Let’s go, Mateo, you’re already late. Sebastián Montemayor runs through the corridors of the mansion looking for old clothes. Mateo, 8 years old, appears carrying a torn shirt. Dad, is he really going to work? Of course, mijo. Today we are going to find out who has a real heart. But why can’t we go in normal clothes? Because when people see us well dressed, they act differently.

Today we are going to see who really helps. Sebastian takes dirt from the garden and gets dirty. Mateo laughs while his dad ruffles their hair. Hey, now yes. No one is going to recognize us. They take the simplest car from the garage and go to the Zócalo. Sebastian picks a little corner on the sidewalk near the subway exit.

Do you remember the plan? We are hungry and we have nowhere to sleep. The first people run by. A woman in high heels looks the other way. A man in a suit throws a coin at them nonstop. An hour passes. Mateo is discouraged. Dad, people are very bad. No, my son, it’s just that everyone is in a hurry, but we’re going to find someone special. Another hour passes.

Several people throw coins at them without looking, others pretend not to see them. Mateo is already getting sad when a woman stands in front of them. He is young in his mid-twenties, wearing a blue cleaning uniform and worn tennis shoes. His face is tired, but his eyes are tender.

Are they hungry? Sebastian and Matthew are surprised. He is the first person who really stops to talk. The woman bends down until she is at the height of both of them, not caring that her pants are going to get dirty on the floor. Wait for me a little bit. He opens a spent bag and counts crumpled coins and bills.

280 pesos is all I have for the next two days. But he looks at Mateo with affection. Children cannot be left hungry. Mateo whispers in his father’s ear. She is just like my mother in heaven. Sebastian’s throat gets a lump. This woman has just given all her money to strangers. Thank you very much, miss. What is your name? Hope. Esperanza Hernández.

What about you? I am Roberto and this is Mateo. Esperanza smiles at the boy. Hello, Mateo. How old are you? Eight, Aunt Hope. Oh, what a polite child. There’s a bakery there on that corner. Buy Matthew something to eat. Yes. He gets up adjusting his bag. And you, miss, aren’t you going to lunch?” Esperanza shrugs. Oh, I manage as best I can.

The important thing is that the child does not go hungry. I have to go back to work, otherwise my boss will kill me. But when I leave at 6 I’ll come back here to see if they need anything else. Sebastian can’t believe it. Not only did he give them all his money, but he promised to return. Thank you very much, Mrs. Esperanza. You are an angel. Oh, not at all.

I just did what anyone else would do. You help those who can, right? Esperanza enters the commercial building waving goodbye. Sebastián pulls Mateo. Come, we have to change quickly. Clean clothes are put in the car. In 5 minutes they are normal, without a hint of dirt. We’re going to go in where he works. I want to see what kind of person he is when he’s not helping beggars.

At the gate, Sebastian asks where the cleaning company is. Third floor, but right now they are working. Plus quick information. Upstairs they find Esperanza talking to a big and very serious guard. Please, Don Aurelio, don’t run them out. They were a father with his little son. Poor. The child is small.

Esperanza, you know that it is the order of the administration. The beggars scare away customers. I know, I know, but when I get out I’m going to help you find a place to sleep, just don’t kick you out right now. And if the administrator sees them, I lose my job. I take responsibility. If someone complains, I tell them that I asked them to leave them. Sebastian and Matthew listen hidden behind a column.

You gave them money, right? Yes. All the money for my lunch for the next two days. But what was he going to do? The boy looked like he hadn’t eaten in a long time. Hope, you’re too good. You have almost no money even for yourself. If you don’t help when you can, who is going to help? The guard sighs. It is ok.

I let them stay until you leave, but if someone complains, I’ll take care of it. Thank you, Don Aurelio. You have a very good heart. Esperanza returns to work pushing a cleaning cart. Sebastián observes her working, cleans each table carefully, arranges everything with great respect. Mateo pulls his dad’s sleeve. Dad, are you crying? Sebastian runs his hand over his eyes.

We have already found the person we were looking for, mijo. At 6 o’clock Esperanza gets out of the elevator. She is more tired with a sweaty uniform and her feet hurting. Even so, he stops in goal. Don Aurelio, are you still out there? Yes, they are. The father sent for thanks. They have already managed to buy food for the child. That’s nice.

I’m going to stop by before I go home. Esperanza goes out and looks for Sebastián and Mateo. He does not find them in the morning place and worries. Sebastian makes a quick decision. Matthew, come. Let’s talk to her. Approach. Esperanza turns around in surprise. Hey, what a difference.

They are already clean with good clothes. Did they manage to bathe somewhere? Yes. An acquaintance let us use his shower. Sebastian lies, feeling terrible. That’s nice. Have you bought Mateo food yet? We already bought. The boy ate very well. Mateo looks confused by all the lies, but he remains silent. It gives me great pleasure. And now they have a place to sleep today. We are still half lost.

I’m from Guadalajara. I came to look for a job. My name is Roberto Silva. I’m a salesman, but I’ve been out of work for several months now. Esperanza shakes her head. It’s very difficult. Even more so with a child. Do they have anywhere to stay today? The simple truth is not. We were seeing if we could get a place in a hostel.

Look, I don’t have a lot of space there in my house, but there’s a couch in the living room. If you want, you can stay there today. Tomorrow we’ll see how we do it. Sebastian is stunned. This woman is offering her own house to strangers. Are you sure? We don’t want to bother at all.

You help those you can and Mateo is very polite, he is not going to be a bother. Mateo smiles. Aunt Hope, you are very good. Oh, how nice. Do you like cartoons, Matthew? Yes, I like them, especially Spider-Man. What a cool. I have pay TV in my house. You can watch as I make them a little dinner.

Sebastián remembers the promise he made to his wife two years ago in the hospital. Pale pigeon on the bed holding his hand. Sebastian, promise me one thing. Find a real mom for Mateo. Not a woman who wants our money, a mother of adveras. I promise you, love. The memory passes quickly. Sebastián looks at Esperanza talking to Mateo about cartoons and feels that he has already found what he was looking for.

Doña Esperanza, are you sure we are not going to bother? I’m sure. And don’t tell me anymore, ma’am, I’m 26 years old. Sorry, hope. That’s better. Come on. My house is far away. Let’s take the truck. On the trip, Sebastián observes Esperanza greeting the driver, helping a grandmother, playing with a crying child.

The house of hope is small, two rooms in a neighborhood, simple, but clean and well organized. Forgive me for being so small, but it is clean and has everything that is needed. It’s great, Esperanza. Thank you very much for having us. Not at all. Sit on the couch with Matthew. I’m going to make them dinner. Sebastián observes the house without luxuries, but arranged with great affection.

Plants in the windows, family photos, colorful cushions. Dad, Matthew whispers, why don’t we tell him the truth? She is very good. Sebastian doesn’t know what to answer. How do you explain to a child that they are proving the goodness of someone by pretending to be poor? It’s complicated, mijo, we’re going to tell you, but as soon as it’s okay.

When? Sebastian doesn’t know. He just knows that he is falling in love with a woman who doesn’t even know his real name. Three months later. Sebastián invented that he got a job as a salesman and that they live in a boarding house. He actually spends all his days off with hope. Matthew adapted to the double life. In private school he is the millionaire’s little son.

With hope it is just Mateo, a normal child. Today is Sunday. Sebastian is in Esperanza’s house helping with the food. Roberto, move the beans and I’m going to season the chicken. Sebastián moves the beans looking at hope. She turns simple ingredients into a tasty meal. Esperanza, can I ask you something? Of course.

Why did you really help us that day? Esperanza, stop seasoning the chicken. Do you want the pretty answer or the one with adveras? that of Adeveras. Because I have already gone through needs, Roberto, many needs. I know what it’s like to be hungry, to have nowhere to sleep. Tears fill in his eyes. When I was 15 years old, my mother died. My dad had died when I was a baby.

I went to live with an aunt who didn’t want me, I went to work and kept my salary. And how did you manage to get ahead? Working on whatever came out. Cleaning, cooking, sales. I lived in a hostel until I was able to rent this little house. No one ever helped you when you were going through work. Some people did help me, humble people who shared the little I had.

That’s why, when I see someone who needs it, I can’t pretend to be unaware of it. That’s why you helped us, because I know that life can change from one day to the next. Everyone deserves a chance. Mateo runs in. Mom, Esperanza, the cartoon is over. Esperanza laughs and hugs the boy. So, let’s eat. Mom, Hope. Sebastián repeats surprised.

