Chapter 5 The Vertigo of Forbidden Desire.

Chapter 5.

The Vertigo of Forbidden Desire.

Rogelio guides her toward the center of the dance floor. Alicia, her heart pounding, walks by his side without focusing her gaze on Lucas. They stop to dance to the rhythm of soft, intense music. They have barely begun to move, and the scene sends Lucas out of control. Seeing her in the arms of another, however innocent the dance, is as if his emotions, repressed with such effort, are overflowing. He takes a drink from his glass, emptying it in one gulp, trying to calm the sudden and inexplicable wave of jealousy.

As they turn in the middle of the dance, Alicia's gaze meets Lucas's. He is next to Carolina, who looks dazzling, but distant, absorbed in a conversation with some of Lucas's friends who attend every year.

"You look beautiful," Rogelio says, in the middle of the dance, with a sincere smile.

"Thank you very much," Alicia replies.

"Let's grab a glass of punch when this song ends," Rogelio suggests.

Alicia remains silent for a few seconds. They have been friends since the beginning of university, but there is no relationship beyond that. Even so, it is the perfect time not to be alone, relegated to the shadow of Carolina and her uncle. She sees in Rogelio an escape from the tension developing around her.

The music becomes cheerful, the guests are happy, enjoying themselves. Lucas thinks that after this song she will come toward him, but instead, Alicia heads to the bar with Rogelio, who is completely focused on her, never taking his eyes off her.

"She's growing up, look at her, Lucas, she's 19 now, she's quite a woman," one of his colleagues comments.

"Yes, the girl is gorgeous. Alicia has changed so much, she's already catching the attention of men, she's cutting the cord with the uncle who spoils her," adds another.

"She has to grow up, she's going to graduate in a few months and she'll get to know the work at the company. In turn, she'll meet someone, or well, I think she already has. That young man doesn't stop pursuing her, and she's not indifferent to him..." Carlota's words, spoken with apparent innocence, cause Lucas to shatter the glass in his hands with a brutal squeeze.

"Lucas...!" Everyone turns to look at him. He barely registers what he has done, feeling the sharp pain and the shame.

"Order this to be cleaned up," his voice, cold as ice, tells a waiter, ignoring Carolina, who doesn't have time to react. Lucas, driven by an uncontrollable force, moves directly toward Alicia.

In the past, she would have gone to him, seeking his attention, but this time, she deliberately ignores him, which drives him mad.

"Shall we dance?" he asks, catching her attention with an authoritative voice.

She looks at him, noticing the glances around them. She accepts his hand, feeling that simple touch that shakes her world.

The music plays, and the scene from a few minutes ago loses attention. She slides her hand onto his shoulder, looking at him a little nervously. He, for his part, takes her by the hips, slowly pulling her against his chest. The light is dim, the atmosphere calm, several invited couples surround them. Everything is so perfect that she cannot help but feel weak in his arms. She lets go of his hand and hugs him tightly, closing her eyes through tears.

"Thank you for everything you do for me," she says weakly, pulling away from him as the song ends. "I lo—" Carolina appears, trying to take her place in the dance.

"May I borrow him, Alicia?" Alicia nods, releasing her hand onto Carolina's.

"Have fun. Excuse me."

Lucas stares at her. She turns to look at her friends, takes a step toward them, but then backs away, heading for the exit of the ballroom.

Alicia walks toward the garden, noticed by Rogelio. Seeing her, he decides to follow her. Lucas notices this and tries to go after them, but Carolina stops him.

"Lucas, my love, where are you going? We were dancing, everyone is watching us."

Lucas tenses, noticing that the two of them are disappearing into the gloom of the garden.

As for Alicia, she is crying, sitting in the garden. This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, but it seems to be the worst. Today she didn't want an exuberant party, she only wanted him, to express her feelings, but none of that matters anymore.

"Why are you crying?" Rogelio asks, extending a handkerchief to her.

"It's nothing, it's just that... I wish I could have my parents with me right now."

"Don't worry, don't feel bad. Wherever they are, believe me they are watching over you and are proud of the woman you have become. Don't cry, don't ruin your night. All these people who are here tonight, they love you, they are with you, for you. Your uncle adores you, you are the light of his eyes, just notice how he looks at you, you are his pride."

Alicia smiles slightly, because she wishes she was more than that.

"Don't cry, beautiful..." He wipes her tears, when suddenly, Lucas appears. From his perspective, it looks like they are kissing.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Alicia immediately stands up and steps between the two.

"No, Uncle, no..." she cuts across, separating Lucas from Rogelio. "No, please."

"Sir, I swear we weren't doing anything disrespectful."

"Get out, I don't want you near her."

Alicia looks at him in astonishment. "What? No," she exclaims angrily. "We weren't doing anything wrong."

"I want him to leave."

"No..." Alicia defies him for the first time.

"Are you defying me, for him?"

"Why? I want him here, he's my friend, it's my party."

"I don't like him, I want him to leave."

"No, he's not going to leave. If he leaves, Carolina leaves. I can't stand her, and yet, you bring her here."

Both face each other, their hearts racing.

"She is my girlfriend," Lucas replies, with a hint of doubt in his tone.

"Perfect," Alicia takes Rogelio's hand, with determination etched on her face. "He..." it's hard for her to say, her voice trembles slightly. "He is my boyfriend, Uncle. Whether you like it or not, he stays."

The tension is unbearable. Lucas grabs her hand to make her let go, but she pulls away from his grip, looking at him with tears in her eyes.

Lucas thinks about what he has done. Rage and impotence consume him, but this was what he wanted, for her to distance herself. So, if she is with that guy, it is for the best.

Alicia rejoins her friends, starts dancing and enjoying herself. The evening continues, and although she is devastated, she tries to stay composed, noticing that he is gone: he has left with Carolina. As the night goes on, the guests begin to leave. The kids sing "Happy Birthday," and that's when Lucas appears, noticing that she is enjoying the evening.

"Open the gifts!" the kids exclaim.