Humble mother helps little boy who cries while carrying her son, not knowing that his millionaire dad was watching. “And don’t cry, my love, it’s over,” Esperanza whispered as she caressed the unknown boy’s wet face. “What’s your name, ma?” Mateo sobbed the 12-year-old boy trembling under the

torrential rain that lashed the streets of downtown Bogotá.
Esperanza adjusted her baby Santiago to her chest with one hand and with the other she removed her soaked jacket to cover the child’s shoulders. His own lips were purple from the cold, but he didn’t hesitate for a second. Where are your parents, Mateo? He asked in a sweet voice, protecting him with his body

while seeking shelter under the awning of a tent.
My dad, my dad is always working, the boy murmured. I got into a fight with Joaquín, the driver, and got out of the car. I don’t know where I am. A few meters away, from the tinted window of a black BMW, Ricardo Mendoza watched the scene with his heart in his throat.

He had spent the last 30 minutes pacing the streets after the desperate call from school. Her son had run away again. But what he saw left him speechless. A young woman, clearly of little means because of her simple and worn clothes, comforted Mateo as if she were his

own son. She was carrying a baby who could not be more than 6 months old and yet she had given her only protection from the rain to an unknown child.
“Look, I have some empanadas that are left over today,” Esperanza said, taking a paper bag from her backpack. “They are a little cold. But you’re going to like them. Are you hungry? Mateo nodded and accepted the empanada with trembling hands. It had been years since anyone had taken care of him like this with that simple and

genuine. “It’s delicious,” he murmured between mouthfuls.
“My mom never cooked for me.” The comment pierced the heart of hope like an arrow. This boy, with his expensive St. Patrick’s School uniform and his designer shoes, seemed to have all the money in the world, but he was missing the most important thing. “All moms know how to cook in the

heart,” he said, wiping her tears with his sleeve.
“Sometimes they just need a little help remembering it.” Ricardo slowly got out of the car, feeling each step as if he were walking on broken glass. Guilt suffocated him. When had she last comforted her son like this? When had been the last time I really

had I seen? Mateo called in a hoarse voice. The boy raised his head and when he saw his father he stiffened.
Esperanza felt the change immediately and looked at where the voice was coming from. His eyes met Ricardo Mendoza’s and the world stopped for a second. It was him, the magazine man, the youngest and most successful SEO in Colombia, the millionaire widower who appeared in all the news of

business.
“Oh my God,” Esperanza whispered, taking a step back. You are Mateo’s father, Ricardo completed slowly approaching. And you’re the kindest person I’ve ever met in my life. Esperanza felt her cheeks burn with shame. Surely she thought she was one of those women who

they took advantage of rich children. He quickly handed Mateo’s jacket back and tried to walk away.
No, no, I don’t. I was only helping him because he was crying. Wait, Ricardo said, extending a hand. Please don’t leave. But Esperanza was already backing away, carrying Santiago harder against her chest. The raindrops mixed with the tears that began to flow from his eyes.

“Mateo, let’s go,” Ricardo murmured, but his son did not move. “I don’t want to leave,” the boy said, clinging to the jacket he was still wearing. She took care of me when I was alone. No one takes care of me like she does. Mateo’s words hit Ricardo like a punch in the stomach. Your own son

he preferred a stranger to him. “Madam,” Ricardo said in a softer voice.
My name is Ricardo Mendoza and I owe him an apology. An apology? Esperanza asked, confused because I’m the kind of father who makes his son prefer the company of strangers to mine. The silence that followed was broken only by the sound of rain against the pavement.

Esperanza looked at this powerful man, vulnerable for the first time, and then at Mateo, who was still clinging to his jacket as if it were a life preserver. “The kids just need to be seen,” he finally said. “That they really listen to them.” Ricardo nodded, swallowing hard. I knew he was right. Knew

that had failed. How can I do what you did for my child? Esperanza shook her head adjusting Santiago’s blanket. He doesn’t have to thank me for anything.
Anyone would have done the same. Ricardo didn’t say, looking straight into her eyes. Not just anyone. You gave your jacket to an unknown child while holding your own baby in the rain. That is not common. That’s extraordinary. For the first time, Esperanza did not know what to answer.