He started calling me that last week. Esperanza turns red. I told her that she didn’t have to call me that, but I like to call her mother hope. When you marry her, she’s going to be my mom of adeveras. Sebastián and Esperanza look at each other without knowing what to say. Matthew, go wash your hands. Esperanza says she is still red. The child leaves.

Esperanza and Sebastián are left alone in the kitchen. Sorry, I didn’t tell him to talk like that. You don’t have to apologize. Sebastian approaches. The truth is, I’ve been thinking about that too. Ah, really, Esperanza, these three months have been the best of my life. You reminded me how beautiful it is to have a family. Sebastian is being sincere, even though he is lying about his identity, his feelings are true.

Me too, Roberto, you and Mateo filled my life with joy. They kiss for the first time in the tiny kitchen with the smell of food in the air. After lunch they go to the roof of the house. Mateo plays with carts while Sebastian and Esperanza talk. Hope. You’ve never wanted to get out of here, to go to a better place. Here’s my best place.

Esperanza points to the surrounding houses. This community welcomed me when I had nothing. Doña Remedios lent me dishes when I changed. Don Antonio entrusted me with food when I was without money. Here we are family of each other. When someone is going through jobs, we all help.

When someone is happy, we all celebrate together. Sebastian had never thought about that. In the mansion he hardly knows the neighbors. You are very special, Esperanza. I’m not special. I learned that you help those you can and that money is not everything in life. Sebastian feels a pang of guilt. He’s lying to the most honest person he’s ever met.

Hope. I need to tell you something. What? Sebastian stops. You can’t. I love you. Esperanza smiles. I love you too, Roberto. They kiss while Mateo shouts with joy while playing. For the first time in two years, Sebastian feels complete, but in the back of his mind a voice whispers to him. How to tell him the truth without losing everything? Sebastian decided to tell her everything today.

He can’t stand the lies anymore. He arranged to have dinner with her in a simple restaurant downtown. Mateo is excited because Sebastian told him that after dinner he can tell him the special secret. Esperanza arrives beautiful wearing a dress that Sebastian had never seen. Hey, you’re beautiful. That dress is new. Yes, I bought it this week. I spent money I didn’t have, but I wanted to be pretty for you today.

Sebastian’s heart shrinks. She spent money she didn’t have for him, not knowing that he could buy her a thousand identical dresses. You are always beautiful. You didn’t have to spend money. I wanted to spend it. You deserve it. At the restaurant Mateo is impressed. Dad, what a beautiful place. He even has waiters in ties. Esperanza laughs.

It is very elegant. You shouldn’t have spent so much, Roberto. Sebastian takes a deep breath. Esperanza, I need to tell you something very important. What happened? You’re very weird. It’s about who I really am. Mateo shifts in his chair. Now you’re going to say, “Dad, Dad.” Esperanza repeats confused.

Mateo, why did you call Roberto dad? Sebastian takes his hand. Hope. My real name is not Roberto Silva, it is Sebastián Montemayor. Sebastián Montemayor. How? I am the owner of Constructora Montemayor. I’m a millionaire. Hope. The face of hope turns pale, he takes his hand off the table.

How’s that? That day in the Zócalo, Mateo and I were doing a test. We disguise ourselves as beggars to see who really has a good heart. Esperanza is left without being able to process. They were pretending. They lied to me all this time. Esperanza, I can explain to you. He gets up with his legs shaking. You lied to me for three months. You made me look like a fool. It was not like that. Mateo gets up scared.

Mom, Esperanza, don’t be angry. Matthew, did you know too? Esperanza asks with a broken voice. The boy looks at his father without knowing what to answer. Hope, sit down. Let me explain. Explain what? That you played with me, that you made me your experiment. I never played with you, I fell in love.

How can you talk about love? You don’t know me. Do you know a fool who believed your lies? People are beginning to look around. Esperanza realizes and feels more humiliated. I gave you all the money I had, everything. I went hungry to help them and it was all a lie. Hope, you don’t understand. Yes, I understand.

She takes the bag with tears running. I understand that you are a rich man who had fun making a fool of a poor woman. Mom, Esperanza, don’t go. Mateo screams crying. Esperanza looks at the boy and her heart breaks. For a moment hesitate, “Mateo, my love, mom hope has to go, but you said you were going to be my mom forever.

Hope be, sorry, my love. Sorry.” He runs away, leaving Sebastian and Matthew on the table. The child cries loudly. Sebastian pays quickly and goes out with Mateo. He is looking for hope, but he has already disappeared among the people. Dad, why did Mama Esperanza leave? Because Dad did something very bad, my son. In the house, Rodolfo Montemayor waits in the living room, he sees Sebastián enter with Mateo crying.

What happened? Why is the child crying? Nothing you need to know. Sebastian, I’m your dad. I have a right to know. Mateo stops crying. Grandfather. Mama Esperanza is gone. She found out that Dad lied to her. Mama Esperanza, who is that? Sebastian sighs. A woman I knew. A special woman.

What kind of woman? A cleaning girl. A cleaning girl I love. Rodolfo’s face turns red. You’re dating a maid and I’m not with her anymore, she broke up with me. Rodolfo smiles coldly. Good thing that clownishness is over. Dad, don’t talk like that. Sebastian, you are heir to an empire.

You can’t go around playing Romeo and Juliet with an employee. She is not an employee. She’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. It was already over. It’s better that way. Sebastian takes Mateo and goes up to the room leaving Rodolfo alone. Rodolfo stands there thinking, “Take the phone. Well, Leticia, I need you to investigate a certain Esperanza Hernández, a cleaning girl.

I want to know where he lives, where he works, everything. And I want it tomorrow morning.” Rodolfo hangs up with an evil smile. If your child doesn’t have the right to end this story, he’s going to take action. The next morning, Rodolfo is in the office when Secretary Leticia enters with a folder.

Mr. Rodolfo, here is the information about Esperanza Hernández. Close the door and tell me everything. Leticia sits down. Esperanza Hernández, 26 years old. She works at the company Limpieza Total. He has lived in Nesaalcoyotl and the orphaned family since he was 15. She has no relatives, earns minimum wage, lives tightly, but has no large debts. Rodolfo shakes his head, perfect to be interested.

He must have seen Sebastian and thought, “Here’s my luck.” Actually, sir, Leticia hesitates. Everyone speaks well of her in the community, helps neighbors, takes care of other people’s children. That’s pure façade, Leticia. Poor woman approaching rich man only wants one thing. Rodolfo goes to the window. My son is naïve.

He thinks people are good, but I know how the world works. What do you want me to do? I want you to go to the company where he works. You present yourself as a housewife looking for a cleaning girl. You offer him a job. But for what? If he is far from Sebastian, he will forget about him.

And if it’s close to me, I control the situation. Leticia scores. How much do I offer you? 15,000 pesos a month, much more than what he earns. You will not be able to refuse it. And if you suspect what, you are Mrs. Silvia, wife of a businessman. Nothing strange. Rodolfo smiles evilly. And Leticia, don’t mention my name, this is our secret.

Meanwhile, Esperanza is at the home of Doña Remedios, her 70-year-old neighbor. Girl, what face is that? Didn’t you sleep at all? Esperanza’s eyes are swollen from crying. I couldn’t sleep, Doña Remedios. I kept thinking about everything. Tell me well. Yesterday you just came crying. Esperanza tells the whole story.

The meeting in the zócalo, the three months of courtship, the discovery of the lie. He deceived me all this time. It made me look like a fool. But, wait, the man lied about the money, but he also lied about the feelings. How am I going to know if he lied about something? He may have lied about everything. Doña Remedios shakes her head. Esperanza, I saw you these three months. You were happy like never before. And Matthew, he was pretending too.

Mateo is just a child. Exactly. Children don’t know how to pretend. If I called you Mom, I was really sorry. Esperanza wipes her eyes. But how can you trust a person who started it all with lies? I’m not telling you to forgive just like that, just that maybe things aren’t that simple. Yes, they are simple. He is rich.

I am poor. For him I was a game. Someone knocks on the door. Doña Remedios opens the door and sees a well-dressed woman. Good afternoon. The lady knows Esperanza Hernández. This is me. Esperanza rises. Need anything? That’s nice. I’m Silvia. I’m looking for a cleaning girl to work in my house. It was recommended to me. Who recommended me? Leticia improvises.

Mrs. Marcia, who works in the building where you cleaned. Ah, yes. Esperanza doesn’t remember, but she doesn’t ask. Work is Monday through Friday, 8 hours a day. I pay 15,000 pesos a month. Esperanza opens her eyes. 15,000. That’s right. It’s a big house, but I travel a lot. Most of the time she is left alone. Doña Remedios elbows Esperanza. Girl, 15,000 pesos.

