The sunset painted New York City in shades of gold and pink, reflecting off the windows of the exclusive penthouse where the so-called "Singles Club" met. It was a ritual Valeria Díaz and her friends had maintained since their twenties, back when the idea of settling down seemed like a distant possibility. Now, at 35, Valeria was still the perfect hostess, the undisputed leader of this select group.

The living room was impeccably decorated: velvet sofas in neutral tones, minimalist artwork, and a fully stocked bar with champagne bottles gleaming under the soft lighting. The scent of vanilla and jasmine candles filled the air, while gentle music created a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Valeria watched with satisfaction as her friends began to arrive. They all looked stunning, each in their unique way. The rule was clear: always bring your best, even for a night among friends.

"Valeria!" exclaimed Mónica, the first to arrive, dropping her clutch on the table and rushing to hug her. "This place is gorgeous, like something out of a magazine."

Valeria smiled. She wore an ivory silk ensemble that highlighted her tanned skin and perfectly styled hair. Her appearance mirrored her life: successful, independent, and effortlessly glamorous.

"What did you expect?" she replied with a wink. "If we’re going to talk about our fabulous lives, we need the right setting."

Within minutes, the rest of the group arrived: Camila, a graphic designer with a sharp sense of humor; Sofía, a chef who had made a name for herself in the competitive culinary world; and Lucía, the newest addition to the group, still trying to adapt to the others’ overwhelming energy.

They settled in the living room with champagne glasses in hand. Valeria sat in the center, as always, radiating a mix of charisma and authority that made her the life of any gathering.

"Alright, ladies, it’s time," Valeria announced with a smile. "Let’s toast to ourselves, to our fabulous lives, to being free, and to proving we don’t need anyone to be happy."

"To the Singles Club!" they all cheered in unison, raising their glasses.

The clinking of crystal filled the room, followed by laughter.

The Night’s Theme: Singles vs. Married

As usual, each gathering had a central theme, and this one was no exception.

"So, Valeria, you’re the queen of this club," said Camila, leaning on the table with a mischievous grin. "Have you really never thought about giving all this up and… you know, trying something different?"

Valeria arched an amused eyebrow.

"Giving up my freedom to take care of a man and plan Sunday family dinners? Hard pass. Single life is the best life, darling, as I’ve told you a thousand times."

The others laughed, but Lucía, the quietest of the group, dared to chime in.

"I don’t know, Valeria. I used to think the same way, but sometimes I feel there’s something beautiful about sharing your life with someone."

Valeria turned her head toward her, choosing her words carefully.

"Lucía, sharing your life is fine if the other person is truly worth it. But after what I’ve been through, I’ve learned that the only person who will always be there for you is yourself."

The room fell silent for a moment. Everyone knew Valeria rarely spoke about her past, but that statement made it clear her scars were still there, even if her life seemed perfect.

As the others resumed their conversation, Valeria gazed out at the illuminated city. Her mind wandered to the day everything changed. Roberto, her great love, and Carolina, her best friend, had shattered her world with a single revelation. She remembered the pain of discovering they had been together behind her back and how it had led her to shield her heart.

"Single life is the best life" wasn’t just a motto; it was armor she had built to protect herself.

"Valeria?" Sofía’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Are you okay?"

"Of course," she replied, smiling with the ease of someone who had mastered hiding her emotions. "I was just thinking about how lucky we are."

Sofía nodded, but she didn’t seem entirely convinced.

As the night went on, champagne glasses emptied, and laughter filled the air. Each friend shared stories from their week: Mónica complained about an annoying coworker, Camila did a spot-on imitation of her boss, and Sofía described a particularly difficult client at her restaurant.

Finally, Lucía, who had been quiet about her personal life for weeks, made a confession.

"Well, ladies, I think I need to tell you something… I’m seeing someone."

The other three stared at her, wide-eyed.

"What?" exclaimed Camila, nearly spilling her drink. "And you didn’t tell us?"

Lucía shrugged, embarrassed.

"I didn’t want to ruin the vibe. I know this is the Singles Club, and… well, I thought I wouldn’t fit in if I was with someone."

