Lara hesitated as she approached the mysterious woman's room. The door was slightly open, and as she got closer, she heard fragments of conversation drifting out. "I'm responsible for the murder in the mental..." the woman's voice faded off.Lara's heart raced as she overheard the mysterious woman's confession. Startled by the woman's sudden movement, Lara swiftly withdrew behind the safety of a nearby wall, her heart pounding with fear. Silently, she slipped away, her footsteps barely audible as she hurried from the scene, eventually finding herself in the kitchen.In the kitchen, Lara spotted Marissa and, unable to contain her anxiety any longer, she grabbed Marissa's hand, pulling her aside."What's up, Lara?" Marissa asked, worried as she saw Lara's distressed expression."I'm sorry, Miss Marissa, but I need to talk to you," Lara whispered, her voice shaking with fear as she got ready to reveal the unsettling news she had just found.Marissa nodded, understanding the gravity of t
Marissa had pleaded with Efrain to accompany him to the town, a request he couldn't refuse. Now, they were inside the police station, with Marissa waiting outside alongside Eulalio.Meanwhile, inside Manuel's office, the mysterious woman, now known to Marissa as Efrain's Aunt Anna, was seated with Efrain, Manuel and Valentina. "Did you truly take Camila's life?" Efrain asked, his eyes searching hers.Anna looked directly at him as she nodded, feeling the burden of her confession weighing heavily on her heart. "Yes, I planned it, even though I wasn't certain," the words spilled from her lips "I'm sorry, my dear children. But your mother... she did worse things, things that haunted me for years." Anna's hand shook as she reached up to touch the burn mark on her face, a constant reminder of the painful past that wouldn't fade away. "Even this scar, bears witness to the pain she inflicted."Valentina gently squeezed Anna's hand, her eyes brimming with empathy. "I understand, Aunt Ann," s
Efrain exited the luxurious mansion, feeling a wave of relief as he joined Marissa in the waiting car. Her concern was evident as she asked, "How is she?""She'll be okay," Efrain assured, "she's finally ready to let go of the burden she's been carrying for so long. She's going to talk to Hernan, maybe even think about moving him to a care facility." "Where are we headed now?" Marissa asked, curious, as Efrain got behind the wheel."We're going to my father's cherished retreat," Efrain replied. "Valentina entrusted me with the keys, so let's go on," he said, starting the engine and driving off. Marissa looked at him, a soft smile spreading across her face, feeling a warmth in her heart. In that moment, she realized how happy she was with him beside her. She couldn't imagine him being away, even for a day."Why the intense look?" Efrain questioned, raising an eyebrow as Marissa continued to gaze at him. "Is there something on my face?"Marissa just nodded, a mischievous glimmer shinin
In the early morning, sunlight seeped into the cottage, waking Efrain. He glanced at Marissa, still asleep beside him, wrapped in blankets. The fireplace crackled, casting a warm light on them both.As Efrain tried to get up, Marissa gripped his hand tighter, silently asking him to stay. "Just a little longer," she whispered, her eyes shut in the peaceful haze of half-awake bliss."But we have to head back to town today," Efrain reminded her."Just five more minutes," Marissa pleaded, pulling him closer with a playful tug, her heart longing for a bit more time in their secluded haven.Efrain's laughter echoed in the air, blending with Marissa's playful insistence. With a soft sigh, he gave in to her charm, settling back beside her as she snuggled his hand against her waist.They slipped back into sleep, lost in dreams and the comfort of each other's company. It wasn't until two peaceful hours later that they reluctantly woke, pulling away from their cozy nest to prepare for the day.A
Marissa sat by herself in her room, worrying about Aurora being at the hacienda. Stella had told Rosairo about Aurora, and now she was with Carlos, getting to know the horses. Marissa watched Daniella look at her daughter, feeling uneasy. She worried Daniella might be a danger to Aurora and hoped Aurora would stay safe.It appeared that Juan was aware that Aurora was his daughter, prompting Marissa's instinctive urge to protect her from any possible harm.Juan entered Marissa's room with a sad expression on his face. "Marissa, can we talk?" he asked.Marissa nodded, meeting his gaze. "What do you need to say?" she asked."I want to know if she is..." Juan started, his voice fading as he struggled for the right words.Marissa's lips tightened, a flash of pain crossing her features before she interjected, "She shares your blood, but she's not your daughter. The day you chose to believe Daniella over me and threw me out of this house, you severed any bond between yourself and your daught
Marissa woke up to find Efrain still sleeping beside her. She felt a swell of pride and admiration for him, knowing how hard he had worked to solve the recent case involving a thief at a local farm. It had been a tough investigation, with thousands of money stolen before they finally caught the culprit— an employee who had been trying to save money for his sick son. The discovery that the thief's actions were driven by love and desperation touched the hearts of everyone involved, leading the employer to ultimately forgive him.Marissa stood up and walked into the shower, as she stood beneath the comforting stream, her mind swirled with thoughts of the past week. Seven days had passed, yet she still hadn't found the courage to tell Efrain about her and Juan. The fear of losing him gnawed at her heart, as she couldn't deny the growing feelings of love that blossomed within her each time she looked at him. She yearned to keep him close, to cherish him with every fiber of her being, and t
Marissa and Stella walked through the ranch, the peaceful surroundings providing a brief escape from the turmoil in Marissa's heart."So, how are things with you and Efrain?" Stella inquired. "We're... we're doing great," Marissa replied, her nod more for her own reassurance than anything else."Marissa, you need to tell him the truth before it's too late. Daniella will spill everything to him soon, especially now that Juan has made his decision about the divorce," Stella urged, her tone firm yet empathetic."I know," Marissa admitted. "And I'm terrified of losing him. And the truth is, I've started to develop feelings for him, even though deep down, I know our desires for the future don't align. Efrain was raised without the idea of a family, and I'm not ready to commit to that either. It's just... when I'm with him, I feel this pull towards something more, yet at the same time, I'm overwhelmed with confusion.""What if he wants to marry you and start a family? I know it's a long s
Marissa returned home, finding peace in the familiar comfort of Efrain's arm. Nestling herself against him, she sighed contentedly. "How was your day?" Efrain shifted his attention from the TV to her, his arms enveloping her in a warm held. "Just got back from the station, nothing eventful to report. I missed you all day, couldn't get you out of my mind," he confessed, his words a gentle caress against her ear. "I haven't even been able to concentrate on the TV."Marissa sat up, a serious expression crossing her features. "Efrain, I need to tell you something important. It's about Aurora.""What happened?" Efrain's concern was palpable.Before Marissa could respond, the doorbell rang, interrupting their conversation. "Can we talk later? Marcus is here with pizza," he suggested, hoping to delay the discussion until they had more privacy.Marissa watched as Efrain rose from the couch and made his way to the door, her heart heavy with the weight of the secret she carried. She longed to
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