Esperanza needs the money a lot. He lost his job because he was a long way from being with Sebastián. You need references. No, Mrs. Marcia has already spoken well of you. It can start tomorrow. Esperanza doubts, but necessity prevails. Yes, I can. Leticia gives him the address in Polanco at 8 o’clock. Ask for Mr. Gilberto.

After Leticia leaves, Doña Remedio celebrates. 15,000 pesos hope. It is more than double. It’s weird. Why would someone who doesn’t know me pay me so much? Stop being suspicious. You deserve this opportunity. Esperanza smiles for the first time. He’s right. I’m going to take advantage of it. Meanwhile, Sebastian is in the room with Matthew.

The boy does not stop asking about Mama Esperanza. Dad, aren’t you going to go get it? It’s not that easy, my son. Mama Esperanza is angry with me, but you can ask her for forgiveness. I tried yesterday, remember? He didn’t want to listen to me. Matthew is silent thinking, “Dad, why did you lie to him?” Sebastian sighs because he wanted to be sure that he really loved us, not for the money. But she helped us when she thought we were poor.

That doesn’t prove it’s good. Sebastián is surprised by his son’s logic. Yes, he proves it. So why don’t you go get her and tell her you were silly? Mateo, Dad, if you don’t look for Mom hope, I’m going to stay sad forever. Sebastian hugs his son. It is ok. I’m going to think about how to talk to her.

Promise? Promise. But Sebastian has no idea how he’s going to achieve that. The next day, Esperanza arrives at 8 a.m. at Polanco’s mansion. It is huge, with gardens and an electric gate. The guard calls inside. The new cleaning girl arrived. Enter through the service door.

A 50-year-old man, well-dressed and with a serious face, receives her. Are you hope? Yes, sir. I am Mr. Gilberto. I’m going to explain the rules. Esperanza doesn’t realize it, but it’s Rodolfo Montemayor in disguise. She changed her haircut and wears different glasses. First, here we work seriously. No slacking. Yes, sir. Second, I am very demanding.

If I tell him to do something three times, he does it without complaining. Esperanza finds the tone strange, but she needs the work. Third, he does not talk to other employees. Here we work in silence. Understood? Rodolfo shows him the house. 12 rooms, eight bathrooms, three living rooms, much larger than anywhere I’ve ever worked. It will start with the dining room.

I want everything shining. Esperanza takes the material and begins. He cleans the table of caa, wipes each chair, organizes the glassware. An hour later, Rodolfo returns. What a bad cleaning is this? Look, here’s a little stain. Hope. Look, it’s a microscopic mark. Excuse me, Mr. Gilberto, I’m going to clean again.

It’s to get it right the first time. Do it all over again. Esperanza redoes all the cleaning. One more hour of work. Rodolfo returns and finds another flaw. The chairs are not aligned and there is dust on the lamp. But I cleaned the lamp. He’s contradicting me. No, sir, sorry. Esperanza limpias for the third time. His back already hurts and it’s barely 10 in the morning.

At lunchtime, Rodolfo tells him to eat in the service area. The employees’ food is in the refrigerator. 15 minutes. Esperanza opens and finds just a simple sandwich and juice. Eat quickly and return to work. In the afternoon, Rodolfo invents another humiliation. Esperanza, I dropped a plate in the kitchen. Clean.

In the kitchen, food scattered on the floor. It is obvious that he threw it away on purpose. Clean it thoroughly. I don’t even want a little friend. Esperanza bends down and cleans everything. Rodolfo stares at him with a cruel smile. People like you are born to serve people like us. No. Hope stops and looks at him. Send nothing. Keep cleaning. In the bus back home, Esperanza talks to Doña Remedios.

How was your first day? Difficult. The pattern is very demanding, but that’s okay, isn’t it? For the salary it is worth putting up with it. Yes, I think so, but Esperanza has a bad feeling. On the second day, Rodolfo increases the chase. The bathroom of the suite is a piggery. Go and let it shine. Hope rises. The bathroom is clean, but it gets the job done.

When he finishes, Rodolfo appears with dirty shoes and steps on the wet floor. Look at what a pig. Do it again. But you just soiled it. She is accusing me, Esperanza takes a deep breath. No, sir, I’m going to clean up. On the third day it gets worse. Today I want all the windows washed inside and out. There are more than 50 windows. Esperanza works under the strong sun.

In the middle of the afternoon, Rodolfo throws dirty water on a clean window. Ups! What an oversight! You’re going to have to wash it again. Esperanza looks at him with tears in her eyes, but says nothing. What’s the matter? People of his class cannot complain about honest work. Esperanza clenches her fists, but continues. He needs the work.

Rodolfo thinks, “In a week she’s going to be so broken that she’s not even going to remember my son.” At the end of the day, Esperanza arrives home devastated. Girl, what happened to you? You’re terrible. Doña Remedios, that man is not normal. It humiliates me all day. Every rich pattern is kind of weird, you have to put up with it. It’s not just weird, it’s like he likes to see me suffer. Esperanza doesn’t know she’s right.

A week later, Esperanza is cleaning the room when she finds a photo on the table. It’s from a toddler, about 5 years old with Chinese hair. He takes the photo and his heart stops. It’s Mateo. He found something interesting. Esperanza turns around. Rodolfo is at the door with an evil smile. I know this child. He knows it.

Rodolfo enters the room. Interesting. Where do you know my grandson from? His grandson. Esperanza feels her legs bend. You are Rodolfo Montemayor, Sebastián’s father. Nice to meet you officially. Esperanza drops the photo. Did you know who I was? Of course he knew.

He thinks it was a coincidence, but why? Because I wanted him to know what his place in the world is. Rodolfo approaches intimidatingly. My son was excited about you, but I know what you are. An opportunist who saw a rich man and thought he won the lottery. Not true, is it? So why did he agree to work here for 15,000? Why didn’t he turn down when I offered him more than he’s worth? Esperanza remains without an answer. That’s what I thought. You are the same as everyone else. Just think about money.

You don’t know me. I know his type very well. My son is naïve, but I know how the world works. The front door opens. Sebastian comes in yelling, “Dad, I need to talk to you about hope.” Sebastian stands in the middle of the room shocked. Esperanza, what are you doing here? Working for his dad.

Where else was a cleaning girl going to be? The voice of hope is full of pain. Son Rodolfo says theatrically, this is hope, an excellent employee, very dedicated. Sebastián looks at his father at Esperanza. Dad, did you know it was her? Of course. And I hired her precisely for that.

How? Because I wanted to show both of us what her place is in our family. Esperanza takes the bucket and the rag. If you allow me, I need to finish my work. Hope. Hold on. Sebastian tries to talk. We have nothing to talk about, boss. You already said everything yesterday in the restaurant, but I can explain it to you. Explain what? That he brought me to his father’s house to humiliate me more, to show that I am only an employee. I didn’t know you were working here. I didn’t know.

Esperanza laughs bitterly. Of course not, because a millionaire was going to worry about a poor cleaning girl. Rodolfo observes satisfied. Hope. Sebastian tries to get closer. Listen. No. Esperanza walks away. I’ve heard too much. I heard lies for three months, but there are no ifs and buts. Now I know where my place is. His dad made it very clear to me.

Esperanza goes to the kitchen. Sebastian follows her. My dad doesn’t represent what I think. No. So why didn’t he say anything when he said that my place is to serve you? Sebastián is left without an answer. That’s what I thought. Esperanza shakes her head. You are the same. We are not equal. Yes, they are.

The only difference is that his dad, at least, is honest about his contempt. Esperanza grabs her things and goes to the door. Where are you going? I’m leaving. I’m not going to stay being humiliated by you. And work. Esperanza stops and looks at Sebastian. Stay with the job. I may be poor, but I still have dignity. He comes out slamming the door.

Sebastian stays in the living room with his father. You see, Rodolfo says, “I told you I just wanted money. At the first difficulty he left. You did this on purpose. Yes, I did and I would do it again. Now you saw his true character. Sebastián looks at his father with disgust. The only character I saw was you humiliating a working woman.

Sebastian, I don’t want to talk anymore. Sebastián leaves leaving Rodolfo alone, but satisfied. Esperanza will never want to hear from her son again. In the following days, Rodolfo sets in motion the second part of the plan. He knows that Sebastian still loves Esperanza and can try to win her back. It needs to plant poison on both sides.

