Santiago looked at Christian with a mixture of confusion and disbelief, waiting for an explanation.
"Because in trying to deceive my parents, I deceived myself," Christian answered honestly."What do you mean?" Santiago continued to question him, unable to believe what he was hearing."The paternity tests I had done were with hair from my sister and me. She helped me to avoid marrying Adele, and we managed to fool my parents," Christian explained, smiling as he realised he only needed to do tests with Lucas and Lucia."This is unheard of, absolutely unheard of!" Santiago exclaimed, and then immediately asked, "Are you telling me that all this time you've believed your children weren't yours, and Isabella still thinks that?""Not just her, her parents too," Christian revealed, causing his father-in-law to look at him uncomprehendingly."My parents? What do you mean?" Santiago asked, though he suspected the answer."Grandfather came up with the ideaThe employee hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing with his report. He knew that every detail could be crucial in his boss's schemes."After he and his sister returned from studying abroad, Christian devoted himself to travelling between his city and the one where they now live, always pursuing his current wife. He would stay at the same hotel, Le Méridien, have one or two drinks, and then disappear. He was always accompanied by his bodyguards.""Blast it! There must be something we can use to trick him," Néstor exclaimed. "Call Eva; she's bound to know some weakness in that family. As for Susan, no one has paid much attention to that, since she herself went on television saying those rumours were false, that she was never kidnapped by the Thompsons and the Sardinos, and that she would soon marry Santiago. She looked happy with her grandchildren."While they were discussing in the office, Eva, in her room with Oswaldo, couldn
Eva glared at him with murderous intent, but Oswaldo had long since stopped minding what he said to her. He continued, unfazed by Eva's furious gaze."That drug you were giving him was truly potent. Your plan worked out well, but you failed to make the most of it. You devoted yourself to living the high life—well, to be honest, we both lived the high life on your husband's money—instead of squirrelling away funds in an account for when he'd leave you penniless, as he has now. Because I'm certain you knew your relationship with him had an expiration date."Eva remained silent for a moment after Oswaldo finished. Then she took the bottle, poured herself a glass, and topped up Oswaldo's. They both sat down again, with Oswaldo watching her contentedly."You know what? I'll give you that," Eva agreed, to Oswaldo's surprise as he peered at her through the smoke of his cigar. "Though I must confess, I thought I had a few more years before he'd wake up. When
Eva leant forward and took the floor, proceeding to explain that Mrs Thompson was the sole heiress of a very powerful family involved in the alcoholic beverage industry. After marrying Thompson and inheriting everything, all the factories and businesses of that family ceased to exist. Some were dismantled or repurposed, and most were sold off."Many rumours suggested that Mr Thompson forced his wife to sell her entire inheritance to advance his own company," Eva continued, "but no one knows for certain what happened to the enormous sum of money she possessed and the proceeds from the sale of all her assets. You might find something there."Néstor remained pensive until he finally decided to investigate the matter. He also agreed that Eva and Oswaldo should leave for another country, as his father was already protesting about keeping them there."Very well," Néstor said, nodding thoughtfully. "I'll look into this. As for you two, make arrangements t
Santiago stood for a moment looking at his security guard in whom he trusted more than himself in the care of his daughter. That was why he measured the way he spoke to Humberto, because he knew he had done an excellent job."Humberto, ever since Eva appeared with my daughter, I entrusted you with her care. I asked you to look after her as if she were your own," Santiago began, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "Before you even consider deceiving me or lying about what I'm about to ask, I warn you that I know my daughter's entire story. That's why I need you to be honest and tell me the truth. I know you're loyal to her and her alone, and I'm grateful for that. But something has happened to Isabella, and I need you to be truthful with me.""What's happened to young Isabella?" Humberto asked, concern evident in his voice."First, you'll answer my questions before I answer yours," Santiago interjected. "Did you know that Luis had beaten her?""Yes," Humb
At this moment, Santiago didn't know what to think. He trusted Humberto implicitly and knew that what he was saying was true. Humberto had lost his daughter to enemies and had since lived solely for Isabella. But how had Isabella become pregnant if she hadn't been assaulted?"Were you, by any chance, in the operating theatre or the recovery room?" Santiago asked hopefully."No," Humberto answered thoughtfully.Santiago sighed, feeling a great pain in his chest. "Do you think it could have happened there?""That would be the only place where they could have done it to her, but she was in a terrible state at that time. I don't think they would have been capable of doing it with so many people around," Humberto said, visibly affected. "But I'll find out, I assure you, sir. If anyone touched young Isabella, I'll kill them, no matter who they are.""Are you certain no one could have done it later in her room?" Santiago repeated the question.Humberto s
