CHAPTER 1

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She watched how her mother confidently answered all the interview questions from the media covering her debut. Kung paano ito ngumiti. Kung paano nito ina-anggulo ang sarili upang mas maging maganda ang kuha sa mga camera na dito lamang nakatutok. Kung paanong walang hirap nitong nadadala ang sarili sa harap ng maraming tao.

It would probably take years of practice and getting used to before she could have that same kind of grace and confidence. Heto nga siya at hindi malaman kung paano pakikitunguhan ang mga bisitang dumalo sa kanyang debut.

Punong-puno ang pinaka-malaking bulwagan ng isa sa mga luxury hotels na iyon na pagmamay-ari ng kanilang pamilya ng mga bisita. But she only knew some of them. Some were only invited by her mother. Ngayon pa nga lamang niya nakita ang mga ito. She even doesn't know their names.

Bumuntong-hininga siya bago ibinalik ang atensiyon sa glass na naglalaman ng pineapple juice. Ginalaw-galaw niya iyon sa kanyang kamay. Silently praying for time to run faster. She can't wait for this night to be over. Kung hindi lang talaga malaki ang kapalit ng party na ito.

Hindi naman kasi talaga niya nais ang ganito kagarbong debut. A simple and intimate celebration would be fine. Kasama lamang ang pamilya at ilang 'tunay' na malapit na kaibigan. But her mother wouldn't settle for 'simple'. She wanted it to be grand and flamboyant. It was probably an obsession.

Soledad Alegre would grab any opportunity to show-off and throw a party. Isang beses sa isang linggo ay hindi maaaring hindi ito lalabas para dumalo ng kahit na ano'ng social gathering. Her mother enjoys the attention and limelight so much. She's surely enjoying this party more than her. While she wanted a more peaceful life.

"Lily!" halos patili si Sophia nang lapitan siya. "Why are you alone here? Nagkakasiyahan na sa dancefloor! Join us!"

Hindi na siya nakatanggi pa nang hawakan siya nito sa palapulsuhan at hilahin patayo. She has changed into a midnight blue gown with deep neckline and long slit so it would be easier for her to move. Kumikinang ang kristal na tila bituing isinabog dito. It costs millions. Ganoon din ang ball gown na suot niya kanina.

She can't imagine the total cost of this party. But it surely didn't harm the wealth of her family.

Sinalubong siya ng kanyang mga kaibigan nang masilayan ang kanyang pagdating. She allowed herself a little smile before she joined them. They were all enjoying. Na-guilty tuloy siya dahil kanina pa hindi matimpla ang mood niya.

"This is like the best party...EVER!" sigaw ni Dave na umalingawngaw sa kabila ng malakas na musika.

"I know, right! Your debut is the talk of the town, Lily! And your gowns are making everyone crazy!" Ipinakita sa kanya ni Bea ang tinutukoy nito.

May post ito sa instagram account habang bumababa siya sa grand staircase kanina. Halos sumabog sa dami ng likes at comments ang post na 'yon. Sa twitter naman ay pinag-uusapan ang tungkol sa magarbong debut. Halos lahat ay nangangarap ng ganoong debut ngunit sinasabi rin kung gaano ka-imposible dahil sa laki ng perang dapat ilabas.

"May article na kaagad?" Sophia laughed when Bea showed an article featuring her debut from a famous magazine. "Well, this is Lily Alegre we are talking about. That's expected."

Sinulyapan niya ang mga ito habang patuloy sa pagkakagulo sa pinapakita ni Bea. Hindi iyon ang apelyidong gamit niya pero iyon ang pangalang alam ng lahat.

"And they envy you for having Arturo Daza as your escort too!" Dorina squealed while sighing dreamily. "Kahit ako rin naman siguro! Wait, where is he? Oh, there!" turo nito sa kabilang banda ng dancefloor.

Sinundan niya ng tingin ang direksiyong iyon. Arturo looked like a dashing prince in his expensive tuxedo that fitted his body perfectly. With his dark hair pulled back, deep-set eyes defined by thick eyebrows, aristocratic nose and thin pink lips he's a breathtaking sight.

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