53. Beneath the Surface

Marissa entered the hacienda and found her family gathered in the living room, where two elegant elderly figures sat among them. The woman, with captivating hooded green eyes, bore a striking resemblance to Paula, leading Marissa to assume they were Paula's parents.

As she moved further into the room, Marissa's mother greeted her with a smile. "Here comes Marissa, the pride and joy of Miguel and me," Rosario said.

"Good afternoon," Marissa greeted, directing her smile at the elderly couple.

"Good afternoon," the man replied politely.

"Good afternoon," the woman added. "She's just as beautiful as Paulina described."

"Marissa, meet Anastasia and David, Paulina's parents," Marissa's mother introduced.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Sir and Ma'am," Marissa said with a smile. "I've heard so much about you both."

Paula descended the stairs, her arm linked with a man who bore a striking resemblance to her-the same hooded greenish eyes and grecian nose. As they walked to the gathered f