This man looked at her as if she were something valuable, something special.
No one had ever looked at her like that. “I have to go,” he finally murmured. Santiago is going to get sick with this cold. “At least let us take them home,” Ricardo offered. “It’s the least I can do.” Esperanza looked at him suspiciously. Rich men always wanted something in return. No thanks.

Can we take the bus? Please, Mateo insisted, taking her hand.
My dad is not bad, he is just always sad. The innocence of those words completely disarmed hope. He looked at Ricardo and saw something he didn’t expect. Genuine pain, real regret. “Okay,” he whispered. But only until the Transmilenio station. As they walked to the car,

None of the three knew that this encounter in the rain would change their lives forever.
Esperanza did not know that she had just met the man, who would become the love of her life. Ricardo did not know that he had just found the woman, who would teach him to be a father and to love again. And Mateo did not know that he had just found the mother he had always needed. The rain was still

falling, but for the first time in a long time none of the three felt completely alone. Two. Two.
Ricardo hadn’t been able to sleep in three weeks. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the image of hope in the rain, protecting his son with a tenderness that he himself had forgotten how to show. “Dad, when are we going to see the pretty lady again?” asked Mateo for the umpteenth time during the

breakfast, moving their cereals without eating them.
“Her name is Esperanza,” Ricardo corrected, surprising himself for remembering her name so clearly. Are you going to call her? Ricardo left his coffee on the table. He had discreetly ordered an investigation of Esperanza Morales, 23 years old, a single mother, a street vendor of empanadas.

She lived in a tiny apartment in Ciudad Bolívar with her 6-month-old son Santiago. With no known family, he worked from dawn to dusk just to survive. It’s complicated, son. Why? Mateo looked at him with those eyes that reminded him so much of Claudia. She listened to me when I was crying. You never listen to me

When I cry.
The truth hurt more than any physical blow. Ricardo knew his son was right. Since Claudia’s death 5 years ago he had taken refuge in work, building a business empire, but destroying his relationship with the only thing that really mattered. What do you think if we offer

work? he finally said, “I could take care of you in the evenings when I’m in the office.
Matthew’s eyes lit up like Christmas lights. Seriously, Esperanza would come to live with us. Not to live, just to work a few hours. But as he said the words, Ricardo felt a strange pang in his chest. The idea of seeing Esperanza every day didn’t just seem practical,

it seemed necessary to him.
In Ciudad Bolívar, Esperanza walked through the corridors of the health center with Santiago in her arms. The baby had developed a cough that didn’t get better, and the medications she needed cost more than she earned in a week.
Mrs. Morales, said the doctor, an older woman with a kind face, Santiago needs these antibiotics urgently. Your bronchitis can get complicated if we don’t treat it now. Esperanza looked at the recipe with a heavy heart. 200,000 pesos. I could get them by selling empanadas for two weeks,

But by then it would be too late. Isn’t there something cheaper? he asked in a trembling voice. I’m afraid not.
This is the treatment you need. Esperanza left the office with tears in her eyes. Santiago coughed into her arms, each sound like a stab in his mother’s heart. “What am I going to do, my love?” he whispered. “Mom is going to get that money, I promise you.” On the return bush, his

The phone rang. Unknown number. “Hello, Mrs. Esperanza Morales.
This is Carmen Ruiz, assistant to Mr. Ricardo Mendoza. He would like to talk to you about a job proposal. Esperanza almost dropped the phone. Ricardo Mendoza, Mateo’s father. “Work,” he murmured. Yes, ma’am. Could you come tomorrow at 10 a.m. to the offices of Mendoza Holdings?

It is in the pink zone. Esperanza looked at Santiago, who was coughing weakly in her arms. I had no choice. Yes, I’ll be there.
The offices of Mendoza Holdings occupied three floors of a glass building that seemed to touch the clouds. Esperanza felt tiny as she walked in with her only decent dress and worn-out shoes. “Mrs. Morales, you were received by Carmen, an elegant middle-aged woman. Mr. Mendoza is

waiting.” Ricardo got up when she walked into his office.
She looked different with her perfectly cut suit and her hair slicked back. But her eyes still had that sadness that she had noticed in the rain. Hope, thank you for coming. How are you, Santiago? The question surprised her. He didn’t expect her to remember her son’s name.