Valeria was the first to respond, offering a reassuring smile.

"Lucía, this isn’t about enforcing a lifestyle. If you’re happy, that’s what matters."

Lucía breathed a sigh of relief and began talking about her new partner. Though Valeria listened attentively, she couldn’t shake a feeling of discomfort. Was it possible she was missing out on something after all?

The night ended with one last round of toasts. Valeria stayed behind for a few minutes, tidying up empty glasses and adjusting details in the living room. Finally, she sat on the sofa with a glass of wine, letting her thoughts catch up to her.

Was she truly as happy as she claimed to be? Or maybe, just maybe, there was something she still wasn’t ready to face.

The sound of her phone interrupted her thoughts. It was a message from Mónica:

"Thanks for tonight, Val. Never stop being yourself."

Valeria smiled. Maybe she didn’t have all the answers, but she knew she’d always have her friends, and for now, that was enough.

The first light of day filtered through the velvet curtains, bathing the room in a golden warmth. Valeria Díaz woke up that morning in her spacious bed adorned with white linen sheets. The sound of her favorite playlist softly filled the room, and everything around her seemed to reflect how she felt: free, fulfilled, and completely in control of her life.

Stretching her arms and taking a sip of her freshly brewed coffee, she glanced at her digital agenda on her tablet. The day was packed—a photo shoot, a business lunch with a luxury brand, and, of course, creating the next piece of content for her personal blog and social media. Despite her busy schedule, every activity felt like an extension of her carefully curated lifestyle.

Valeria wasn’t just wealthy and successful; she had become one of the most followed figures on social media by young and adult women alike. They saw her as a model of independence and empowerment. It wasn’t just her glamorous looks, her sophistication, or the luxury brands she represented; it was her clear and powerful message: being single is the best.

Hours later, with flawless makeup and a flowing caramel-colored dress that highlighted her natural tan, Valeria sat in front of the camera in her personal studio. The space was decorated with beige, gold, and green tones, reflecting her minimalist and chic style.

“Welcome to another day of reflection and self-love,” she began, addressing her followers with a smile that exuded warmth and determination. “Today, I want to talk about something I get asked a lot: why am I still single?”

She paused for a moment, playing with a delicate gold bracelet on her wrist, as if organizing her thoughts.

“The answer is simple: because I want to. Because I choose to be single. And frankly, being single is the best.”

Her words flowed effortlessly, but each one was carefully measured, designed to resonate with the thousands of women listening from different parts of the world.

“Sometimes society tells us that being single is temporary, something we need to ‘fix.’ But you know what? There’s nothing to fix. Being single is a luxury—an opportunity to know yourself, love yourself, and build the life you truly desire.”

Valeria continued, explaining how her single life had allowed her to focus on her goals, travel the world without restrictions, and build a career she adored. For her, independence wasn’t a rejection of love but an affirmation that her happiness didn’t depend on any man.

After turning off the camera, Valeria reviewed the comments on her latest post. As usual, there was a mix of praise, questions, and subtle criticism.

“I admire you so much, Valeria. Thank you for reminding us that we don’t need a man to be happy.”

“I want that confidence, but sometimes being alone is really hard. How do you manage it all?”

“Being single is fine, but don’t you think your life could feel a bit empty in the long run?”

That last comment made her pause. Though she was used to handling criticism, certain questions always gave her pause for thought.

Valeria set her phone aside and reclined on her living room sofa, gazing at the panoramic view of the city. In her mind, she revisited the reasons behind her motto. "Being single is the best" wasn’t just a catchy phrase for social media; it was a mantra she’d created for herself after the painful end of her relationship with Roberto and Carolina.

This mantra had been her shield, her declaration of independence, and a way to remind herself that she didn’t need a man to feel complete. But what happened when the nights grew quiet, and memories of the past came knocking?

Valeria grabbed her notebook, a habit she’d developed to organize her thoughts before filming or writing. As she jotted down ideas, she realized that while her motto was genuine, it also glossed over some uncomfortable truths.

