Episode 1

Fernando Lopez knew what had to be done.

He had been trained for it his whole life, but he believed that the moment to take over the family "business" would take a while.

But events were changing the course of his destiny and everything he had planned was out of his control...

...****************...

TEN YEARS BEFORE

(the death of his parents)

He was 20 years old when his parents died in a car accident.

As the oldest brother, he had to become strong to protect his brothers: Alejandro, 14 years old, and Rodrigo, only 10 years old.

The three were cared for by their paternal grandparents. Their grandmother Maria del Pilar educated them with "iron hands," but always said it was for their own good.

His grandfather, Enrique Lopez, commanded the "business", even with his failing health. He still had doubts about handing over the "organization" into the hands of his oldest grandson, even considering passing control of everything to his middle grandson, Alejandro.

All this was due to the insistence of the eldest grandson in not wanting to marry the daughter of a friend who had saved Don Enrique Lopez's life in the past, insisting on marrying his girlfriend, from school days, Valeria Garcia. A frivolous girl, who collected victories in beauty contests and dreamed of the glow of fame.

That day, a fine rain was falling on the cemetery.

Next to a grave, Fernando Lopez squeezed his eyes shut to contain his emotion.

Dressed all in black, with his jaw locked and his hands clenched, he watched the two coffins slowly descend into the earth. One next to the other. His parents...

Mourning weighed on his chest, but obligation weighed more.

At 20, Fernando Lopez was no longer just the firstborn: he would become the leader of one of the most feared organizations in Spain.

Since childhood he had been molded for this. Trained, educated, demanded. His grandfather, Don Enrique Lopez, never allowed his emotions to interfere with business.

Family above all else, honor above the heart.

And there he was, in front of the newly opened grave, dressed as a man, but feeling crushed like a boy.

"Are you ready?" Alejandro's voice broke his trance.

The "middle" brother, at 15, had red eyes, but was trying to control his emotions. Rodrigo, the youngest brother, only 10 years old, was clinging to his legs, trying to get support from his older brother.

Fernando did not answer.

Was he ready?

No.

But he would have to be...

The meeting in the main hall of the Lopez mansion took place that same night. The old mansion, built by Don Enrique in the 1950s, was more than a residence: it was a symbol of power, Lopez territory, showing dominance and power. There, under the yellowish light of the antique chandeliers, Fernando would officially take his father's place.

The main members of the organization were present. Middle-aged men with cold eyes and respectful expressions.

Fernando's eyes fell on a demure young woman, with a childlike face, sitting in an armchair in the corner of the room.

He clenched his jaw. Did they want him to marry a child?

He had Valeria Garcia, his girlfriend forever...

Fernando was prepared. If they didn't accept Valeria, he would walk away from the organization. Their love was much more important...

Elena Gutierrez was just a child of only 10 years old.

Dressed like an adult, behaving like a respectable woman.

Elena wore a discreet cream dress, dark hair tied up high with only a few curls loose in an attempt to appear older.

Her eyes followed him with devotion, watching every gesture and every word. She was his betrothed since the cradle.

She was his betrothed and nothing could change that. A pact sealed between families, an agreement between men.

Elena was the daughter of Arturo Gutierrez, one of Dom Henrique Lopez's right-hand men. The girl was being educated and prepared to become Fernando Lopez's wife.

While he dreamed of freedom, of the organization and of Valeria Garcia, his beloved girlfriend, who was passionate about her own dreams of greatness.

Little Elena studied etiquette, languages, household management, dance and being docile and obedient.

There was never any doubt for her, she knew what was coming and accepted it with dreamy devotion.

What Elena didn't know or perhaps knew and pretended to ignore, was that Fernando's heart belonged to another: Valeria Garcia, who was the opposite of Elena.

Valeria was spontaneous, uninhibited, impulsive...

She had an easy laugh and blatant ambition. Daughter of a decadent businessman in the textile sector. She met Fernando in college and they have never separated since. She enchanted him and with that, she conquered his devotion. The heir to the Lopes family would be her springboard to the recognition she deserved.

When she was forbidden to be by her boyfriend's side at his parents' wake, she was not discouraged, she had confidence in Fernando's love for her.

Fernando had a fight with his grandfather. He tried to explain that his heart belonged to Valeria and he would not be happy marrying Elena, a child without any attractions. But it was in vain.

In 10 years she would be 20 years old and he would be 30, it would be the officialization of the union between them and the strengthening of the organization.

During this period, Dom Henrique would personally train Fernando to take control of everything.

Fernando lived the next 10 years between the business of the organization and the pleasures that his girlfriend Valeria provided him. With the certainty that his grandfather would release him from this ridiculous union with Elena, a child without Valeria's vivacity.

A child, who had a thin body that looked more like a board. This was the image that he kept in his memory, that of a girl without curves and as serious as an old woman.

During this period, Fernando Lopez showed off in high society always alongside Valeria Garcia who loved jewelry and exclusive models... Fernando always enchanted her with the most expensive treats. The girlfriend knew the weight of the Lopez surname and wherever she went, she made it clear what would happen if her wishes were not satisfied.

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