Rodolfo goes to Nesahualcoyotl, leaves the luxury car far away and walks to Esperanza’s house. Esperanza, I’m Rodolfo Montemayor. Esperanza opens the door with an ugly face. What do you want here? I want to talk. Can I come in? he can talk right there. I came to tell him something important. Esperanza crosses her arms. What? My son is engaged to Fernanda Aranda. They are going to get married in December.

Esperanza feels a stab in the chest, but she doesn’t show it. And what does that have to do with me? Nothing. I just thought I should know so that he wouldn’t get his hopes up. Rodolfo takes out his cell phone and shows him photos. They are images of Sebastián with a beautiful woman at social events. These photos are from last night.

They went together to the opening of a restaurant. Esperanza looks at the photos. Sebastian is smiling next to the woman. They look comfortable. Like I told him, it was just so he wouldn’t get his hopes up. I’m not getting my hopes up about anything. Perfect, then we understand each other. Rodolfo leaves behind hope. She doesn’t know that the photos are from two years ago before she met her.

On the same day, Rodolfo looks for Sebastián at the company. Son, I need to tell you about that cleaning girl. I don’t want to talk about hope. But you need to know something. He goes around saying that you were boyfriend and girlfriend. Sebastian raises his eyes. What is he saying that you promised to marry her? He’s using your name to get things.

What kind of things? Loans. Trusted in the market. I’m getting calls from people collecting their debts. Sebastian frowns. I don’t think she would do that. Sebastian, you are naïve. He saw the opportunity and is taking advantage of it. Rodolfo shows him papers. See here, three loans in your name. He forged your signature. The papers are fake, but Sebastian doesn’t know it.

He said they were getting married and you would pay later. Sebastian takes the papers, incredulous. I can’t believe it, so believe it. And there is more. He is telling the neighbors that you are the father of the child he is expecting. Which child is pregnant, Sebastian? And he goes around saying that you are the father. Sebastian turns pale. Pregnant.

Yes, but don’t worry. They call to investigate. The dad is a guy I hung out with before I met you. Sebastian feels shocked. You see why she didn’t want you to mess with her. People like that only bring problems. I can’t believe it. Sebastian, you met her pretending to be poor. Now it is being used to get ahead. Sebastian feels confused.

On the one hand, he doesn’t want to believe. On the other, the evidence seems convincing. What should I do? Nothing. Ignore it completely. Soon he will get tired and go looking for another fool. Meanwhile, Esperanza is at Doña Remedios’s house. He showed me photos of Sebastian with a beautiful woman. They are going to get married in December. Oh, girl, how sad. I already knew it, Doña Remedios.

Rich men don’t marry cleaning girls, but you said he loved you. Love. Esperanza laughs bitterly. He was just playing with me. Now he returned to reality. What if you are going to talk to him, to explain your side? There is nothing to explain. He lied. I found out. It’s over. Esperanza wipes her eyes. It’s better that way. I was never going to fit into his world.

Don’t say that. It’s the truth. I’m a cleaning girl. He is a millionaire. That doesn’t exist in the real world. Esperanza does not know that Sebastian is suffering as much as she is and that all the information is Rodolfo’s lies. The villain’s plan is working perfectly. Two weeks later, Rodolfo realizes that the plan is not complete.

Sebastian is still sad. Ask employees for hope. Mateo does not stop crying asking for mother hope. I need to deliver the final blow. think of something that will make Sebastian really hate her. He calls Leticia. I need another favor. What is it, Lord? I want you to look for Esperanza again.

Make up any story and bring it here. He will not want to return. Yes, he will want to. Offer him $25,000 to do weekend cleanup. A poor woman cannot be denied. On Saturday, Leticia rings the doorbell of Esperanza’s house. Hope. I’m Silvia, remember? Esperanza opens suspiciously. What do you want? I have a proposal. Weekend work. 25000 for two days.

Esperanza opens her eyes. 25000. Yes. My husband is throwing a party on Monday. I need the house to be perfect. Esperanza hesitates, she knows it’s risky, but 25,000 is a lot of money. What kind of work? General cleaning, polishing silver, crystals, organizing everything. Heavy, but well paid.

And Mr. Gilberto is going to be there, isn’t he? He went on a trip, just me and you in the house. Esperanza takes a deep breath. I do. On Saturday morning, Esperanza arrives at the mansion. Leticia teaches him what he has to do. You’re going to start with the dining room, then the living room. Mr. Gilberto wants everything perfect. I thought he had gone on a trip. He left, but left instructions.

Esperanza begins to work, cleans the entire room, polishes each silver object, organizes the windows. In the middle of the afternoon, Leticia disappears without warning. Esperanza is still alone. At 5 o’clock, Rodolfo appears in the room. He has a very expensive gold watch in his hand. Hope, it’s good that you came. Esperanza gets tense. I thought he had gone on a trip. Change of plans.

I came to look for some things. Rodolfo puts his watch on the table and leaves. Keep working. Don’t worry about me. Esperanza finishes the living room and goes to look for material in the kitchen. When he returns, the clock is no longer on the table. How strange, he thinks. He must have taken it.

At 6 o’clock hope is ending when Rodolfo returns accompanied by Sebastián. Son, I came to teach you something important. Sebastián enters and sees Esperanza. Esperanza, what are you doing here? Laboring. Mrs. Silvia hired me for special cleaning. What Mrs. Silvia? Rodolfo interrupts. Sebastian, that’s not why I called you. He looks at Esperanza feigning concern.

Esperanza, where is the clock I left on this table? Which watch? A gold watch that I put here before leaving. Very valuable. I do not know. When I returned from the kitchen I was no longer here. Interesting. Rodolfo pretends to think. It was just you and me in the house. Esperanza gets nervous. He’s implying that I took it.

I’m not insinuating anything, I just see the clock disappeared. Sebastian observes without understanding. Can I check your bag? Rodolfo asks. Of course. Check everything. Esperanza takes the bag and puts it on the table. You can review. Rodolfo opens the bag and checks things. Suddenly he pulls the gold watch out of it. Just look at what I found.

Esperanza is paralyzed. I didn’t put that there. Someone put it in. Like this. And who would it be? You. You put it in. I. Rodolfo feigns indignation. Why would I do that? Sebastián looks at the clock in his father’s hand, then at Esperanza. Esperanza, how did this watch get into your bag? I don’t know. I swear I didn’t take it. Sebastián Rodolfo says in a sad voice, I’m sorry you have to see this, but now you know who she really is.

I didn’t steal. He put all this together. Sebastián looks into the eyes of hope. For a second hesitate, but his dad’s weeks of lies take effect. Hope, I’m disappointed. I thought you were different. Sebastian, do you really think I would do this? The evidence is here. Esperanza feels that the world is coming down on her. So, that’s it.

After everything we went through, you believe your dad and not me. Hope. No, take your stuff. You don’t need to say anything else. I already understood everything. Esperanza goes to the door. Where are you going? I’m leaving and this time it’s forever. He comes out slamming the door. Sebastian stands still with his dad. Son, I know it’s difficult, but it was better to find out now. She seemed so sincere.

People like that are good at pretending. That’s why I warned you from the beginning. Sebastian shakes his head confused and devastated. Come, let’s go. Rodolfo puts his hand on his son’s shoulder. Tomorrow I’ll buy a cell phone for Mateo. It’s going to help you distract yourself. They leave the room. Rodolfo hides Victoria’s smile. His plan worked perfectly.

Now Sebastian will never want to see Esperanza in his life again. Outside the mansion, Esperanza walks down the street crying. She feels like she lost everything, the love of her life and trust in a world where she believed good always won. But what she doesn’t know is that an 8-year-old boy was listening to everything from the stairs.

And Mateo Montemayor has just discovered that his grandfather is a very bad person. A month after the clock trap, Esperanza is in a desperate situation. Rodolfo spread throughout the city that she is a thief. No company wants to hire her. Sorry, Esperanza, but I can’t give you a job. Says Don Ronaldo, owner of a small company. I got a call saying you steal from the bosses.

But, Don Ronaldo, you have known me for years. Yes, I know you, but I can’t risk my company. Esperanza comes out of there shattered. It is the fifth company to reject it this week. At home, Doña Remedios is worried. Girl, aren’t you eating well? You’re very skinny, I’m not hungry. What do you mean you don’t have one? You have hardly eaten in the last few days.

Esperanza only gets loose cleaning jobs for 100, 150 pesos. He barely has enough to buy food. Doña Remedios, I think I’m going to have to go back to the village. How? I can’t get a job here. I’m going to have to go. But girl, your life is here. What a life! Nobody gives me a job. I’m in need. Esperanza feels a strong pain in her stomach and gets dizzy.

