Weight of Desire (Puerto Del Sol Series)

Chapter 1

Wake up call..

It’s a beautiful night. The ballroom sparkled with gold and crystal as laughter and chatter filled the air. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves—clapping, cheering, and sipping from their crystal glasses. But me? I was just standing in the corner, watching the scene unfold in front of me like a play I had seen a thousand times. These events were always the same. Every person in the room wore a mask, not a literal one, but the kind that hid who they truly were behind polite smiles and fake laughter.

 

And I was one of them.

 

I glanced down at my watch again, the weight of my role pressing down on my shoulders. One hour. It had only been an hour, but it felt like an eternity. My feet ached from standing in heels that pinched at every step, and the uncomfortable fabric of my gown felt like a second skin I couldn’t wait to peel off. I just wanted to go home, but as a Beaumont, escaping wasn’t an option.

 

I couldn’t just disappear. Obligations. Appearances. Expectations.

 

Suddenly, a voice broke through my thoughts. “Margaux! Hija!” The overly cheerful tone instantly made my spine stiffen.

 

I turned, already knowing who it was. Tita Elena, with her ever-present smile, was making her way toward me, her diamond earrings catching the light with every step. She looked like she belonged here—her extravagant gown a deep royal blue that hugged her body perfectly, her jewelry glittering like stars in the night sky. Unlike me, she seemed at ease, comfortable, maybe even thriving in this grand event.

 

I forced a smile, the kind I had practiced for years, and greeted her. “Hi, Tita.” My voice came out smooth, even if my mind was already trying to find an escape.

 

“Ang ganda mo as always, hija!” she exclaimed, her eyes scanning me from head to toe. I could feel her gaze lingering on my gown, assessing every detail, as if I was another exhibit to admire. “Saan na ang mga boys? Huwag mo sabihin walang nagpaparamdam sa’yo, ha?” she added with a laugh that seemed far too loud, as if the idea of me being alone was a joke to her.

 

I smiled politely, the muscles in my face growing tighter with each second. Here we go again. "Wala po, Tita. Busy lang." My answer was short, hoping it would end the conversation, but of course, Tita Elena wasn’t one to let go so easily.

 

“Well, kung kailangan mo ng date, marami akong kilala. Just say the word!” She winked, clearly enjoying herself far more than I ever could in this situation.

 

“Salamat po, Tita, pero okay lang po ako,” I replied, forcing another smile as my fingers twitched at my sides, resisting the urge to flee. Thankfully, another guest approached her, and with a quick goodbye, she finally left me alone.

 

I let out a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding, my body relaxing ever so slightly. I glanced around the room again. Same people. Same fake smiles. Everything felt rehearsed, like a carefully choreographed dance where no one dared to step out of line.