WHEN LOVE RETURNS

PROLOGUE

"When love returns, even if you leave and forget it, it will find its way back to you, and it will never let go," Maya said, her voice dreamy as she flipped through a romance novel. She glanced at Erica with a knowing smile.

Erica rolled her eyes dramatically, taking a bite of her turkey sandwich as she lounged on the grand velvet sofa in her family's penthouse mansion. "I don't believe in that nonsense, Maya. Like, if you forget it, you forget it. If you lose it, it's gone. And if you leave it, why would you even come back? Duh." Her tone was dripping with sarcasm, but her friends were used to it by now.

Why does she always talk about these fairy tales? Erica thought as she wiped her mouth with a napkin, barely glancing at Maya. Seriously, who has time for 'forever love' when you've got a busy social calendar?

Jess smirked from her spot near the coffee table, where she was painting her nails. "You really have no soul for romance, do you, Erica?"

"Nope," Erica shot back, waving her perfectly manicured hand. "I don't have time for silly love stories. I have bigger problems, like deciding where to party this weekend." She sank deeper into the sofa, reaching for a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice from the side table. Who needs love when you've got everything else?

Maya rolled her eyes, shaking her head in mock disbelief. "You say that now, but one day you'll realize love doesn't follow your rules, Erica. It'll sneak up on you when you least expect it."

Yeah, right. Erica chuckled to herself. Love is just a distraction. She took another sip of juice, dismissing the conversation.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the grand penthouse, and Mr. Brandon Villanueva, Erica's father, descended the sweeping staircase with an air of authority. His polished shoes clicked sharply against the marble floors, his tailored suit immaculate as ever.

"Oh, ladies, what a surprise to see you here so early in the morning," he greeted, his tone warm yet commanding.

Here we go. Erica's mood shifted slightly, her shoulders stiffening as she sat up straighter. Please, no more lectures.

"Good morning, darling," Mrs. Grace Villanueva called from the kitchen as she arranged freshly cooked breakfast on the dining table. She walked over to her husband and gave him a light kiss on the cheek, her high heels clicking softly on the floor.

Erica's father sniffed the air. "What's that wonderful smell, my dear?"

Mrs. Villanueva beamed with pride. "Beef and broccoli stir-fry for your packed lunch later."

Erica grimaced from her seat. "No, ma'am, count me out. I don't eat veggies."

How many times do I have to say it? Erica thought, her expression one of exaggerated disgust. Broccoli? Gross.

Jess and Maya snickered, nodding in agreement. "Same, Mrs. V. Veggies are so not our thing," Jess added, sharing a playful look with Maya.

Mrs. Villanueva sighed but smiled indulgently. "All right, picky eaters. But don't complain if you get sick from all the junk you eat." She motioned toward the grand dining table, where fluffy pancakes with maple syrup and a selection of fruits were set. "Come, girls. Let's have breakfast together. Maya, Jess, join us."

They eagerly moved to the table, chattering about their weekend plans as they piled pancakes onto their plates. Erica drowned hers in syrup, cutting tiny, delicate bites. Thank goodness for proper food.

After breakfast, Mr. Villanueva adjusted his tie, his eyes falling on Erica. "I'll drive you to school today," he announced, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Erica sighed, rolling her eyes as she threw herself back onto the sofa. "Dad, it's fine. I can take the driver. You're busy."

Her father fixed her with a pointed look, his jaw tightening ever so slightly. "Nonsense," he replied, already grabbing his briefcase. "We'll talk about some things on the way."

Erica exchanged a glance with Jess, who raised an eyebrow at her, silently asking if she'd be okay.

Oh, great. Dad's lectures are the worst. Erica sighed inwardly. What now? Another speech about responsibility?

She reluctantly stood and grabbed her purse, faking a smile. "Fine, let's go. But I'm not going to talk about school again, okay?"

"Deal," Mr. Villanueva said, his voice cool but affectionate. "We'll talk about other things."

*****

Later that afternoon, after classes, Erica, Jess, and Maya were huddled by the lockers when Maya's phone buzzed. She grinned, showing them a message. "Hey! Richard's inviting us to his party tonight. No alcohol, just dancing and fun."

Jess's eyes lit up. "We're going, right?"

Erica hesitated for a split second but then shrugged. "Obviously. Who cares about going straight home? It's not like anyone will notice if I'm out late again."

Maya giggled. "Exactly. Let's do it!"

It's not like I'm doing anything wrong. Erica thought, the familiar excitement building up in her chest. Besides, I could really use a break from all this responsibility nonsense.

*****

The party was a whirlwind of music, lights, and laughter. Erica, in her element, danced confidently, flipping her long, shiny hair as people watched her in awe. This is what life is about—fun, freedom, and being fabulous. She twirled and laughed with Jess and Maya, the night feeling endless.

The clock ticked past midnight, but Erica didn't care. She was in her prime—carefree and alive.

It was well past midnight when she finally returned home. The penthouse was dark and quiet as she slipped through the massive double doors, heels in hand to avoid making noise. She tiptoed across the marble floor, the grand staircase looming ahead.

Just as she began ascending, two maids, Letty and Lila, appeared from the hallway.

"Miss Erica!" Letty exclaimed in a hushed tone, her eyes wide.

Erica pressed a finger to her lips, shushing them dramatically. "Shh! Don't say a word. Go back to sleep. I was never here."

Lila exchanged a glance with Letty but nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

Erica smirked to herself, feeling victorious. I'm a pro at this sneaking-around stuff.

As Erica disappeared into her room, she exhaled in relief. Crisis averted. But deep down, she knew this sneaking around wasn't sustainable. Eventually, I'll get caught.

*****

Day after day, it was the same routine—partying late, sneaking back in, and ignoring her parents' growing frustrations. Erica was hard-headed, unapologetically dramatic, and firmly set in her ways. She loved her luxurious life, her friends, and her freedom.

But what she didn't realize was that her father's patience was running thin. And soon, her perfectly curated world was about to come crashing down.