Doña Remedios runs to support her. Esperanza, what happened to you? I’m kind of dizzy. It must be from hunger. Doña Remedios makes him tea, but the dizziness does not go away. Esperanza faints on the couch. Help, someone help me! Neighbors take hope to the health center.

Doña Esperanza, when was your last menstruation? The doctor asks. About two months ago, doctor. But it must be stress. I’m going to ask for a blood test. Due to the symptoms, the lady may be pregnant. An hour later, the result confirms it. Esperanza is one month pregnant. Doctor, are you sure? Completely congratulations. Esperanza doesn’t know whether to cry with joy or despair. She is pregnant with Sebastián, but he does not even want to see her.

Doctor, what if I am not fit to raise this child? The lady needs to eat well. Your baby needs nutrients. But I don’t have any money. The IMS covers prenatal care. But the diet has to improve urgently. Esperanza returns home with the exam in hand.

And what did the doctor say? I’m pregnant, Mrs. Remedios. Pregnant with Sebastián. It can only be his. Doña Remedios embraces Esperanza. What a joy. I’m going to be a step-grandmother. Doña Remedios, how am I going to raise a child like that? I barely have to eat. We managed, girl. We’ve always managed, but now it’s different.

He is an innocent child. Esperanza looks at the exam. How am I going to say to Sebastian, “He hates me? Son is son hope. He has a right to know. He has nothing. He’s going to think I’m inventing to get money. Esperanza keeps the exam. No one can know this, at least not for now. Meanwhile, Sebastian is in the room with Matthew.

The boy already has a new cell phone, but he is still sad. Dad, why doesn’t Mama Esperanza come anymore? Son, we already talked about this. Mama Esperanza is not coming back. But why was it so good? It’s complicated, Mateo. Sometimes people aren’t what they seem, but I’m sure she’s good. Mateo, dad, I’m going to talk to you on my cell phone. No, Sebastian speaks louder.

You’re not going to talk to him. Mateo is scared. Sorry, mijo, I didn’t mean to yell at you, but it’s better to forget Mama Esperanza. I’ll never forget. Mateo takes the cell phone and runs out in the hallway, running into his grandfather. Where are you running? I’m sad, Grandpa. Why? For Mama Esperanza. Dad says he doesn’t come back. Rodolfo bends down. It’s better that way, Matthew. She was useless.

How? He was a bad person. He tried to rob us. Mateo frowns. I don’t think so. She was always good to me. Sometimes people pretend to be good, my son. It’s not true. Mateo runs angrily into his room, turns on his cell phone and starts playing. Find out that it can record conversations. What, father, I’m going to record myself singing.

He records several things. Your own voice, noises from the house, conversations from employees. Mateo doesn’t know it, but he has just discovered a powerful weapon against his grandfather. Two weeks later, Esperanza is 2 months pregnant. He works hiding his belly, but he feels bad constantly.

Today she cleans at the house of Doña Soledad, a nice lady. Hope, are you okay? You look kind of weird. Yes, I’m fine, Doña Soledad, just tired. Want a glass of water? Something to eat? You don’t have to. In the middle of cleaning, Esperanza feels strongly nauseous and runs to the bathroom. Doña Soledad is behind. Girl, what happened to you? It must be something I ate. Esperanza, can I ask you a question? Yes.

Are you pregnant? Esperanza doubts. Doña Soledad has always been good to her. Yes, I’m here for two months. What a joy. And the father, he doesn’t know and he’s not going to know. How? Why? It’s complicated, Mrs. Soledad, we fight. He doesn’t want to see me anymore, but son is son. In this case he will not think that it is a lie to get money. Doña Soledad worries.

Esperanza, are you eating well? I’m trying. Nothing to be dealing with. You’re very skinny. Come to the kitchen. Doña Soledad, prepares a plate of food. Eat everything and take this tapper home. You don’t have to. Yes, it is necessary. And you’re going to have lunch here whenever you come to work. Esperanza is excited. Thank you so much. You are welcome. Women have to help each other.

Meanwhile, Mateo is in the garden when he hears his grandfather talking on the phone. Rodolfo is on the terrace believing that no one is listening to him. Well, Ricardo, it’s me. Yes, about that cleaning girl. They can’t give him a job in any way because he steals, that’s why it’s not gossip. I saw it with my own eyes.

Mateo hides behind a tree. Tell everyone. That woman can’t get a job anywhere. He tried to take advantage of my son. Exactly. Interested. Mateo is shocked. Her grandfather is talking badly about Mama Esperanza. If anyone asks, tell them he stole a watch here. It’s not a lie. Well, it’s not a complete lie. Mateo takes out his cell phone and starts recording.

The important thing is to keep her away from Sebastian. I can’t let my son mess with people like that. I need to protect my family from that profiteering. Mateo records everything. He doesn’t fully understand, but he knows his grandfather is being unfair. When Rodolfo hangs up, Mateo runs to his room.

I’m going to show this recording to my dad. But when she goes to look for her father, she finds him talking to Rodolfo in the living room. Sebastian, you need to stop being depressed about that woman. Dad, I loved her. You loved a lie. I just wanted your money. Still, it’s hard to forget. Forget it. Fernanda is interested in meeting you. Mateo stands at the door listening. He decides not to show the recording yet.

He wants to understand better. I don’t want to meet Fernanda or anyone else. Sebastian, you have responsibilities. You can’t be suffering for a cleaning girl. She’s not just a cleaning girl. She was was, what? An interested party. Mateo presses his cell phone. He’s recording this conversation as well. Dad, sometimes I think you exaggerated. Maybe Esperanza didn’t steal.

What do you mean? I took the watch out of its bag. Yes, but it seemed kind of weird to me. Strange. Are you doubting me? No, it’s just that nothing. I’m your dad, I just want the best for you. Mateo records everything and leaves quietly. In his room he listens to the recordings again.

Grandpa is lying to my dad and spreading lies about Mama Esperanza. Mateo doesn’t know what to do. It’s just a child against a powerful adult. But one thing she does know, Mother Hope is good and she doesn’t deserve this. I’m going to find out more and I’m going to prove that Grandpa is a liar. Mateo puts away his cell phone. Their secret mission began. Two months later.

Mateo is increasingly sad. He doesn’t eat well, he doesn’t play. He spends all his time in his room. Sebastian is worried. Matthew, what’s wrong with you? You’re very weird. Nothing, Dad. How nothing? You have hardly left the room this week. I’m playing with my cell phone. But mijo, children need to play other things, run, play soccer.

I don’t feel like it. Sebastian sits up on the bed. Mateo, are you still thinking about Mama Esperanza? Mateo looks at him with sad eyes. I always think about her. My son, we already talked about this. Dad, what if she hadn’t stolen? How? What if the grandfather had made a mistake? Sebastian is surprised.

Why do you say that? I don’t know, I’m just asking. Matthew, your grandfather saw the watch in his bag. But what if someone had put it there? My son, who would do that? Mateo almost speaks, but stops. It is not yet the time. I don’t know, I’m just imagining. Sebastian hugs his son. I know you loved her. So do I, but sometimes people let us down.

Dad, do you still love her? Sebastián hesitates. It’s complicated. But do you love her or don’t you love her? Matthew, tell the truth. Sebastian sighs. Yes, I love her, even though I know she cheated on me. Mateo is encouraged. So why don’t you go for it? Because it can’t be done anymore, my son. A lot happened, but if you love each other, she doesn’t love me anymore. After all, Mateo hugs his dad.

Dad, I’m sure Mama Esperanza still loves us. The following week, Mateo begins to get really sick. You cough a lot, you have a high fever, you can’t breathe well. Sebastian takes him to the doctor. Doctor, my son has a terrible cough. The doctor examines Matthew. It’s pneumonia. He is going to have to stay hospitalized. Boarding school. Yes.

The lung is compromised in the Mateo hospital worsens. The fever does not go down. Raves. Mama Esperanza, where is Mama Esperanza? Sebastian stays next to the bed. My son, dad is here. I want Mama Hope. She sang to me. Matthew, she can’t come. Why doesn’t he love me anymore? Sebastian doesn’t know what to answer. He sees his son fading away. Doctor, are you going to get well? We do everything we can, but it’s very down. Sometimes children respond best when the person they are looking for is present.

How are you asking for a mother hope? Would it be possible to bring it? Sebastian is left in conflict. It’s complicated, Mr. Sebastián. Your child may be in danger. If there is someone who can give him strength, Sebastian leaves desperate. He calls his dad. Dad, Mateo is very bad. Just ask for hope.

