After spending an intimate night with Juan, Marissa pondered as she lay her head on his chest in the morning. "I don't understand why it's taking so long to finally catch that rapist." "Don't worry, the police are doing their jobs. We should go to the hospital today." Marissa raised her head. "You should go to the hospital; I have something to take care of. I'll join you later," She whispered, pressing her lips against the corner of his mouth.He pulled her back down as she tried to rise, kissing her on the lips."Don't be naughty," she gave him a stern look while her lips pressed against his as she cupped his cheek."Why can't I be naughty when you can?" "I am the young one here, Juan." He whispered, "Oh, really, young one..." as he pulled his arms around her and planted a deep, intense kiss on her lips.She nudged him, he landed on the bed with a carefree attitude. She jumped to her feet and strode towards his bathroom, saying, "You can't tempt me into making love with you right
"Marissa, please wait. I want to talk to you," Juan uttered those words while keeping up with Marissa's quick speed as she darted out of the hospital. He positioned himself in front of her, a human roadblock. "Seriously..." he began. "Ohh, big brother," she teased. "Just listen to me," he demanded. "I guess you didn't find time to tell her because of Danna. Many things are happening right now, Juan. Danna was able to sketch Daniel with the help of Carlos because he has been chasing her for a few days. And we figured out that Daniel has at least raped a third of the girls in the town. I know we are going through a lot, but tell me when are you breaking up with her? Don't worry; you can end things with her when Danna is discharged. I am sorry for the way I reacted, my love." "I am sorry, Marissa, but I am not ending things with her. I am not telling her about..." he started, but Marissa raised her hand, signaling him to stop. "Thank you," she muttered, walking away and hailing a t
Marissa glanced at the river, holding the butterfly necklace Juan had given her, and smiled when she saw her reflection in the water. Juan approached and stood alongside her. She looked up and asked, "What are you doing here?" "I am here to see you," he said. Turning towards him, she expressed, "Juan, you know you shouldn't be here. You should be with Daniella; she needs you." "I know. Anyway, from today, we are not going to see each other here." he stated. "I know... because I know why you gave me the necklace, Juan. It's a butterfly necklace, freeing me from whatever we had. I am okay with it because I don't want to see someone suffer or die because of me," she said. "But you should know one thing-I will never forget about you, Juan. You can free yourself from me, but you can't erase my feelings for you from my heart." Juan nodded. "I am sorry, Marissa. I never wanted to hurt you in any way, and I do love you. You will be the only woman I will ever love in my life." "I know, J
After finishing her examination of Daniella in Juan's room, Dr. Santos took a moment to look at the eager faces of everyone present. With a smile, she broke the silence, saying, "Congratulations, there's going to be another Valiente." Daniella, thrilled, held Juan's hand tightly, exchanging smiles. Despite any worries, Juan managed to grin, hugging Daniella as they both realized they were going to be parents. Rosario and Miguel were overcome with joy, as Rosario leaned against Miguel, who enveloped her in a hug, and laughter bubbled up between them. "We're going to be grandparents," Rosario announced, their laughter signaling the beginning of a new chapter for the Valiente family. Marissa stood just outside the doorway, feeling a painful ache in her heart. Even though she was truly happy for her family and their joyful celebration, a wave of sadness wouldn't leave her. Tears ran down her cheeks as she watched her parents, Juan and Daniella, share hugs and kisses. Daniella, still gl
Marissa awoke the next day, eager to find Juan and reveal the truth about Daniella. Despite searching the house, she couldn't find him. "Margarita, did you see Juan?" she questioned."I believe he went to the river," Margarita said with a lovely grin, her look like a sunbeam illuminating the room."Thank you," Marissa said, smiling. "You're welcome, dear," Margarita replied.Marissa made her way to the mansion exit, prepared to find Juan and tell him the truth, but she was stopped by Daniella, who gazed at her with a cruel smirk."I'm going to tell Juan everything," Marissa stated as she walked towards the river. By the river, Marissa noticed Juan in a pensive stance, his gaze fixed on the flowing waters, lost in thought. She came closer feeling the need to reach out, and hugged him from behind.She walked and threw her arms around him, resting her head against his back. "Daniella," Juan said.Marissa's look was one of astonishment as she asked, "Why are you referring to me as Daniel
Weeks pass by in the unstoppable flow of time, like grains of sand caught in the violent grip of a desert storm Lost in thought, Marissa stared at the walls of her room, silent observers of the turmoil that had occurred since Juan picked Daniella over her, even though Marissa was the one who told the truth. Rosario entered the room, her voice full of maternal concern. "Marissa, are you okay? Why have you been distant?" She queried, worry lines wrinkling her brow. "I am fine, Mother. I haven't seen Juan in weeks. How is he?" Marissa inquired, her concern concealed under a bold front. "He went to the city with Daniella for a while, but they've returned, seem to be happy. Your father has let everyone have their way for the past weeks. Carlos is helping Danna, and Daniel has been located. He's been sent to the city's maximum-security jail. Ignacio has triumphed, but he chooses to leave for the city today in search of work," Rosario explained, putting insight on the events that occurred
