"Already a week," Marissa said, resting her head on Juan's chest after another intimate moment. "Talking about Ignacio?" he inquired. Before she could respond, a loud sound of breaking glass and a heavy thud came from downstairs, catching them both off guard. Their eyes widened in surprise. As Marissa sat up, pulling on her satin nightdress, she questioned, "What's happening downstairs?" Juan, now donning his shirt, reassured, "There are no burglars or thieves in this town," as he got out of bed, slipping into his shorts. "Mother and Father went to the city for a wedding," Marissa reminded, slipping into her flip-flops. Suddenly, a sharp gunshot pierced the air, making them both tense up. Startled, Marissa jumped out of bed, ready to scream, but Juan quickly covered her mouth. "Go to the bathroom; I'll go check," he instructed. "No, Juan, I'm coming with you," Marissa insisted, her determination clear. He nodded, understanding her stubbornness and the pressing nature of

"Marissa, please wait. I want to talk to you," Juan uttered those words while keeping up with Marissa's quick speed as she darted out of the hospital. He positioned himself in front of her, a human roadblock. "Seriously..." he began. "Ohh, big brother," she teased. "Just listen to me," he demanded. "I guess you didn't find time to tell her because of Danna. Many things are happening right now, Juan. Danna was able to sketch Daniel with the help of Carlos because he has been chasing her for a few days. And we figured out that Daniel has at least raped a third of the girls in the town. I know we are going through a lot, but tell me when are you breaking up with her? Don't worry; you can end things with her when Danna is discharged. I am sorry for the way I reacted, my love." "I am sorry, Marissa, but I am not ending things with her. I am not telling her about..." he started, but Marissa raised her hand, signaling him to stop. "Thank you," she muttered, walking away and hailing a t

After finishing her examination of Daniella in Juan's room, Dr. Santos took a moment to look at the eager faces of everyone present. With a smile, she broke the silence, saying, "Congratulations, there's going to be another Valiente." Daniella, thrilled, held Juan's hand tightly, exchanging smiles. Despite any worries, Juan managed to grin, hugging Daniella as they both realized they were going to be parents. Rosario and Miguel were overcome with joy, as Rosario leaned against Miguel, who enveloped her in a hug, and laughter bubbled up between them. "We're going to be grandparents," Rosario announced, their laughter signaling the beginning of a new chapter for the Valiente family. Marissa stood just outside the doorway, feeling a painful ache in her heart. Even though she was truly happy for her family and their joyful celebration, a wave of sadness wouldn't leave her. Tears ran down her cheeks as she watched her parents, Juan and Daniella, share hugs and kisses. Daniella, still gl

Weeks pass by in the unstoppable flow of time, like grains of sand caught in the violent grip of a desert storm Lost in thought, Marissa stared at the walls of her room, silent observers of the turmoil that had occurred since Juan picked Daniella over her, even though Marissa was the one who told the truth. Rosario entered the room, her voice full of maternal concern. "Marissa, are you okay? Why have you been distant?" She queried, worry lines wrinkling her brow. "I am fine, Mother. I haven't seen Juan in weeks. How is he?" Marissa inquired, her concern concealed under a bold front. "He went to the city with Daniella for a while, but they've returned, seem to be happy. Your father has let everyone have their way for the past weeks. Carlos is helping Danna, and Daniel has been located. He's been sent to the city's maximum-security jail. Ignacio has triumphed, but he chooses to leave for the city today in search of work," Rosario explained, putting insight on the events that occurred

Marissa Valiente saw more than half a decade slip by like a soft breeze, taking with it a range of feelings and pain that stayed with her soul. As she headed home, she was a changed person, unrecognizable to those who had known her before.Bound for her past, Marissa, changed by time, carried her transformed self as she traveled back to her origins. Her destination was her father's side, who stood at the threshold of life's end.Marissa armed with newfound strength, aimed to reclaim moments that slipped through the fingers of the past.Returning home, she journeyed through memories, determined to reconnect with her father. In this emotional reunion, she aimed to reshape their relationship, which had been affected by the passage of time; she desired to write a new chapter in their heartfelt reunion—a story that had been ruined by separation.She set out on a journey to confront her past and salvage what remained of her connection with it.Over the years, Marissa maintained connection wi