And you’re thinking of calling her. I don’t know what to do. The doctor says you can die. Sebastian, don’t do that. But what if Matthew? Mateo is going to get well, Dad. What if it doesn’t get right? Am I going to forgive myself? Rodolfo gets nervous. If Sebastián calls for hope, the plan will fall apart. Son, you’re desperate. You’re not thinking right. Maybe it’s time to think with your heart.

Sebastián hangs up, he stands in front of the hospital, he needs to make a decision. Return to the room. Mateo is worse, almost unconscious. Mama Esperanza, please come back. Sebastián can’t take it anymore. Nurse, I need to get out. Of course, sir, we will talk to you about anything. Sebastián goes straight to Nesa Coyotl.

She no longer has pride, only fear of losing her son. Knock on the door. Doña Remedios answers. Sebastian. Mrs. Remedios, I need to speak with hope. It is urgent. He is not there. He went to work. Where? At Doña Soledad’s house in Roma Norte. Sebastian takes the lead and runs away. At Doña Soledad’s house. Esperanza is cleaning when the landlady screams.

Esperanza, there’s a man who wants to talk to you. Esperanza goes to the door and sees Sebastian. His heart races. Sebastian, what are you doing here? Hope. I know you hate me, but Matthew is very sick. Matthew, what happened to him? Severe pneumonia. He is hospitalized and only asks for you. Esperanza turns pale. It is ok.

No, the doctor says you can die. Esperanza does not hesitate. Take me to the hospital now. You’re going to go after all. Sebastian, I love that child more than my life. Of course I go. Doña Soledad appears. Hope. B. I give you permission and I do not deduct you from the payment. In the car, Esperanza asks how she got sick. I do not know. I was very sad. He stopped eating, playing. Sad.

Why, Sebastian, looks at her for you. He didn’t stop asking about you for a day. Esperanza feels her heart shrink and thinks about the 4-month-old baby she is carrying in her womb. At the hospital, Esperanza runs to the room. Mateo is pale with connected devices. My god. Mateo takes her warm hand.

Mateo is Mama Esperanza. I’m here, my love. Mateo opens his eyes slowly. Mama Esperanza, did you relate? Yes, I’m back, my prince, and I’m not going away until you’re well. I thought you didn’t want me anymore. Esperanza holds back her tears. How can you think that? I love you more than anything. Really, then, why did you leave? It was an adult problem, my love, but it doesn’t matter anymore. Mateo smiles for the first time in days.

Are you going to stay here? I’m going to stay. They’re going to have to forcibly remove me. Sebastian watches from the doorway. In 5 minutes, Esperanza achieved what the doctors could not, that Mateo reacted. Mama Esperanza, will you sing me that song I like? Sure, my love.

Esperanza sings a lullaby softly. Mateo relaxes and falls asleep without delirium. The doctor arrives impressed. Hey, the vital signs improved a lot. Doctor, are you going to get well? Esperanza asks, “If it continues like this, yes. What did you do?” “Mama Esperanza arrived.” Sebastian responds.

So he’s going to have to stay at least until he recovers. Esperanza spends the night singing, telling stories, talking with Mateo. Sebastian stays on the couch watching. He sees how Esperanza takes care of her son with true love. How a person who loves so much can have stolen, he thinks. On the second day, Mateo is already better. He plays with hope, laughs, eats well.

Mom, Esperanza, why did you and my dad fight? Esperanza looks at Sebastian. It’s complicated, my love. But they love each other, don’t they, Mateo? I know they love each other. I saw it in their eyes. Esperanza turns red. Sebastian too. My son, it’s not that simple. Why not? If they love each other, they get married and that’s it. Because some things happened. What things? Things that you won’t understand.

Mateo gets serious. Dad, can I tell you a secret? What secret? It could be in front of Mama Esperanza. Can. I know that Grandpa lied about her. Sebastian tenses up. How? I heard it on the phone. He was saying that Mama Esperanza was a thief, but he said, “It’s not a lie.” Well, it’s not a complete lie. Sebastian feels like the world is spinning around for him.

Are you sure what you heard? I’m sure. And I recorded it. You recorded it. Mateo takes out his cell phone. Do you want to listen? Sebastián takes it with his hand trembling. He listens to the recording and is stunned. My God, Mateo, when was this? Then after Mama Esperanza left, Esperanza listens and is paralyzed. So it was a trap.

Esperanza, Sebastian doesn’t know what to say. You don’t need to say anything. I know you believed your dad because he’s your family, but he should have trusted you. Sebastian, leave it at that. The important thing is Mateo. I don’t leave him like that. Sebastian takes his hand. Forgive me, I was a fool. Sebastian, forgive me, please. I love you.

Esperanza looks him in the eye. I love you too. I never stopped loving you. So, are you going to come back? Mateo asks excitedly. My son, it’s complicated. It’s nothing. They love each other. I love them. Already. Esperanza laughs. If only it were that easy. Yes, it’s easy. Mama Esperanza, marry my dad. Esperanza turns red. Mateo, dad, ask him to marry you. Sebastian also turns red. My son, it’s not like that. Yes, it’s like that. Ask.

Sebastian looks at Esperanza. Esperanza, do you want to marry me? Sebastian, are you asking me because Mateo told you? I’m not asking you because I love you and I don’t want to live without you anymore. Esperanza doubts. She has so much to tell. Sebastian, I need to tell you something. What? Esperanza takes a deep breath. I’m pregnant. Sebastian is paralyzed.

4 months pregnant. The baby is yours. Mateo jumps on the bed. I’m going to have a little brother. Yes, you’re going to have, my love. Sebastian is still processing the information. Why didn’t you tell me? Because you hated me. You were going to think it was a lie to get money. Hope. Sebastian takes his hand.

Forgive me for everything, for all the doubts, all the suffering. Forgive me too for having hidden the pregnancy. They kiss for the first time in months. Mateo applauds. Now I’m going to have a dad, mom and little brother. The next day, Mateo leaves the hospital. When he gets out, Sebastián makes a decision. Esperanza, let’s go to my house. I need to settle accounts with my dad.

Sebastian, I don’t know if it’s a good idea. Yes, it’s a good idea. He has to answer for what he did. Dad, Grandpa is going to get angry. Mateo asks, yes, he’s going to get angry, mijo, but sometimes you have to face those who do evil. At the mansion, Rodolfo is in the office when he hears the car. he goes out to meet his son and sees Sebastian entering with hope and Mateo.

What does this mean? Why is this woman in my house? Dad, we have to talk. I have nothing to talk about her. If you have a lot. Sebastian enters the room with hope and Mateo. Rodolfo is still annoyed. Sebastian, did you go crazy after everything this woman did, dad, sit there and listen to me. I’m not going to listen to anything. Mateo approaches his grandfather.

Grandpa, do you want to hear something interesting? What happened, my son? Mateo turns on his cell phone. Listen to me. This, the recording sounds. Rodolfo’s voice, tell everyone. He can’t get a job. It’s not a lie. Well, it’s not a complete lie. Rodolfo turns pale.

Matthew, where did you get that? I recorded it when you were talking on the phone. Papa Sebastian speaks tough. Explain this recording. Can I explain? No, then explain how it is that it is not a complete lie. Rodolfo is left without an answer. You put everything together to make hope look like a thief. Sebastian, I did it for your good. For my sake. Sebastian gets up furious. You destroyed the life of an innocent person. She’s worthless. She is an interested party.

Interested. Dad. She is 4 months pregnant and she did not tell me. If she were interested, she wouldn’t have hidden it. Rodolfo is stunned. Pregnant. Yes. And yet he didn’t come looking for me. Sebastian, don’t you understand? Yes, I understand. You lied, manipulated, destroyed our happiness by prejudice. It was not prejudice, it was protection.

Protect from what? of a woman who loves our Matthew more than life. Rodolfo looks at Esperanza who is silent. And you’re not going to say anything. Esperanza rises. Yes, I will say. You humiliated me, persecuted me, spread lies, almost starved me to death. Hope. But you know what? I forgive him. Rodolfo is surprised.

Do you forgive me? I forgive him because holding a grudge only hurts and I want to be happy with my family. Papa Sebastian speaks firmly. From today on, things are going to be different. How? Esperanza is going to be my wife, mother of my children, and you are going to respect her. What if I don’t accept? Sebastian looks his dad in the eye, so you lose a child and you are going to be alone for the rest of your life.

Rodolfo remains silent knowing that he lost the battle. His manipulation was discovered and now he is going to have to live with the consequences. Sebastián hugs Esperanza and Mateo. Come on. We have a wedding to plan. A month after the confrontation, Sebastián looks for Esperanza at Doña Soledad’s house. She is 5 months pregnant. The belly is already noticeable. Hope, I need to talk to you. Hello, Sebastian.