There were days when she missed the feeling of waking up next to someone, the good-morning kisses, the end-of-day conversations, and the small gestures of intimacy that only a relationship could offer. But she also knew that, for now, she wasn’t willing to sacrifice her emotional freedom for any man.

“Is it selfish?” she asked aloud, gazing at the glass of wine she’d poured to accompany her thoughts.

Maybe it was. But she also believed that true love shouldn’t feel like a loss of herself, and until she found something that added to her life rather than taking away, she preferred to stand firm in her choice.

Later that night, Valeria decided to share some of her reflections online. She wrote a post accompanied by a photograph of herself holding a glass of wine by the window, with the city lights as a backdrop.

“Being single is the best, not because it’s easy, but because it’s a conscious choice to live for yourself. Of course, there are moments when you miss certain things, but the key is to remind yourself that your happiness should always be your priority. Don’t be afraid to choose yourself, over and over again.”

The post went viral almost immediately. Comments poured in:

“Thank you for being so real, Valeria. This was exactly what I needed to read.”

“It’s true—being single isn’t always easy, but it’s better than settling for a man who doesn’t deserve you.”

“You’re an inspiration. Thank you for reminding us that we can choose ourselves.”

As she read the responses, Valeria felt a mix of pride and responsibility. She knew not everyone shared her perspective, but if she could help even one woman feel more secure in her choices, her work was worth it.

The following day, during lunch at one of her favorite restaurants, Valeria shared her experience with Mónica, her most straightforward friend.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m too hard on myself when it comes to being single,” Valeria admitted, toying with a piece of bread on her plate. “I want to be honest, but I don’t want to give the impression that I hate love or men.”

Mónica leaned forward, looking curious.

“And do you hate it?”

“No, of course not. I just… I’m not willing to lose myself again.”

“That makes a lot of sense,” Mónica replied with an understanding smile. “But Val, you also need to let yourself feel again. You don’t have to be invulnerable all the time.”

Valeria nodded slowly. She knew her friend was right, but letting someone back into her life was a risk she wasn’t ready to take yet.

That night, Valeria decided to record a special video. She wanted to clarify that her motto wasn’t a declaration against love but an invitation to value oneself before giving to someone else.

“Hi, everyone. Today I want to share something that’s been on my mind,” she began, looking directly at the camera. “When I say ‘being single is the best,’ I don’t mean that everyone should stay single. I say it because I want each of you to know that it’s okay to choose what truly makes you happy, no matter what society tells you.”

The video, which ended with an inspiring message about self-love, became one of the most-watched on her channel. And although Valeria knew she still had much to learn about her own emotions, she felt she was on the right path.

With a glass of champagne in hand and the illuminated city below her, Valeria smiled. Her life wasn’t perfect, but it was hers, and that was all that mattered.

The restaurant where Valeria and Mónica were having lunch was as lively as ever, with tables full of diners enjoying animated conversations and perfectly plated dishes. However, for Valeria, the atmosphere felt distant, almost irrelevant. While she absentmindedly played with her glass of white wine, Mónica's face across from her remained expectant.

“You seem off today,” Mónica said, breaking the silence.

Valeria looked up, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Oh, really? Maybe it’s work, or I’m just tired.”

Mónica wasn’t convinced.

“Don’t give me excuses. You and I both know when something’s on your mind.”

Valeria sighed deeply, resting her chin on her hand as she stared out the window. Outside, life carried on as usual—cars passing by, people walking, couples laughing. A pang of melancholy pierced her chest.

“Sometimes, no matter how far you move forward, certain things from the past just don’t go away, you know?” she finally confessed, her voice trembling slightly.

“You’re talking about Roberto, aren’t you?” Mónica asked, as direct as ever.

The name fell like a hammer. Roberto. A name Valeria had tried her hardest to bury deep in her memory. And yet, there it was, floating in the air, bringing with it a torrent of memories.

Suddenly, Valeria was transported to the past—ten years ago to the day—a day she had sworn never to relive.

