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
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
Marissa stood in their spacious garden, surrounded by flowers. A gentle breeze traced the fence line, causing her sleek black hair to spin and her long-sleeved shirt to tug out. Tugging back her shirt into her black jeans, she smoothed a stray lock from her face, bent down, and plucked a single flower from the ground, admiring its delicate petals in the bright light. It seemed like the final glimpse of this place. "Marissa... Marissa. Let's go. Everyone is ready for us to leave," her mother, Rosario Valiente, called out. Rosario's simple blue dress blew in the same breeze that had caught her daughter's hair, almost as if the land was pleading with them to stay and not leave. Walking down the lane toward the garden, she called out once more to Marissa, "Please, come and hop into the car. We'll be leaving soon." Marissa nodded, her expression concealed. Ignacio Valiente, the second sibling, leaned against a Hyundai Palisade, puffing on a cigar. Meanwhile, Carlos, the youngest of the
With three chairs on each side of the antique ash dining table, the Valientes were seated around it. The table was full with a variety of delicacies that provided a feast for their shared supper. Miguel was seated at the head of the table, with Juan and Daniella sitting to his left, Rosario and Carlos to his right. Miguel set his cutlery on the plate and looked around, his eyes crinkling with excitement. "I can now proudly say my son has finally chosen a perfect woman to spend his life with." Daniella's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you for the compliments, Mr. Valiente," she replied with a smile. She held Juan's hand, leaning on his shoulder with adoration as she looked at Miguel. "I only speak the truth and nothing else," Miguel said. "But it still means so much to me," Daniella replied, giving Juan's hand another affectionate squeeze. "I hardly ever receive compliments." "Aren't you a model? I'm sure you get compliments all the time," Carlos remarked, taking a spoonful
"It's night already, Marissa hasn't returned home, even Ignacio's come back," Rosario whispered to herself, nervously fiddling with her fingers, walking back and forth at the mansion's entrance. When Juan came downstairs, he noticed she was upset and went over to talk to her. "Mother, I hope all is well?" "I am worried about Marissa, Juan. Since the incident, she hasn't returned home, and I can't reach her on her phone." "Mother, I will ask the workers to help me go look for her. I'm sure she will be fine," Juan reassured her, giving a tight-lipped smile as he put an arm around her. "Let's go back in. I'll go out and look for her." Rosario managed a sad smile. "I hope my princess is alright." Miguel came down the stairs and noticed Rosario's pale face. "What's wrong?" Rosario hugged him, her tears streaming down her cheeks and soaking his shirt. "Marissa hasn't returned home yet." Miguel looked at Juan. "I'm going out to look for her with some of the workers," Juan said, then he
Juan stayed close behind Marissa as she fed the horses. Some stood by the fence, wanting affection, while others ran and played, bringing a smile to Marissa's sad face. Juan took her hand and pulled her away from the fence as a gust of wind blew her dark hair. "What the hell is wrong with you?" "I am sorry about yesterday, I... my phone disappeared inside the river. I swam looking for it, but I got stuck, and then you came," she offered flatly. "Marissa, can you tell me what is wrong with you? You know I care about you," he said, corner of his mouth lifting in a slight smile. "But not the way I want you to care... You care more about Daniella." "The way I care about you is different from Daniella. You are my sister; you know I care about you a lot. I love you," he replied, cupping her cheeks. She squeezed her eyelids shut against tears. He wrapped her in his arms, pressing her face against his strong chest. Again, the smell of leather soap and horse spurs warmed her chest. "I
Upon entering Miguel's room, Marissa discovered him perched on the bed's edge, with his eyes locked on the wall with a mysterious expression that concealed his feelings. "Good morning, Father," she offered in greeting, receiving only a brief, sidelong glance from him before his attention returned to the wall. Undeterred by his lack of response, she took a deliberate seat, reaching out to hold his hands resting on his thigh. "I understand you don't want to talk to me, Father. I am so sorry for the way I have been behaving. I promise you from now I will change. Please believe me when I say I am truly sorry." He squeezed her hand, a loving smile spread across his lips. "I know you will never lie to me. I am offering you a second chance - just bring back my old happy Marissa." Juan strided in with a lopsided smile. "Don't fret, Father, you can trust Marissa." "Son..." Miguel's face registered shock. "Son... I know, and I believe in both of you. All my children are my pride," he spoke
Marissa came downstairs, a mischievous grin lighting up her face as she neared the dining room. Daniella and Juan were getting ready to sit down at the dinner table. Marissa hurriedly claimed Daniella's seat. "Good morning, sister-in-law. Could you take my seat? Juan and I have an important matter to discuss," In a sly tone, she said. Daniella, smiling slightly, replied, "Why not?" Juan took his seat and paid no attention to her. Marissa found herself in a bit of a standoff with Carlos as he questioned her move to separate the newly engaged couple. She brushed it off with a nonchalant mutter, "What?" "Why split them up? Can't this wait till after breakfast?" Carlos mouthed. "Why can't I sit near Juan? After all, he will be abandoning us after getting married to his beloved Dani?" Marissa retorted. Carlos clarified, "No, Juan's not leaving. He'll be staying with us." Rolling her eyes at the response, Marissa insisted, "Dani, come on over and take your spot." Daniella, however,