What happened? I want to ask you something. Marry me. Esperanza stops cleaning and looks at him. Sebastian, no, let me speak. I know I hurt you. I know I hesitated when I should have trusted, but I truly love you. I know you love me. So why are you hesitating? Esperanza sits in a chair. Because I’m afraid, Sebastian, afraid of suffering again.

You won’t suffer, I promise. How can you promise it? Your dad still lives in the same house as you. Sebastian sits next to him. Hope. After I found out about his lies, our relationship changed. He knows he lost my respect, but he’s still your dad.

It’s true, but you’re going to be my wife, mother of my children. And that’s more important. Esperanza puts her hand on her belly and if she tries to separate us again, she won’t be able to. Now I know who he really is. Sebastian is not the only thing that worries me. What else? I am a poor cleaning girl, pregnant, who lives in the neighborhood. You are a millionaire. How is this going to work? Sebastian takes his hand.

Hope, do you think that matters to me? Not you. But what about other people, your friends, your partners? I don’t care about the others. Sorry to talk like that, but it’s the truth. Esperanza laughs for the first time. You almost said a rude word. Next to nothing. I just said I don’t care what others think.

Sebastián, it’s going to be difficult, very difficult, I know, but we face it together. At that moment, Mateo appears running into the house. Mom, Esperanza, Dad, they’re here. Hello, my prince. Esperanza hugs the child. Mama Esperanza, are you going to marry my dad? I’m still thinking about it, my love. But why do they love each other? It’s complicated, it’s not complicated at all. Mateo turns to his father.

Dad, tell him we’re going to be a family. Sebastian smiles. Mateo, mother hope, needs to be sure. Sure of what? That everything is going to be fine. Mateo takes the hand of hope. Mama Esperanza, I promise that I will take care of you and my little brother forever. Esperanza is excited. Oh, my love.

And my dad also promises, right, dad? Yes, I promise, my son. Mateo looks at Esperanza. And you promise you’re never going to leave. Esperanza looks at the boy, then at Sebastián. Promise. So, it’s already decided. They are going to get married. Esperanza laughs. Okay, I agree to marry you two. Sebastián hugs her. Seriously, seriously, but on one condition.

Which one? The wedding is going to be simple, no exaggerated luxuries. As you want. Mateo jumps for joy. I’m going to have a real family. Doña Soledad appears in the room. What scandal is this? Doña Soledad, they are going to get married. Mateo shouts. How wonderful. Congratulations. Thank you, Doña Soledad. Esperanza, you deserve to be happy. And so do you, young man. Take good care of yourselves. We are going to take care of ourselves. Sebastian responds.

On the way home. Mateo does not stop talking. Dad, when is the wedding going to be? We still don’t know, my son. We have to organize it. It may be next week. Esperanza laughs. Don’t worry, Mateo, weddings take time to organize, but I want it to be soon. Why? Because I want everyone to know that you are my real mom.

Esperanza is excited. You already consider me your mother. From the first day I met you, Sebastian looks in the mirror. And I love you from day one too. Even when you found out I was poor, especially when I found out because I saw that you really loved me, not for my money. And now, aren’t you afraid that people will talk badly? Let them talk.

The important thing is that we are happy. Mateo applauds. That and those who don’t like it to put up with it. Sebastián and Esperanza laugh at the child’s spontaneity. Dad, can I tell you something? Of course, Grandpa has been very sad since that day. Sebastián gets serious.

How? He hardly leaves his room and when he does come out he walks around with an angry face. Mateo, your grandfather is going through a difficult time. Yes. Why? Because he did bad things and now he’s sorry. He has already asked Mama Esperanza for forgiveness. Sebastián looks at Esperanza. Not yet. Then you have to ask for forgiveness. My son, it’s not that easy. Why not? When I do something wrong, you tell me to ask for forgiveness.

Esperanza intervenes. Matthew, your grandfather is proud. It’s hard for him to admit he was wrong. But if he doesn’t apologize, how are they going to get along? We’re going to get along in our own way, my love. But it would be better if I asked for forgiveness, right? Esperanza and Sebastián look at each other. The boy is right, but they know that Rodolfo is never going to humiliate himself.

It would be better, my son, it would be better. Two weeks later, the wedding preparations are at full speed. Esperanza is 5 and a half months pregnant radiant. Doña Remedios is helping to choose the dress. Girl, you are beautiful, pregnant and girlfriend, what a joy. Thank you, Mrs. Remedios. You are my real family and I will always be, but now you will have a big family. It’s true.

Esperanza tries on a simple but elegant dress. What do you think? Perfect. You’re going to be the prettiest bride in Mexico City. Meanwhile, Sebastian is in the office when Mateo arrives with his cell phone in his hand. Dad, can I teach you something? Sure, my son. Do you remember the recordings I made of Grandpa? I remember. There’s more.

Sebastian is surprised. How? Did I continue to record it secretly? Want to listen? Mateo turns on his cell phone. It is a conversation between Rodolfo on the phone. Well, Mr. Carballo, I need a favor. It’s about my son. He is going to marry a woman who is worthless. I want you to investigate it. Look for anything, debts, trouble with the law, whatever.

Sebastian is stunned. When was this? Yesterday I was in the office. The recording continues. I don’t care how much it costs. I want something to prove that she is no good for my family. If you can’t find anything, invent something. It’s not the first time we’ve done this. Sebastián hangs up his cell phone furiously. He never gives up. Dad, Grandpa is very bad. I don’t know what to think of him anymore, mijo.

Are you going to tell Mama Esperanza? Seb. She doubts, “I don’t know, she’s already stressed about the wedding, but she needs to know why. Because they are already a family. Families don’t hide secrets.” Sebastian is impressed with his son’s wisdom. You are right. That night Sebastian goes home with hope. Hello, babe. What happened? You look very strange.

I need to tell you something. Esperanza worries. Did something happen? It’s about my dad. He does not give up. How? Sebastián tells him about the recordings. Esperanza turns pale. Do you want to make things up about me? It seems so, Sebastian. And if he succeeds? What if he invents that I have debts or that I have already been in prison? Hope. Take it easy.

How do I calm down? If I spread lies again, no one will believe me. Sebastián hugs her. I believe you. Matthew believes you and that’s what matters. But Isi manages to cancel our wedding. He will not be able to. I am not going to allow it. Sebastian, I’m scared. I’m scared too, but we can’t live in fear of him forever.

Esperanza puts her hand on her belly. It’s not just for me, it’s for our baby too. That is why we have to face it. How? Let’s think about something. The next day, Mateo looks for Esperanza in his house. Mom, Esperanza, can I tell you something? Sure, my love. I recorded more things about my grandfather. More. Yes.

I was badmouthing you on the phone again. Esperanza is sad. Oh, Mateo, but an idea occurred to me. What idea? What if we show the recordings to everyone at the wedding? How? So when he tries to speak ill of you we teach him that he is a liar. Esperanza is left thinking, Mateo, would that be okay? Why wouldn’t it be okay? He’s the one who’s doing bad things.

Yes, but Mama Esperanza, you can’t let it destroy your happiness again. Esperanza looks at the child. You’re right, my love, but I’m going to talk to your dad first. Okay, but don’t let grandpa win. I will not leave my prince. Esperanza hugs Mateo thinking about how to protect her family from Rodolfo’s evils.

That night he tells Sebastian about Mateo’s idea. Do you think she’s really going to try to do something at the wedding knowing my dad? Yes. So we’re going to be prepared as carrying the recordings. If he tries to humiliate us, we teach him the truth. Sebastian agrees. It’s a good idea. At least we will be protected. Hopefully we won’t have to use them.

I also hope not, but it is better to be prepared. The wedding day arrived. The church is simple, but it is beautiful, full of flowers. Esperanza is radiant at 6 months pregnant. The dress perfectly adapted to the belly. Doña Remedios is crying with emotion. My girl getting married, what a joy.

Thank you for everything, Mrs. Remedios. You are my mom at heart and you are my daughter, girl, you always were. At the entrance of the church, Sebastian waits nervously. Mateo is next to him, well groomed, with his cell phone in his bag. Dad, are you nervous? Yes, I am, mijo.

Why do you love Mama Esperanza? I love her very much, but getting married is a very serious thing. I know, but they’re going to be happily ever after. The music begins to play. Esperanza enters on the arm of Doña Remedios. She is beautiful, excited. Sebastian gasps when he sees her. Hey, what a beautiful woman. It’s my mom. Mateo whispers proudly, the ceremony goes smoothly when the door of the church opens with a clatter.

