Marissa found comfort in the stables, brushing Juan's hair, the baby horse. As she tended to him, she confided, "I love you, Juan. I'll always love you a lot. It's been days since I've been avoiding Juan and Daniella, even the family. Juan hurt me a lot that night when I wanted to apologize; he didn't even let me. It hurts to see them together, especially when they kiss. I'm so relieved that she'll be leaving soon, even though I know nothing will help me with Juan, but I hope so," Marissa shared with the foal, treating him as her confidant, much like she always did, like a trusted friend. "Can you please pick up all the horse dung?" Marissa heard Juan's voice as he directed a worker, sending a soft chill through her. She felt Juan's gaze on her as the stall door opened, but she stayed calm, resisting the urge to look back at his beautiful brown eyes. "Juan," Daniella walked to him. "What are you doing here?" he asked, closing the stall door. "I want to spend time with you as I'm le
"Hello, my Juan," Marissa hugged the white foal and smiled as she walked into the stall. "I've missed you. It's been days without you. You know, Daniella has left, and I'm making an effort to maintain distance from Juan, treating him more as a brother. Meanwhile, my mischievous Carlos is doing his best to find happiness with Danna, and the ever-elusive Ignacio is hardly ever at home. My parents are, as usual, wonderful. Everyone is fine and living their lives. Anyway, I just hope that one day I can forget my feelings for Juan and move on. Staying away from him seems like the best choice." "William, go and take care of the cows. I just called a vet for the infirmary. I need to hire a permanent vet for the animals," she heard Juan's authoritative voice. "Yes, Boss," she heard William obediently accepting the orders. The door creaked open, and Marissa sensed Juan's gaze on her, causing discomfort. Despite her attempts to distance herself, they always seemed to cross paths. "I'm just a
The family gathered around the dining table, engaged in discussions about the upcoming wedding anniversary celebration for Miguel and Rosario. "I'm so excited for tomorrow; they're going to love it," Carlos expressed eagerly, met with agreement from Danna, who added, "Absolutely." As Juan joined them, taking a seat next to Ignacio, he teasingly called out to Danna, "Do you always have to agree with everything Carlos says? Yesterday, he wanted the decorations in all pearl white and green, and you immediately jumped on board." Chuckling, Marissa defended her, saying, "Let her be; she just wants to make him happy." Marissa's laughter echoed throughout the room, her amusement interrupted by a cough, like a melody broken by an unexpected note. Ignacio asserted, "Juan, women should always be at our disposal; they should agree with us men because we are the dominant ones." "Ignacio, women shouldn't be at our disposal; they're equals," Carlos asserted, planting a kiss on Danna's lips. "If
Marissa found herself in the living room, immersed in the hustle of directing and orchestrating the decoration, offering precise instructions to the servants. "It should be like this here," she articulated, her vision for the space. "A touch of green would look absolutely lovely in this corner, and when the cake arrives, make sure it's placed on this side." In the midst of the bustling activity, Juan entered the living room, his gaze immediately finding Marissa. Sensing his eyes on her, she turned, meeting his eyes with a naughty wink that conveyed a silent understanding. In response, a warm smile lit up Juan's face. In the kitchen, Danna was assisting Margarita with the cooking when Carlos entered. Without hesitation, he swept Danna off her feet, his hand around her waist, and spun her around. As the spin concluded, Carlos and Danna shared a sweet kiss. Meanwhile, in the living room, Ignacio walked towards Juan. "Everything is ready," he said. "Thank you, Ignacio," Juan replied. "
Under the shimmering moonlight that danced upon the river, Marissa made her way to the water's edge. There, in an emotional moment, she slowly removed her clothes, leaving only her bra and pants. Closing her eyes, she immersed herself in the river, each step a deliberate descent into the cool, soothing water. In this solitary act, she sought relief from the pain of unrequited love, believing that fading away was the only way to escape, convinced that no one would notice her absence.Juan sprinted towards the river, catching sight of Marissa with only her bra, he swiftly dove into the water, swimming urgently to reach her. Standing before her, he took decisive action, leaning in to passionately press his lips against hers.Marissa, initially startled, felt a surge of surprise. In that unexpected kiss, she questioned the reality of the situation, only to find herself returning the kiss.Juan lifted her from the water, cradling her in his arms as he emerged from the river.Gently setting
Marissa made a conscious decision to invest her time in caring for her white foal and assisting with the other horses, immersing herself in the routine of the stable. Yet, amidst her tasks, she occasionally paused to observe Juan from afar, his figure visible through the window of his office. As she thought about ways to erase him from her heart, she struggled with the ongoing task of moving on and finding comfort in the daily routines of the ranch. Memories flooded Marissa's mind, transporting her to a time when everything was harmonious between them. Memories of Juan getting her ready for school and driving them there wrapped her with nostalgia. She treasured him for the many ways he showed his love, making her feel uniquely special among her siblings. The moment Juan completed college and decided to return to the ranch, Marissa felt a significant change in her life. It felt like a part of her essence was being carried away with him, as if he were taking a piece of her soul with hi
The next morning, Marissa joined the breakfast table, wondering where their parents were as she sat down. "Where are Mother and Father?" Carlos, the only one at the table, started to reply, "They went out...," but his words faded as he looked at Marissa. "Wow, Marissa, lipstick. Who gave it to you? Danna or Mother?" Carlos asked. "Can't any change happen to me?" Marissa replied. "Juan..." Carlos called out, capturing Juan's attention as he came towards the table. Marissa subtly licked her lips, her gaze dropping to her plate. "I'm surprised Margarita made my favorite dish today," she said, trying to hide her nervousness by talking about the food. Carlos examined the dish. "Come on, Marissa, this isn't your favorite," he countered, watching her take a bite of the potato. Juan glanced at Carlos as he sat across from him. "Do you notice anything different about Marissa today?" Carlos inquired, his brow furrowed and his eyes wide with curiosity. Juan looked at Marissa, who smiled b
Juan's fists clenched tightly as his face contorted with worry and anger. "Drugs? This can't be happening," he muttered, glancing at Marissa, who shared his shock. "I know this is hard to believe, Juan. We have evidence, and we're conducting a comprehensive investigation," Inspector Guerra reassured them, his tone sympathetic. "What evidence do you have?" Juan questioned. "We received a tip about illegal activities in a casino. They are using drugs and gambling, and upon investigation, we found drugs in Ignacio's possession. He resisted arrest, making the situation more complicated," Inspector Guerra explained, handing Juan a folder with details of the case. "We are conducting a test on them; if the drug test is negative in his system, he will be released." Marissa, equally shocked and concerned, placed her hand on Juan's shoulder, offering him silent support as he examined the documents. "We need your cooperation to get to the bottom of this," Inspector Guerra added. "When will h
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