Marissa observed Juan in his office from a distance at the ranch, longing for his attention and hoping for a connection that seemed to drift further away. The ache in her heart increased as she wished for him to look her way or see the silent plea in her eyes. He could be with anyone, she thought, not Daniella, whose intentions were far from genuine, tainted with deceit and cunning tactics. Daniella walked towards Marissa, stirring trouble with a taunting remark. "You won't ever change, will you?" she questioned. "I'm not looking for your trouble, Daniella. Why don't you leave me alone?" Marissa responded, walking away from the unwelcome confrontation. With a sly smile, Daniella headed towards Juan's office, making herself at home by sitting on his desk. "Hello, my love," she greeted, bending to kiss him as he reciprocated the affection. * * * As dinner time arrived, Marissa made her way to the dining table, and a warm smile lit up Rosario's face. "It's great to see you at the ta
Marissa Valiente saw more than half a decade slip by like a soft breeze, taking with it a range of feelings and pain that stayed with her soul. As she headed home, she was a changed person, unrecognizable to those who had known her before.Bound for her past, Marissa, changed by time, carried her transformed self as she traveled back to her origins. Her destination was her father's side, who stood at the threshold of life's end.Marissa armed with newfound strength, aimed to reclaim moments that slipped through the fingers of the past.Returning home, she journeyed through memories, determined to reconnect with her father. In this emotional reunion, she aimed to reshape their relationship, which had been affected by the passage of time; she desired to write a new chapter in their heartfelt reunion—a story that had been ruined by separation.She set out on a journey to confront her past and salvage what remained of her connection with it.Over the years, Marissa maintained connection wi
Marissa stood before the tall, ornate mirror, her reflection bathed in the soft glow of the dressing room lights. The wedding gown she wore enveloped her in a cascade of ivory silk and lace, a vision of bridal elegance she had once only dared to imagine. In her wildest dreams, she never envisioned herself as a bride, let alone a mother of two, preparing to wed the love of her life, Efrain Guerra. Stella, looking stunning as the maid of honor, gazed at Marissa with admiration. "Do you remember when I told you that one day you'd find an extraordinary man and walk down the aisle in a breathtaking gown, just like this?" she reminisced. Marissa's eyes flickered with uncertainty as she surveyed her reflection. "Do you believe it will all work out? That I can truly find happiness?" she confided. "Stop doubting yourself, Marissa," Stella admonished gently. A gentle knock resonated through the door, prompting Stella to invite the visitor inside. Juan entered the room, exuding confide
The sudden disappearance of their newborn baby sent shockwaves through the room, leaving everyone stunned and panicked. Efrain's heart pounded in his chest as he struggled to comprehend what was happening."What do you mean, someone took him?" Efrain demanded. Marissa's eyes widened in horror as she clutched the sheets tightly. "Who would take our baby?" she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief.The nurse's hands shook as she tried to explain. "I don't know... I left the baby in the nursery for just a moment, and when I returned, he was gone. I've already alerted security, but..."Efrain's mind raced with a million thoughts, his instincts kicking into overdrive as he tried to process the situation. "We need to find him, now."Marcus stepped forward, his expression grave. "I'll get the security footage. We'll find whoever did this."Marissa clung to Efrain, her eyes brimming with tears. "Please, find our baby." Efrain held her close, his heart breaking at the thought of thei
The sudden disappearance of their newborn baby sent shockwaves through the room, leaving everyone stunned and panicked. Efrain's heart pounded in his chest as he struggled to comprehend what was happening."What do you mean, someone took him?" Efrain demanded. Marissa's eyes widened in horror as she clutched the sheets tightly. "Who would take our baby?" she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief.The nurse's hands shook as she tried to explain. "I don't know... I left the baby in the nursery for just a moment, and when I returned, he was gone. I've already alerted security, but..."Efrain's mind raced with a million thoughts, his instincts kicking into overdrive as he tried to process the situation. "We need to find him, now."Marcus stepped forward, his expression grave. "I'll get the security footage. We'll find whoever did this."Marissa clung to Efrain, her eyes brimming with tears. "Please, find our baby." Efrain held her close, his heart breaking at the thought of thei