Rodolfo Montemayor enters accompanied by two large bodyguards. This ceremony cannot continue, he shouts. The guests are stunned. Sebastian is furious. Dad, what are you doing? Saving you from a terrible mistake. Get out of here. Now I’m not leaving. This woman is a farce. Rodolfo approaches the altar. He deceived everyone.

Esperanza turns pale. Mr. Rodolfo, please, please, nothing. You don’t know who he really is. Dad, enough is enough. He’s done enough damage. Damage. I saved our family. Rodolfo turns to the guests. This woman has a criminal record. Murmurs spread through the church. Esperanza begins to cry.

She has already been imprisoned for robbery. I have the documents here. Rodolfo shows papers to the father and the guests. And it is not only that. He has huge debts in several banks. Sebastian tries to stop his dad. That’s a lie. Lie. Then explain these documents.

Matthew, who had been silent until now, stands at the altar. Grandpa, you are a liar. Matthew, get out of there. I don’t take it off. You’re making all this up. How do you know, Esquincle? Mateo takes out his cell phone. Because I recorded it when he agreed to invent these lies. Rodolfo turns pale. What recording? Want to listen? Mateo turns up the volume. Rodolfo’s voice resonates through the church. If you can’t find anything against it, make something up.

It’s not the first time we’ve done this. The guests are stunned. Rodolfo tries to deny it. That is false. False nothing. Mateo continues to play. I want something to prove that she is no good for my family. I don’t care how much it costs. People begin to murmur against Rodolfo. Esperanza gets up still crying.

Now everybody can see who the liar is here. Hope. Rodolfo tries to explain himself. No, now it’s my turn to speak. Esperanza addresses the guests. Mr. Rodolfo invented that I was a thief. He put a watch in my bag to incriminate me. Sebastian approaches his father. Dad embarrassed me one last time.

Sebastian, I didn’t get tired of your manipulations. Sebastian turns to the guests. My dad forged documents against the woman I love. He lied, humiliated, tried to destroy our happiness. Son, I just wanted to protect you. protect. It almost made me lose the most important person in my life. She’s worthless. The one who is worthless is you.

Mateo approaches his grandfather. Grandpa, you’re very bad. Mother hope is good and you spend your time inventing lies. Mateo, I don’t want to be his grandson anymore. Rodolfo is stunned. How can you say that? Because I don’t want to be the grandson of a liar. Esperanza approaches Rodolfo. Mr. Rodolfo, you hurt me a lot, but you know what, I still forgive you.

Do you forgive me? I forgive him because I don’t want my heart to be filled with resentment. I want to be happy with my family. Sebastian approaches his father. Dad, you are no longer welcome in my life. Sebastian, can’t you say that, yes I can. You chose prejudice over love. Rodolfo remains silent for a few seconds, seeing that he lost everything.

They are going to regret this. No, Dad, you’re the one who’s going to regret it. Rodolfo leaves the church humiliated, alone. The guests applaud Esperanza and Sebastián. The Father, who saw everything in silence, smiles. Well, now that the truth is out, can we continue the ceremony? Yes, we can, father.

Esperanza responds radiantly. Then, by the power conferred on me by law, I declare them husband and wife. Sebastián and Esperanza kiss under the excited applause of the guests. Mateo jumps in the middle of the two. Now we are a real family. The whole church is excited. Doña Remedios cries with joy.

Finally justice was done and love triumphed. Three weeks after the wedding, Sebastian and Esperanza are arranging for her to move into the mansion when they receive an unexpected visitor. It is Commander Patricia Vega, a woman about 40 years old. serious but nice. Mr. Sebastián Montemayor, it is me. I’m Commander Patricia. I came for an investigation. Sebastián and Esperanza are worried.

What kind of research? Sebastian asks about document forgery and slander. How? We received a complaint with compromising recordings. Esperanza looks at Sebastián. Recordings, yes, of a certain Rodolfo Montemayor managing to create false documents against the lady. Sebastian is surprised.

Who made the complaint? It was made by a lawyer on your behalf, Mr. Morales. Sebastian frowns. I don’t know any Morales lawyers. Mateo appears in the room running. Hello, Madam Policeman. Hello, my boy. Did he come to talk about the bad grandfather? The commander smiles. Yes, I came to talk about him. I asked Mr. Morales to help us. Sebastian is surprised.

Mateo, who is Mr. Morales? He’s the dad of my school friend. He is a lawyer. I showed him the recordings and he said he was going to help us. Esperanza is excited. Oh, my boy. The commander continues. Mr. Rodolfo is being investigated for at least three crimes: falsification of documents, slander and defamation.

And what does that mean? Sebastián asks, that he can be from two to 6 years in prison. Esperanza is stunned. Prison. Yes, ma’am. His crimes are serious, but Commander Sebastian intervenes. We don’t want him to go to jail. How? He is my father and Mateo’s grandfather. We don’t want it to end like this. The commander is surprised. Even after all he did, it would still be possible to make a deal.

What kind of agreement? That he publicly admits that he lied and pays fair compensation. In exchange for what, we do not continue with the complaint. Esperanza agrees. I also accept the agreement. Are you sure? It hurt him a lot. I’m sure. I don’t want to carry a grudge in my heart and I don’t want Mateo to grow up knowing that his grandfather is in prison.

Mateo hugs Esperanza. Mama Esperanza, you are very good. The commander shakes her head. They are very special people. Commander, Esperanza speaks. How long does this type of process take? Usually about 3 months for the full investigation, then another three for the settlement if you accept. And if he does not accept, then he answers to justice. It can take years.

Sebastian sighs. So let’s wait. Two months later, the commander returns with news. He accepted the agreement. Accepted. Esperanza is surprised. Yes. He is going to publish a note in the main newspapers publicly apologizing and he is going to pay compensation to the lady. How much? 400,000 pesos. Esperanza almost fainted.

400,000 is a fair amount for the moral damages he caused. Sebastian hugs his wife. Love, you deserve that and so much more. But it’s a lot of money. That’s what you’re worth to me. Mateo applauds. With that money, Mama Esperanza can help a lot of people. Esperanza smiles. It’s a good idea, my prince. The commander stands up.

Well, my work here is over. Congratulations. Thank you for everything, commander. Not at all. It was a pleasure to meet such a special family. After he leaves, Sebastian hugs Esperanza and Mateo. Finally it was all over. Yes, Esperanza sighs. Now we can be happy. Forever. Mateo asks. Forever. A week later, Rodolfo’s note appeared in all the newspapers.

I, Rodolfo Montemayor, publicly apologize to Mrs. Esperanza Hernández Montemayor for the false accusations I made against her. I recognize that I acted with prejudice and harmed an innocent and hardworking person. I deeply regret my actions. Esperanza reads the note excitedly. I never thought I would do this.

Sometimes people change when they lose everything that is important. Sebastian replies, “I hope I’ve really learned. Two years later, Sebastian and Esperanza are in the garden of the mansion, now remodeled and cozier. Esperanza holds Valentina, a 2-year-old baby, while Mateo, now 10, plays with his little sister.

Mama Esperanza, Valentina wants you to see how she walks. Esperanza laughs. I’m coming, my love. Sebastián approaches and hugs the family. How beautiful they are. We are happy. Esperanza responds, and so do I. The mansion is now very different. Part of it became a community daycare that Esperanza manages with the help of professionals.

With the money from the compensation and a part of the company’s profits, he created the Esperanza Foundation. Sebastian, do you remember when we met? Of course, you gave your last 280 pesos to two beggars.

Who would have thought that one day I would have money to help so many people? You always had a rich heart, love. Mateo runs closer. Dad, mom, look, Valentina is walking alone. They run to where the baby is. Valentina takes a few steps alone before falling down laughing. Stepped. Mateo shouts, Valentina. Stepped. Esperanza is excited. Our baby is already growing. And so does Matthew. Sebastián says proudly. Dad, when I grow up I’m going to help people just like you.

How good, my son. And you know what, yesterday I got a card from Grandpa. Esperanza is surprised. Card. Yes. He says that he misses us and that he learned to be a better person. Sebastián hugs the whole family. Who knew that a beggar trial would change our lives forever? The best test you did was to discover my heart.

Esperanza responds, and I discovered that family is the one who truly loves each other. Mateo says, Valentina claps her hands as if she agrees. At sunset, the Montemayor family embraces in the garden of the house, which is now full of love, laughter and hope. Finally they all found their place in the world.