Marissa entered the hacienda to find the family almost done with breakfast. Their eyes turned to her, and Carlos greeted her with a smile.Ignacio chimed in with a teasing remark, "They say if a woman doesn't spend the night at home and wears the same clothes the next day, she must have had a passionate night."Marissa sat between Carlos and Ignacio, unaffected by the playful teasing. "I can assure you that the saying is wrong. It's not always the case," she replied with a smile."I know exactly where she spent the night," Carlos said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.Marissa shot him a glare and stomped on his foot, No one saw her, but her frustration was clear in her intense stare.Juan, who had been quietly watching, finally spoke, "Marissa, could you clarify where you were last night?""Boss, my personal life is my own business. As for my whereabouts, I can only provide professional updates. I'm an adult and perfectly capable of looking after myself," Marissa asserted,
Marissa stepped into the house, aware of Efrain's presence just behind her. With a swift motion, he shut the door with his foot and his hands already beginning to roam as he peeled off her jacket, kissing her neck, she tilted her head back, enjoying his kisses on her sensitive skin. Efrain pushed her against the spotless white wall, his hand caressing her breast through her shirt as his mouth found hers in a passionate kiss. Each movement, he reminded her of his skill as a kisser, his confidence that left her breathless.Giving in to the moment, Marissa leaned against the molding, yielding to Efrain's control as he unfastened the top button of her shirt. "Come on," he murmured, his voice a soothing pull on her senses as he guided her up the wooden stairs to his bedroom.As he pushed the door open, she was met with the sight of a made bed and a tidy room, unlike the way they had left it in the morning. Efrain slowly removed his jacket, his movements deliberate as if giving her time t
Marissa smiled to herself as she contemplated the idea of bringing some of her clothes to Efrain's closet, knowing that she would be spending many nights here in the future. Just as she was lost in thought, she was interrupted by the jingle of her phone. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was Stella. With a smile, she accepted the call, bringing the device to her ear."Hey, B," Marissa greeted her friend."Hello there! I've been on the hunt for my elusive friend, Marissa Valiente. I'm eager to deliver my report to Sheriff Efrain Guerra," Stella joked in her usual playful way.Marissa couldn't help but chuckle at Stella's cheesy antics. "I'm sorry, things have been so hectic lately," she apologized sincerely."Busy? With Efrain, indulging in passion and intimacy?" Stella teased mischievously."Well, I've been spending my nights wrapped up in him, and it's been absolutely wonderful," Marissa admitted with a contented sigh. "But despite that, I wanted to make sure to reach out to you.
Marissa knocked on Ignacio's door, the sound echoing through the hallway like a gentle melody. In response, Paula's voice floated out, inviting her in.Entering the room, Marissa was greeted by the sight of Paula sitting on the bed, surrounded by stacks of magazines like a fortress of paper. The room itself was cozy, with sunlight streaming in through curtains, casting warm patterns on the walls. "Hey," Paula greeted Marissa, her gaze meeting hers with excitement in her hooded greenish eyes.Marissa sat herself on the bed, her eyes drifting over the array of magazines spread out before them. "Do you need any help?" she offered, a smile playing on her lips.Paula's face lit up with relief, as if she had finally found her savior. "I've been searching for the perfect wedding dress in these magazines, but I can't seem to find one I like. And I need to order them from the city." "Why are you asking someone who knows nothing about fashion, when I'm right here?" Daniella's voice interrupted
Marissa spent the day at the bar, unable to shake thoughts of Paula and the daunting task of confiding in Efrain. As night fell, she made her way to his house, heart pounding with anxiety and hope. With every step, she practiced what she would say, understanding how important Efrain's support would be for Paula.When she reached his door, she hesitated, nerves fluttering in her stomach. She knocked, and as the door creaked open, her heart skipped a beat. Luna stood before her, clad in her police polo, and Marissa couldn't shake the worry that gripped her. Even though she trusted Efrain, she couldn't shake the fear that Luna might be more than just a colleague.She comforted herself with the belief that Efrain wouldn't get involved in affairs with coworkers. She trusted his integrity and their friendship, convinced that Luna's presence was strictly professional.Luna's words carried a bitter edge as she stared at Marissa's luggage. "Is it you?" she questioned.Choosing to overlook Luna'
Marissa woke up in Efrain's warm bed, darkness surrounding her, feeling him not there, she couldn't help but wonder where he'd gone. She smiled as memories of their passionate night flooded her mind, recalling the intimate moments they shared. The feeling of his strong chest against hers, his arms wrapped around her, filled her with craving and desire.Longing for his touch, Marissa reached out to his side of the bed, her fingers brushing over the empty space where he had lain. She yearned for him to be beside her again, to lose herself in the ecstasy of their lovemaking once more.While searching for her phone, Marissa stumbled upon a piece of paper. She picked it up, her curiosity piqued. Finding her phone on the nightstand, she turned it on to check the time: 3 AM, just a few minutes past.Turning on the lamp, Marissa read the brief note left by Efrain. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized he had already been gone for over an hour, heading to work early in the morning. A sigh mi
Marissa sat on the bed's edge, holding Paula's hand with a calm reassurance in her eyes, encouraging Paula to open up. "You don't have to carry it alone, Paula. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."Paula pulled her hands away from Marissa's, her gaze fixed on the empty wall ahead."José Luis was... he was my boyfriend," Paula began. "I... I used to live in a whirlwind of drugs, sex, and clubbing. No matter how hard my father tried to intervene, I was lost in the thrill of it all, finding peace and excitement in the chaos alongside Luis. But then... then everything changed. The club was raided by the police, chaos erupted, and Luis... Luis managed to hide me, but he was caught. He got sentenced to four years behind bars. My father, desperate to save me, whisked me away to rehab. It was there that I met Ignacio. He was on a similar journey, fighting his own demons. Somehow, amidst the struggles, we found a connection, and soon, we were dating. My family... they got to know him.""I
Marissa nervously walked up to Efrain's apartment, her heart racing with anticipation. Seeing his car parked outside assured her he was home. Mustering her courage, she took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement, then knocked on the door and rang the doorbell at the same time.The door swung open, Marcus appeared, dressed in a fresh outfit - an ash-colored shirt paired with a sleek leather jacket. His presence caught Marissa off guard, but she managed a smile as he welcomed her inside.Stepping into the apartment, a delightful aroma stimulated her senses, instantly stirring her appetite. The enticing scent of cooking filled the air, making her stomach growl with hunger. Marcus returned to the living room, settling in to resume watching whatever had captured his attention. Meanwhile, Marissa made her way to the kitchen, curious to see what was happening inside. Upon entering, Marissa was met with the sight of Diana and Efrain sharing a moment of laughter, his ar
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