A year had passed, and now the Guerra's and Valiente's stood anxiously outside the delivery room."I'm going in," Efrain declared to Juan, his anxiety evident in his tone. "If no one tells me how Marissa is, I'll find out myself."A doctor emerged from the delivery room."Doctor, has the baby arrived?" Efrain inquired, his voice shaky with anticipation."Not yet," the doctor replied."Is Marissa okay?" Efrain's words stumbled out.All eyes were fixed on the doctor, awaiting the news."Yes, she specifically asked for you," the doctor confirmed, "She wants you in the delivery room.""Is my daughter okay? I need to be there if there's any complication," Rosairo expressed her concern, with Valentina offering comfort by holding her arm."She's doing fine," the doctor reassured them, then turned to Efrain. "Let's go.""Let's go," Efrain urged."She'll be alright," Valentina reassured Rosairo, casting a supportive glance at Juan, who returned her smile.Marissa was in the labor room, surroun
"Will you hurry, please... we're going to be late," Valentina urged impatiently.Efrain descended the stairs with his luggage in tow. "Will you just relax? It's still afternoon," he replied, attempting to placate her.Ignoring his response, Valentina marched out of the house and settled into the back seat of the car. Efrain loaded his luggage into the trunk before joining her in the back seat, and the driver started the car, pulling away from the house.As they were driving, their path was suddenly blocked by a line of cars. "What's going on?" Valentina exclaimed, peering out of the window in confusion.Efrain stepped out of the car to investigate, only to find Stella, Ignacio, Paula, Danna, and Carlos waiting for them. "What's going on?" he asked, puzzled by the unexpected gathering.Marissa approached him with a serenade band and began to serenade him, her voice filled with emotion.Marissa came closer to Efrain, who looked surprised to see her, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Efr
Valentina entered Efrain's room quietly, observing him as he slept. She couldn't help but notice how much he had changed. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine her brother would fall in love after all these years. Before returning to town, Valentina will ensure that both Efrain and Marissa realized how deeply they couldn't live without each other. They belonged together, and she was determined to make them see that.Valentina released the drapes, letting the morning sunlight gently fall on Efrain's face. Efrain rubbed his eyes as the sunlight poured in through the open drapes. "Damn it," he muttered, then noticed Valentina standing before him. "Why did you have to wake me up like this?"Valentina settled herself on the edge of the bed. "Listen, I came to take you back to town to stay with me for a few days, away from here. And you won't say no to me because... because you can't.""Vale, I won't say no to you because I can't keep living like this, with everyone seeing me this wa
Marissa sat in her bedroom, tears streaming down her face, when Juan entered with a tray. "Marissa, here's your dinner. You missed lunch with us," he said."I'm not hungry. I just want to be alone," Marissa replied."You know I never listen to you when it comes to taking care of yourself. That's why you're going to eat, and then we're going to talk," Juan insisted, his tone firm but compassionate.He placed the tray on the nightstand and offered his hand to help her sit on the bed. "So, what went down with Guerra?""He's aware of everything, maybe even more, and it's all twisted up thanks to Daniella. I don't know what she told him, but she mixes things up, making me feel insignificant. And maybe I made it worse because he proposed, and I turned him down.""Why? You love him, don't you?" Juan inquired."I do, so much that it's tearing me apart. I've fallen for him. I love that he's the one I love," Marissa confessed."Then why say no?" Juan pressed."Because I don't want to lose him,"
Efrain lay on the bed, his hand resting behind his head as he gazed pensively at the ceiling, lost in thought. When Marissa entered the room, her expression filled with concern, she approached him and sat down beside him. "What's wrong?" "Nothing, I just thought you would be staying at the hacienda tonight. Juan needs you," Efrain replied, his tone distant.Marissa reached out and took his hand in hers. "I'm sorry, Efrain, for what happened at the house. This is just how I can be sometimes—I act without thinking or considering the consequences. One day, I'll be able to share my story with you, the parts I'm not proud of," she confessed."I'm going to sleep now; tomorrow will be a long day," Efrain stated, withdrawing his hand and rolling over to face the other side."I'll take a shower first and then join you in bed," Marissa replied, rising from the bed and making her way into the bathroom. As she undressed and stepped into the shower, her mind was consumed with thoughts of the rece
Daniella entered a room, with Efrain following closely behind. "I'm sorry for calling you here. I just couldn't stand the way your girlfriend was insinuating that you couldn't bring justice between me and Juan," she began, her tone apologetic."Just tell me what you want to say," Efrain urged, his expression unreadable."Efrain, amidst all the drama outside because of Marissa, I've made a decision. Even though Juan may be guilty, I... I've decided to no longer press charges. I can't see how Marissa was humiliating you because of her feelings," Daniella confessed."I can understand, Juan is her brother," Efrain acknowledged, his tone thoughtful."No, Marissa has been deceiving everyone all this time. To her, you're just an escape, a distraction from her intense feelings for him that have never changed. That's why she's causing a scene outside," Daniella asserted."I don't get what you're saying," Efrain replied, his confusion clear in his voice.Daniella walked to her wardrobe, retriev