He stood up, fetched her a glass of water, and made sure she drank it all. Then, he sat beside her and embraced her tightly, still without saying a word. Only when he felt her relax did he speak."Isa, you're not to blame for any of this. It was they who did this and killed your parents. As Rodrigo told you, how could you have known they were planning to plant a bomb on your parents' yacht to murder them and take everything?" Santiago tried to make her understand and stop crying and feeling guilty. "It's true that you should have told me from the beginning so I'd know what to expect, but I still understand your situation."Santiago paused, seeing that Marta was crying more, and embraced her affectionately again. Then, wiping away her tears, he told her that regarding taking advantage of Isabella, he didn't believe that was the case. She was the sister that Bella needed to move forward in Paris. Despite being with her grandparents, they were often absent due to Tania's illn
She took another long sip from the wine glass in her hand, emptying it, and refilled it as she reclined, inexplicably recalling her life. Was it because she had managed to acquire her parents' house when they first came to her for help? It was the only thing left of their entire fortune.At fifteen, her parents went bankrupt as the debts she had caused them to incur were too much for mere merchants. They weren't millionaires, but they had a good life. She had everything she wanted, everything! If they didn't buy it willingly, she'd get it herself, pawning or selling anything she could behind their backs. All that mattered was maintaining her status among the high society crowd.Her best friend, silly Susan, as she called her. After Eva put on quite a performance about her parents abandoning her on the street and disappearing with all their wealth. She played the part well, even saying she'd decided to end her life.She knew Susan would immediately take pit
Afterwards, she followed Susan abroad. She made her suffer as much as she wanted, taking revenge for Santiago's rejection. She managed to hide her well throughout the pregnancy. She claimed to be a surrogate mother, then staged the whole suicide spectacle, and the rest was easy. The hospital where she had Susan confined, apart from not knowing her real name and origin, was full of heartless people. When she returned, she was carrying Isabella in her arms.She had made her friend believe that the child was stillborn. Susan suffered a nervous breakdown, but she made sure it worsened by swapping her pills for ones that caused hallucinations. Susan was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Eva ensured, by paying a doctor, that she would never be released and would remain ill. She visited annually to pay the doctor and make certain they wouldn't let her out.Old man Sardino never liked her from the first time he saw her. He accepted her after the paternity test proved Isabe
Days pass with shared laughter, warm embraces, and exciting adventures. Always supporting each other through good times and difficult moments, building a united and resilient family. Isabella and Christian found happiness in their love and in the beautiful family they formed. Time has passed, and they find themselves at a stage in their lives where routine and responsibilities intertwine with moments of tenderness and complicity.On a quiet afternoon, Isabella decides to climb onto a chair to reach a book on a high shelf. Christian, concerned for her safety and that of the baby she's carrying, calls out to her in an alarmed voice:"Bella, wait right there! You'll fall!" Christian shouted, trying to stop her. "You can't do that, eight months pregnant. If you fall, you could both get hurt. That's why I can't go to work at the office without making a fuss. You're always doing crazy things."Isabella smiles and jokingly replies, "You're exaggerating."They bo
Now seeing their parents hugging and kissing happily. Isabella gazes at Christian, her eyes brimming with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. The air around them is charged with expectation as their friends and family turn their attention to Christian, silently urging him to follow suit. Christian, who had meticulously planned this moment with Rodrigo and David, stands there with a knowing smile, watching as events unfold precisely as he had envisioned.His eyes briefly flit to his parents, who are visibly moved, their faces etched with pride and joy. They offer him an encouraging nod, their silent approval warming his heart. The room seems to hold its breath as Christian, without further hesitation, gracefully drops to one knee before Isabella.With tender reverence, he takes her delicate hand in his, his touch sending a shiver of electricity through both of them. His eyes, pools of adoration and unwavering devotion, lock onto hers. In that moment,
Santiago bursts out laughing upon hearing his daughter's question. He knows her well, and when his in-laws asked to come, he agreed even against Susan's wishes, who thought they should give Isabella more time to adjust."Didn't I tell you?" Santiago says, watching Susan's eyes widen as she nods, then turns to her daughter to answer."You can meet them whenever you want, they're desperate to come!" She pauses to look at Santiago, who can't stop smiling. "You're right as always, Santi, they're in the car waiting, Isabella.""Dad, call them to come right now! I want to finally bring our whole real family together!" Isabella exclaimed, feeling that at last everyone was going to be happy.The emotion intensifies in Santiago's voice as he hears Isabella's words. He feels overwhelming happiness seeing his daughter's desire to bring their whole real family together. Without wasting time, he takes out his phone and calls his in-laws, telling them to enter the estate