He’s sick. He admitted without being able to hide the concern in his voice. What does it have? Bronchitis.
he needs medicines that I can’t afford right now. Ricardo felt a twinge of pain when he saw the vulnerability in his eyes. This woman had helped her son without asking for anything in return and now she was fighting alone to save her own. Hope. I want to offer you a job. Mateo has been

asking since that day. I need someone to take care of him in the evenings, someone I can trust. Why me? she asked.
You can hire any professional babysitter, because my son smiled more in those 5 minutes with you than he did in the last 5 years with me. Silence filled the office. Esperanza looked out the window at the city below, a world completely different from her own. ¿How much

Would he pay?, he finally asked, 500,000 pesos a month, part-time, and Santiago’s medical insurance would be paid by the company. It was three times what I earned selling empanadas.
It was the salvation he needed, but his pride was revealed. It’s too much money to take care of a child for a few hours. It’s not just taking care of Mateo, Ricardo said as he approached, it’s smiling back. It’s teaching him that he can trust someone. That is priceless. Esperanza looked him in the eye and saw something that

It frightened her. Total sincerity.
This powerful man needed her as much as she needed the job. And if it doesn’t work, if Mateo gets tired of me, that’s not going to happen, Ricardo said with certainty. That child has already adopted her as his family. I only ask that you do not disappoint him. I would never hurt a child, said Esperanza, a little

Offended. I know. That’s why he’s here.
Esperanza thought of Santiago coughing into the arms of the neighbor who was taking care of him. He thought about the unpaid bills, the sleepless nights, worrying about the future. I accept, he whispered, but on one condition. Tell me. I want to continue selling my empanadas on the weekends. It’s my business. It’s what I know

do. Ricardo smiled for the first time in weeks.
This woman had more pride and dignity than many of the executives I knew. Of course, when can you start? Tomorrow, if you want, but first I need to take Santiago to the doctor. Carmen will take care of that today, Ricardo said, heading towards the door and Esperanza. She was

he stopped and looked at him. Thank you for giving my son and me a chance.
As she descended in the glass elevator, Esperanza didn’t know if she had made the best decision of her life or the most dangerous one. What I did know was that for the first time in a long time I had hope that things could get better. The next day, when he set foot in the lime kiln mansion,

He knew that he had entered a world he had never imagined.
But she also knew, seeing Mateo’s smile running toward her, that she was exactly where she needed to be. “Hope!” shouted Mateo, running through the garden of the mansion towards the main entrance. Look at what I did at school. It was his second week working at the Mendoza house and

Esperanza still felt like she was in a dream.
The house was huge, with perfect gardens and an amazing view of Bogota. But what surprised her most was how Mateo had blossomed since his arrival. “Let’s see, my love,” she said, carrying Santiago with one arm while taking the drawing with the other. How beautiful our family is.

On the paper were four figures, a tall man, a woman with long hair, a big boy, and a small baby, all holding hands. “Yes, it’s us,” Mateo said with a huge smile. “You, me, James and Pope.” Esperanza felt a lump in her throat. In just two weeks this child

he had included in his concept of family. I didn’t know whether to feel happy or worried.
Mateo, I only work here. Your family is you and your dad, but dad is never there, said the boy losing his smile a little. And you are. You help me with my homework, you prepare a snack for me, you play with me. That’s what moms do, isn’t it? Before Esperanza could answer, she heard the sound

of a car in the driveway.
Ricardo had arrived and as was customary lately, much earlier than usual. Papa Mateo ran to the door. You came early again. I wanted to have dinner with you,” Ricardo said defying his son. And with Esperanza and Santiago, of course. Esperanza felt a strange warmth in her chest when she