The church was decorated with white flowers and golden accents, her wedding a dream she had meticulously planned for months. Every corner spoke of perfection, of the promise of a future filled with love and happiness. Valeria remembered the warmth of the wedding dress against her skin, a custom creation that made her feel like a true fairytale princess.

The guests filled the pews, whispering excitedly as they awaited the union of the bride and groom at the altar. Valeria, hidden in the vestibule, watched through a small crack, feeling adrenaline and excitement fill her chest.

“You’re ready, darling,” her mother had said, adjusting her veil delicately. “Today is the most important day of your life.”

Valeria nodded, her eyes shining with emotion. She loved Roberto with all her heart and soul. He had been her support during the tough years at university, her companion in every step toward her career, and the man who had promised her eternal love. That day was going to be perfect.

Or so she thought.

Minutes before the bells rang and the wedding march announced her entrance, one of the bridesmaids handed her an envelope.

“This just arrived for you, Valeria,” she said, her face troubled.

Valeria took the envelope, feeling an inexplicable weight in her stomach. The handwriting on the front was unmistakable—it was Carolina’s, her best friend and maid of honor.

With trembling hands, she opened the envelope and pulled out a letter. The words written in black ink began to dance before her eyes as she read them:

**“Valeria,

I know this is the last thing you expected today, but I can’t let you go through with this wedding.

Roberto doesn’t love you the way you love him. It’s hard to tell you this, but he and I have been together for five months, and I can’t keep up this lie anymore. He wants to be with me, not you—we’re in love. Forgive me, but I couldn’t let him marry you. I also need you to know something: I’m pregnant. Please, don’t hate me.

—Carolina”**

The paper shook in her hands before falling to the floor. The entire world seemed to stop. Valeria felt as if her heart had been ripped from her chest, leaving an icy void in its place.

“What’s wrong, Valeria?” her mother asked, alarmed by the change in her daughter’s expression.

Valeria didn’t answer. She tore off her veil with clumsy hands, letting it fall to the floor alongside her bouquet. The dress she had dreamed of for months now felt like an unbearable burden. Without thinking, she started to run.

She rushed through the vestibule, exiting through the church’s back door as tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision. The fresh air hit her face, but it wasn’t enough to calm the whirlwind of emotions she felt—pain, anger, humiliation, betrayal.

Inside the church, the murmurs began, and some guests stood as they saw Valeria running out. No one understood what was happening. No one, except her.

---

“Valeria,” Mónica’s voice brought her back to the present, “are you okay?”

Valeria blinked, realizing she had been lost in thought for several minutes. Her friend looked at her with concern.

“Sorry, I was thinking… about that damned day,” she responded, her voice breaking slightly.

Mónica took her hand, squeezing it tightly.

“You don’t have to carry that pain forever. What they did to you was horrible, but it doesn’t define who you are now.”

Valeria nodded slowly, grateful for her friend’s support, but she knew it wasn’t that simple. The betrayal by Roberto and Carolina had left a deep wound, a scar that continued to shape her decisions even after all these years.

That evening, when she got back to her apartment, Valeria allowed herself a moment of vulnerability. She kicked off her heels, poured herself a glass of wine, and sat on the sofa, staring out at the city through the window.

“Why am I still thinking about this?” she asked aloud.

She knew she had built an incredible life after that day. She had turned her pain into determination, using the experience as a driving force to become the strong, independent woman she was today. And yet, there was something she still couldn’t fully let go of.

It wasn’t just the betrayal by the two people she trusted most. It was the fear—the idea that opening her heart again could lead to another emotional disaster.

Valeria picked up her notebook, a habit she had adopted to organize her thoughts, and began to write.

“That day broke me. But it also freed me. It showed me that the only person I can truly rely on is myself. Still, I can’t let the past define my future. If I keep carrying this fear, I’ll never truly move forward.”

As she closed the notebook, Valeria felt a small spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, the first step to healing was accepting that the past couldn’t be changed but didn’t have to dictate the rest of her life.

With that thought in mind, she set the wine glass aside and lay back on the sofa. Despite everything, she knew she was ready to move forward—at her own pace and on her own terms.