Skeletons in His Closet by Bitter Bamboo

The night was lively with the sound of champagne glasses clinking and chuckling filling ballroom. Music was playing within the foundation, setting the disposition for a night of debauchery and liberality. The room was embellished with extravagant enrichment, the dividers apparently trickling with gold and the floors lined with shimmery marble tiles. This was the scene at the first class birthday party of Alejandro Enterprise's heir, Diego.

Diego Alejandro was the man of the evening, his title on everyone's lips as they raised their glasses to toast him. With a grin on his face, he drenched within the reverence and attention from the crowd. Ladies groveled over him, men envied him - he was the epitome of victory and riches. And why wouldn't he be? He was the sole beneficiary to his father's multi-billion dollar business empire, living a life of luxury that most may only dream of.

Diego, on the other hand, was not one to shy away from all the luxury. He had acquired his father's great looks and charm, which was amplified by his chiseled jawline and athletic build. His short dark hair was continuously styled to flawlessness, no strand out of place. He was the embodiment of the wealthy and popular, and he knew it.

As the night went on, Diego found himself inclining against the balcony outside the ballroom, taking a moment to himself. From where he stood, he could see the whole room, filled with people he scarcely knew. But that didn't matter to him. All that mattered was the blazing cameras and the consistent stream of expensive champagne.

He took a deep breath and exhaled gradually as he lit a cigarette. In spite of his luxurious way of life, this was the only indulgence that gave him a sense of peace. The nicotine rushed through his veins, calming his mind and permitting him to disengage from the chaos inside. As he stood there, his intellect wandered to his father, Alejandro, who had built this empire from the ground up. Diego had continuously been proud of him, and he was determined to make him prouder by taking the company to even greater heights.

But for now, he was content with the glitz and excitement of the party, surrounded by smitten ladies competing for his attention. Diego was a renowned playboy, spending most of his days and nights partying and clubbing. It was no shock that the majority of the guests at his birthday celebration were female, their eyes sparkling with desire as they looked up at him.

Lost in his contemplation, Diego didn't take note when somebody stepped out onto the balcony next to him. It was his childhood friend, Rafael, who had been by his side through thick and thin. They had grown up together with Rafael being like a brother to Diego. They inclined against the railing, their eyes locked on the extravagant cars lined up below them.

'Quite the view, isn't it?' Rafael said, breaking the silence between them.

'Yeah, it is,' Diego answered with a smile. 'This is the billionaire way of life.'

'It certainly is. But does it ever feel overwhelming? To have so much?' Rafael asked, his eyes scanning the swarm inside.

Diego paused, considering the question. 'Sometimes. But then I remind myself that this can be what I've always needed. This is the American Dream - flashy cars, lovely ladies, and more money than I could ever spend.'

Rafael chuckled. 'I assume you're right. You've always been one to chase after your dreams.'

'And why shouldn't I? We only live once, my friend,' Diego said, clapping Rafael on the back.

They stood there for a while in comfortable quiet, enjoying the night sky and the twinkling lights of the city underneath them. For Diego, this was the life he had always dreamed of - and he was decided to live it to the fullest.

'Come on brother, it's your birthday after all,' Rafael's voice interrupted Diego's reverie. He set a hand on Diego's shoulder, encouraging him to connect the party. 'It's your birthday after all do not spend it sulking away.'

Diego sighed and took one final puff before extinguishing his cigarette. He followed Rafael back into the dance floor, the energetic music once more filling his ears. As he made his way through the crowd, he couldn't help but feel choked by the delight and laughter encompassing him.

But just as he was almost to vanish into the ocean of people, Diego was halted in his tracks. A lady, dressed in a simple however dazzling outfit, was coming out of the ballroom. In their surge to enter and exit, they nearly collided with each other.

'Oops, sorry around that,' the lady said with an anxious grin.

Diego too halted, his eyes extending at the sight of the lady before him. She was breathtakingly lovely, with delicate features and a warm smile. He couldn't help but gaze at her, his thoughts momentarily forgotten.

He grinned at the young lady and stepped aside. 'Where's the fire?' he kidded, attempting to cover up his astonish.

The lady giggled, and Diego couldn't help but feel a little sense of bliss at the sound. 'I'm sorry, I fair needed to catch my breath out here for a moment,' she explained. 'I didn't know you were here already.'

'It's okay, I was about to take off anyway,' Diego answered, turning to proceed towards the party.

But before he could take another step, something compelled him to turn back and look at the lady once more. She was still standing there, a little smile playing on her lips.

As if reading his contemplation, the lady talked once more. 'Well... Now that we're both here, I say we unwind a bit,' she suggested, her eyes shining with mischief.

Diego couldn't resist her charm and flashed his most charming smile in return. 'Well, you don't have to say it. I know you wanted some time with me,' he prodded.

The lady giggled once more, her white teeth sparkling within the dim lighting. 'No sir,' she said energetically. 'I didn't know you were out here.'

Diego chuckled, a genuine smile shaping on his lips. 'Well... Now we are both here,' he said, signaling towards the balcony. 'Shall we take a walk and elude the chaos for a bit?'

The woman's smile grew wider, and she took his arm. As they strolled along the balcony, they made simple discussion, lost at the moment and each other's company. Diego couldn't help but respect her as they walked, noticing the way her hair appeared to shimmer within the moonlight and how her eyes sparkled when she giggled.