Chapter 1: The Singles Club

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.

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