He naturally included her in his plans.
During these two weeks, Ricardo had begun to arrive earlier and earlier from work, always with some excuse, that he had less work, that he wanted to check how Mateo was doing at school, that he needed to sign some papers at home. But Esperanza saw the truth in his eyes. Ricardo was

trying to make up for lost time with her son and somehow she had become part of that process.
“Today I prepared sancocho,” Esperanza said. “I hope you like home-cooked food.” “I love it,” Ricardo replied. And from the way he said it, she knew it was true. During dinner, Esperanza watched as father and son interacted.
Ricardo made a genuine effort to listen to Mateo, asking him about his day, his friends, his favorite subjects. And Matthew, who at first answered with monosyllables, now spoke animatedly. Dad, did you know that Esperanza knows how to make origami? He taught me how to make a crane today. Seriously

Ricardo looked at Esperanza with genuine interest.
Where did you learn? At school many years ago, she answered. feeling a little shy under his gaze. The art teacher taught us. He said he was good for concentration. “Could you teach me too?” asked Ricardo, surprising her. “Do you want to learn origami?

I want to learn everything that makes my son happy.
The sincerity in his voice made something move in the heart of hope. This powerful man was willing to make origami if it meant connecting with Matthew. After dinner, the four of them sat in the living room. Santiago slept in the arms of hope while she taught

Ricardo and Mateo to fold paper.
I saw Ricardo’s big and strong hands, accustomed to signing millionaire contracts, fighting delicately with a paper figure. No, Dad, not like that. Mateo laughed. Look, you have to bend inward, not outward. “Your son is a better teacher than me,” Esperanza told Ricardo. And when their

When they met, she felt an electricity that frightened her.
Mateo is better in many things than I thought, Ricardo replied. I just needed someone to help me see it. The following weeks established a routine that felt dangerously normal. Ricardo arrived earlier every day, always finding excuses to stay a while longer.

They had dinner together, helped Mateo with his homework, watched movies as a family. One night, while cleaning the kitchen after dinner, Esperanza felt a presence behind her. “Let me help you,” Ricardo said, taking the rag to dry the dishes. “You don’t have to, Mr. Mendoza. It’s my

work, Ricardo gently corrected her.
And it’s not your job. We have dinner together, we clean together. They worked in silence for a few minutes, but Esperanza was well aware of their closeness, of the occasional touch of his hands when he took the dishes she washed. Esperanza, he finally said, “I want you to know that Mateo has changed

completely since you arrived.” His grades improved. There is no fighting at school anymore.
He smiles all the time. “He’s a wonderful boy,” she replied. He just needed someone to believe in him. As you believed in him that night in the rain. They stared at each other for too long a moment. Esperanza was the first to look away. I should go. Santiago needs to sleep in his bed.

E hope.
Ricardo stopped her when she was going to the living room for the baby. I can ask you something personal. She nodded nervously. Why don’t you have a partner? A woman like you, so loving, so dedicated. Esperanza felt her cheeks burn. The men in my neighborhood don’t want a woman with a child of

other. And I, I don’t have time to look for love. I have to focus on Santiago.
Santiago’s father is an idiot, Ricardo said more vehemently than he intended. She left when she found out she was pregnant. Esperanza admitted. He said he hadn’t signed on to be a dad. The rage Ricardo felt surprised him. How could anyone abandon a woman like

hope? How could anyone abandon their own child? His loss he murmured.
That night, after Esperanza left, Ricardo stayed up thinking about the conversation. He could no longer deny how he felt for her. It wasn’t just gratitude for how he cared for Matthew, it was something deeper, more dangerous. But I also knew that the differences between them were enormous. He

he was one of the richest men in Colombia. She sold empanadas to survive.
Her world would judge her, hurt her. I had the right to expose her to that. The next day, his doubts intensified when he received a call from Marcela Herrera, the mother of his late wife. Ricardo, we need to talk. I have heard very worrying rumors about an employee you have at home. ¿What

What kind of rumor is Marcela? That he spends too much time there.
That Mateo is very attached to it. Ricardo, that child is all we have left of our Claudia. You can’t let an opportunist take advantage of your vulnerability. Esperanza is not an opportunist, Ricardo said, feeling the need to defend her. Esperanza, you already call her by her name.

