley told Teen Vogue associate editor Aiyana Ishmael with her signature flair. Her words reveal a woman who knows her worth, holding out for the grand romantic gesture she expects from Ace. “If anyone knows anything about Ace, he’s going to do it in the most romantic, grandest gesture ever,” she added with a sparkle of excitement. “So I’m excited for that because he knows I’m extra too.”
Their journey in the Love Island USA villa was a whirlwind of emotions. Both Chelley and Ace explored other connections before their hearts aligned, creating a love story that felt like a fairy tale set against Fiji’s turquoise waters. Ace, clearly smitten, took to Instagram after the show, declaring, “I walked out that Villa a winner. I left with the most beautiful girl in the world, someone who truly means everything to me. And if I had to do it all again, I’d do it a billion times over.” His words painted a picture of a love that transcended the villa’s drama, but the reality off-screen is more complex.
In a post-villa interview with Vulture, Chelley and Ace opened up about the challenges of their budding romance, particularly the 2,500 miles separating them—Ace in Los Angeles and Chelley in Florida. “For now, it’ll definitely be long distance,” Chelley shared. “But eventually, I am moving to LA. That’s something that’s gonna happen. When exactly, that’s still the question mark.” Despite the distance, Chelley remains optimistic, emphasizing their intentional approach to love. “With us being the intentional people that we are and knowing what we want, it’s not gonna really be a challenge,” she said confidently.
Beyond romance, Chelley’s time in the villa gifted her a lifelong friendship with fellow castmate Olandria. “We’re soul sisters for a reason,” Olandria told Teen Vogue. “We’ll always say to one another, ‘God knew we needed each other.’ I’m so happy the past seasons did not work out for us because season seven was the year to be here at the same time.” Their bond, forged amidst the villa’s highs and lows, is a testament to the unexpected connections that Love Island USA fosters.