WHEN LOVE RETURNS

CHAPTER 1

"Good morning, our princess!" Mrs. Villanueva's cheerful voice rang through the spacious Mansion, bouncing off the polished marble floors and high ceilings. The sun streamed through the oversized windows, casting a golden glow on the pristine decor.

Erica groaned, burying her head under the fluffy blanket. Five more minutes, Mom. Just five. She longed to hold onto the warmth of her bed, shielding herself from the pressures waiting to pounce the moment her feet hit the floor.

Mrs. Villanueva didn't wait. The door creaked open, and in came her mother, armed with a steaming cup of coffee. "Rise and shine! You have an important lunch today, sweetheart!" The rich aroma of coffee mingled with the subtle scent of fresh peonies arranged on the dresser.

Erica peeked out, squinting against the sunlight's glare. "Can't Dad handle it by himself?" she mumbled, clutching her blanket like a lifeline.

Mrs. Villanueva chuckled, setting the coffee on the bedside table. "You know how important this is. Mr. De Leon isn't just anyone—he's a major player in your father's business. You're his secret weapon."

Great. Just what I wanted to be—a weapon for charming middle-aged men in suits. Erica groaned inwardly and rolled her eyes.

"Come on now, darling," her mother coaxed. "This is for your future. Imagine the doors this could open!"

The word future hung in the air, heavy and uninviting. A future where I'm a puppet for Dad's deals? Erica sighed and swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet meeting the cold marble floor.

Mrs. Villanueva's eyes softened as she handed Erica the coffee. "I know it's a lot, but you'll thank us later. Trust me."

"We'll see, Mom," Erica muttered, taking a sip. The warmth of the coffee helped shake off her lingering sleepiness.

By the time she was brushing her teeth, the usual routine of her mother's voice filled the air. "Remember to smile, Erica! Your charm is your greatest asset."

"Mhm," Erica muttered through a mouthful of toothpaste. Charm won't fix how much I hate this.

*****

After a quick shower, she stood in front of her closet, scanning row upon row of designer dresses. She picked a sleek, curve-hugging number in muted rose, something her mother would approve of but still felt like her. At least I can look good while being miserable. She dabbed on some makeup, her hands moving on autopilot.

Downstairs, the breakfast table was set with precision—an array of freshly baked pastries, cut fruit, and gleaming silverware. Mrs. Villanueva bustled around, beaming with pride.

"Eat up! You'll need energy to impress Mr. De Leon."

"Why does everything in life have to be about impressing someone?" Erica asked, nibbling on a croissant.

Mrs. Villanueva paused mid-step, a hint of disapproval crossing her face. "That's how success works, dear. You have to put yourself out there. Besides, you're so good at it!"

Because I've had no choice. Erica forced a smile, stabbing at her food with her fork.

"Have you thought about what you want to do after graduation?" her mother asked, breaking the silence.

Erica stifled a sigh. "I was thinking... maybe travel? Explore the world?"

"Travel? As in... backpacking?" Mrs. Villanueva's brow furrowed. "Don't be silly. You're better suited for something practical—a good office job. You could even work with your father!"

"Sounds like a nightmare," Erica muttered under her breath, earning a sharp look from her mother.

"Erica! Don't be disrespectful," Mrs. Villanueva scolded. "Your father and I work so hard to give you everything. The least you could do is appreciate it."

"I do appreciate it, Mom," Erica said, her tone softer but strained. "I just want something different for my life. Why can't you see that?"

Mrs. Villanueva sighed, her voice softening. "Because we want what's best for you, sweetheart. You may not understand it now, but someday you will."

I don't want someday. I want now. Erica said nothing, focusing instead on the untouched croissant on her plate.

The conversation fizzled as they headed to the car. The luxury sedan purred softly as it rolled through the bustling streets. Erica stared out the window, watching the world blur past. The city was alive—people rushing, horns blaring, and colors flashing in the distance. She envied their freedom.

"The charity gala is next week! You should wear that red dress—it's so elegant," Mrs. Villanueva said, breaking the silence.

"Can we not talk about another event right now?" Erica replied, her voice clipped.

"Erica..." her mother began, but then stopped herself with a sigh.

*****

At the restaurant, the air was thick with sophistication. Crystal chandeliers glistened above pristine tables, and the hum of polite conversation filled the room. Erica's stomach churned as they stepped inside, the weight of expectation tightening around her chest.

Her father greeted them with open arms. "There's my girl!" he said, his voice booming with pride. He gestured toward a sharply dressed man beside him. "Erica, meet Mr. De Leon."

"Pleasure to meet you," Erica said, her smile automatic as she extended her hand. Mr. De Leon's grip was firm, his presence imposing.

"Your father has told me so much about you," Mr. De Leon said, his eyes sharp and assessing.

Of course he has. I'm his golden ticket. Erica nodded politely, retreating to her seat as the men launched into a discussion filled with buzzwords like "synergy" and "market trends."

Her father noticed her silence. "Everything okay, Erica?"

"I'm fine, Dad. Just... thinking," she replied quickly, forcing a smile. Thinking about how much I want to escape this circus.

The meal dragged on, every laugh and handshake reminding her of how staged it all was. Toward the end, Mr. De Leon turned to her. "You know, Erica, you'd do well in your father's company. There's a lot of potential for someone like you."

"Thank you, but I'm not sure that's my path," she said, her voice polite but firm. Why does everyone assume they know what's best for me?

Her father frowned slightly, but before he could press the issue, Mrs. Villanueva chimed in, her excitement about the gala filling the void.

As they left the restaurant, Erica felt the knot in her chest tighten. Her mother was already gushing about how well the lunch went.

"You were wonderful, darling!"

"Thanks, Mom," Erica replied flatly, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Wonderful at pretending, maybe.

Little did she know, her carefully constructed world was about to crumble. Beyond the horizon, an adventure waited—a chance to shatter the chains of expectation and discover who she truly was.