Ricardo, please know what these women are looking for.
You can’t be so naïve. This conversation is over, Marcela. If you don’t end this situation, we will have to take legal action to protect our grandchild. The threat was left floating in the air after Marcela hung it. Ricardo knew that it was not an empty threat. The Herrera

They had power and influence and would not hesitate to use them.
That afternoon, when he came home and saw Esperanza helping Mateo with his homework, while Santiago crawled across the carpet, he felt a twinge of pain in his chest. How could he choose between protecting this woman who had brought light into his life and protecting his relationship with his son? But while

He watched the domestic scene, so perfect and natural, he knew that he could no longer pretend that what he felt was only gratitude.
He was in love with Esperanza Morales and that terrified him more than any risky business he had ever done in his life. “Are you sure it’s okay here?” asked Esperanza, looking around the elegant restaurant in the Zona Rosa. Ricardo had insisted on taking her to dinner at a place

away from the house, away from Mateo.
There was something in his gaze that had made her nervous for days, an intensity she hadn’t seen before. “It’s perfect,” he replied, helping her to sit down. “I wanted a place where we could talk without interruption.” “Talk about what?” she asked nervously playing with the napkin.

Did I do something wrong? Mateo misbehaved at school, it’s nothing like that. Ricardo took his hand on the table. It’s about us. The heart of hope accelerated. During the last few weeks he had felt something change between them. The looks that lasted too long, the conversations that took place

They extended into the wee hours, the way he naturally included her in all family plans. “Ricardo, let me speak first.”
He interrupted her gently. Esperanza, when you showed up in our lives, you brought something that I thought I had lost forever. You brought joy, you brought warmth, you brought love. Esperanza felt her breath take away. She was saying what she thought she was saying. Not only

you smiled back at Mateo, Ricardo continued. You gave it back to me too.
And I realized that my feelings for you go far beyond gratitude. Ricardo, you shouldn’t. I love you, Esperanza,” he said squeezing her hand. “I know it’s complicated, I know we’re from different worlds, but I love you and I believe, I hope you feel something for me too.” Tears began to roll

by the cheeks of hope.
He had dreamed of this moment, but he had also feared it. “I love you too,” he whispered. But I’m afraid, Ricardo. I’m afraid that this is temporary, that you’ll get tired of me, that your world will never accept me. My world doesn’t matter, he said, rising and kneeling beside his chair. Alone

we matter. You, me, Mateo, Santiago, we are a Esperanza family. We have been since day one.
Esperanza was about to respond when a movement at the entrance of the restaurant caught her attention. An elegant woman, with brown hair and familiar eyes, walked to her table with a smile that did not reach her eyes. Ricardo followed her gaze and turned pale as a ghost.

“Ricardo,” the woman said, stopping at her table.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” Ricardo stood up slowly as if he were seeing a ghost, because that was exactly what he was seeing. Claudia murmured, “But you, you’re dead,” she completed with a cold smile. Obviously not, although I understand your confusion. Esperanza

She got up too, completely lost.
Who was this woman? Why did Ricardo seem to have seen a ghost? Sorry, Esperanza said. I think there is a confusion. There is no confusion,” Claudia said extending her hand. “I am Claudia Herrera de Mendoza, Ricardo’s wife and you must be the nanny I have heard so much about.” The

World of Hope collapsed. “Wife.” Ricardo was married. “Claudia, what are you doing here?” Ricardo asked his voice in just a whisper.
“Are you supposed to be dead?” “Yes. That was the idea,” she said, taking a seat uninvited. “But plans change, don’t they?” Esperanza felt her legs tremble. Without saying a word, she grabbed her bag and ran out of the restaurant. He needed air. I needed to understand what

It was happening.
Ricardo followed her, leaving Claudia alone at the table. “Hope, wait,” he shouted, catching up with her in the street. “Can I explain everything to you?” Explain what?” she shouted with tears streaming down her face. “That you are married? That you’ve been lying to me all this time? No, it’s not what you think. Greengage