Santiago is in a state of indescribable happiness seeing the woman he has loved all his life and knowing that she is the mother of his only and beloved daughter. The joy he feels is so overwhelming that it's difficult for him to express it in words.As he observes Susan, his heart fills with gratitude and amazement. Every familiar feature on her face reminds him of the shared moments and experiences they've had together. The emotion completely envelops him as he sees them finally together, making him feel as if he were in a dream come true.The smile on Santiago's face is radiant, his eyes shining with pure and sincere happiness. He can't help but feel a deep connection with Susan, knowing that together they have created the most precious gift of their lives: Isabella. The realisation that their love has borne such wonderful fruit fills him with immense joy."Dad, could you get me a glass of water, please?" Isabella calls him, smiling as she sees how his e
Isabella looks at her father, whose face is lit up with happiness. And she knows, her father will finally be very happy with the love of his life. She can't help but smile seeing him like this. And she knows he's waiting for her to finally accept Susan, which is why he confessed this to her."My real mother did that for me without even knowing me?" she now asks emotionally, feeling that it's true, she has a mother who loves her and was willing to risk her life to save hers."Yes, my daughter!" Santiago answers, letting tears roll freely down his cheeks without hiding them. "Your real mum is very good, she's the kindest and noblest person I've ever known in my life! You look a lot like her, Bella. Now she's there in the car, waiting for you to receive her. Do you want to meet her, Bella?""Of course, Dad! I'm overjoyed to know that I'm not the daughter of such an evil woman as Eva!" she exclaims, feeling the urge to see the person who brought her into the world."
After saying this, Grandpa leaves towards the garden. Marta moves forward to take all the tests that Isabella still has on her lap, reviews them unable to believe it's all real, then turns to Isabella and says:"Bella, I'm impressed with your life. It's truly a soap opera. I want the rights to write it," she says enthusiastically."Ha, ha, ha... Marta, stop teasing me," Isabella plays along happily, not letting go of Christian's hand.They both laugh with Marta, who keeps insisting she's not joking. She assures them she'll write their story. She'll make an incredible novel about their lives, she's sure it will be a huge success. And although she claims she doesn't usually write this type of romantic plot, their story has everything: intrigue, secrets, betrayals, mobsters, which makes it unique."I'll write it, I swear I'll write it as soon as I finish writing this book!" she declares as everyone looks on."Do what you want," Christian and Isabella say
"The grandfather takes it, intrigued, as Marta and Tina look on curiously. He opens it and pulls out the paternity tests, which prove that Christian is the father of the children. He looks up, staring at them in disbelief. Marta, seeing his surprised expression, moves her wheelchair forward and snatches the paper from his hands. She reads it and bursts out laughing."I knew it!" she exclaims excitedly. "Lucas looked too much like Chris!""What is it?" Tina asks in sign language."Grandma, Christian is Lucas and Lucia's father! He was the one who spent the night with me at the hotel! He was the one who got me pregnant!" Bella explains."But that's not all, grandfather," Christian adds. "I remembered everything! All my memories came back!""Congratulations, Chris!" Marta shouts again, excited. "Congratulations on both things!""Many congratulations!" The grandfather hugs him.He still can't believe that Christian is the father of the children. He sep
After Isabella asks that question, looking at him with a huge expression of despair and at the same time of pain, Christian hurries to answer."No, no Bella, nobody raped you," he says firmly, still looking into Isabella's beautiful and fearful eyes. "That child you're expecting is mine.""Yours? Don't deceive me, Chris, I know very well you can't have children!" Isabella asserts."I couldn't," he affirms as he stands up again, leaving Isabella confused by his words.Christian takes another yellow envelope and returns to the bed where Isabella has sat up, intrigued. He hands her the results of the tests he had done to see if his sperm were viable, and gives them to his wife, who opens her eyes, still unable to believe it."What does this mean?" she asks as if needing to hear it."It means I was the one who got you pregnant, when you came to sleep with me those nights and that afternoon when we made love in the shower," he explains calmly and confi
Slowly, she takes out the white papers under Christian's smiling gaze. Isabella finally finishes taking everything out and sees two paternity tests, but she doesn't read them. She still doesn't understand."What does this mean? Did you find the father of my children?" she asks immediately."Yes, I found him!" Christian exclaims, unable to contain his joy in front of Isabella's gaze, who doesn't understand why he's behaving like this."Did you really find the biological father of the twins?" she asks incredulously. "Who is it?"Christian looks at her for a moment that seems eternal to Isabella. Her heart races as she considers the possible consequences this fact might have for her and her children. Now that everything seems to be going well, she doesn't want to introduce a stranger into her children's lives. Above all, she'll have to face the truth and tell them she lied when she said Christian was their father when he wasn't. That's why she doesn't understand the