He died 5 years ago. There was an accident. I was at the funeral.
Me, well, obviously she is not dead,” shouted Esperanza. She’s sitting there as if nothing happened. Ricardo ran his hands through his hair in despair. I don’t understand what’s going on. This is impossible. She can’t be alive. But it is, Esperanza said, wiping away tears. And I’m the idiot who thought

that a man like you could fall in love with a woman like me. Hope, please.
He did not interrupt him. This is over. I’m not going to be anyone’s lover. I’m not going to be that woman. You are not my lover, you are the love of my life. Tell your wife! She shouted as she got into a passing taxi. Ricardo stood on the sidewalk, watching the taxi that was carrying the woman from whom he was walking away

I had fallen in love.
He slowly returned to the restaurant where Claudia was waiting for him with a glass of wine in her hand. “Wow, that was dramatic,” she said, “Although I must admit she’s very pretty. I understand the attraction. What do you want, Claudia?” asked Ricardo, sitting down in front of her.

“Why did you fake your death? Where have you been these five years?” “In Paris, mainly, a few months in London, living the life I always wanted to live. And why are you coming back now?” Claudia smiled, but it was a calculating smile. Because I saw the photos in social magazines. My dear

husband rebuilding his life with an empanada vendor. That can’t be good for your image, Ricardo.
My image doesn’t matter to me. You should care. And you should care too, Matthew. That child is my son as much as yours. You abandoned Matthew. Ricardo exploded. You faked your death and left him without a mother. It was a mistake, Claudia admitted. But now I want to amend it. I want to get my family back. No

there is family to recover.
Mateo and I have moved on with the maid. Ricardo, please, know that this cannot last. Ricardo got up furious. Esperanza is worth more than you and your whole family combined. Maybe, Claudia said, remaining calm. But I am your wife. Legally we are still married.

Legally Mateo is my son. The implicit threat was clear. Ricardo felt a chill that reached his bones. What exactly do you want? I want us to be a family again, you, me and Mateo, as it should be. What if I refuse? Claudia smiled and this time the smile was completely cold.

So, my parents are going to have to take legal action to protect their grandson from the influence of inappropriate people. Ricardo understood perfectly. Claudia and the blacksmiths would fight for custody of Mateo if he did not end up with hope. That night, when he got home, he found Mateo

waiting for him in the room. “Dad, where’s Esperanza?” the boy asked. We were supposed to do homework together.
“Esperanza is not going to come anymore, son. Why didn’t he do something wrong?” Ricardo knelt in front of his son with a broken heart. No, Matthew, he did nothing wrong. It’s just that things are complicated. It’s because Mom came back. Ricardo froze. Mateo knew about Claudia. How do you know that? It is in the

kitchen, Mateo said.
She just says she’s my mom, but I don’t remember her. And he says that Esperanza cannot return again. Ricardo ran to the kitchen and found Claudia pouring herself a coffee as if she were the owner of the house. What did you say to Matthew? The truth is that I am his mother and that I have returned home. You’re not his

mother, Ricardo shouted. A mother does not abandon her child.
A mother does what she has to do to protect her son, Claudia replied calmly. And I’m going to protect Mateo from that woman. That night Ricardo did not sleep. He knew he had to choose between Esperanza and Mateo, and as much as it hurt, he knew which was the only possible choice. His son was

most importantly, even if it meant giving up the love of her life. Two. Two.
Three months had passed since that terrible night in the restaurant. Esperanza had returned to selling empanadas on the streets, but now she had a small permanent stall in the center thanks to the money she had saved working for Ricardo.
Santiago had grown up and was already crawling everywhere, filling his mother’s gray days with joy. But the nights were different. The nights were when Esperanza couldn’t help but think of Ricardo, of Mateo, of the family that for a moment she had thought possible. “Sad Mommy.” Stammered

Santiago touching the tears on his mother’s cheeks. No, my love,” Esperanza lied, carrying him.
“Mommy is fine, but she wasn’t well. His heart had been broken into a thousand pieces and he didn’t know how to repair it. Even worse, I had seen the photos in Ricardo, Claudia and Mateo magazines at social events, smiling for the cameras like the perfect family. That afternoon, while preparing empanadas for the

The next day, someone knocked on her door.
His heart raced for a moment thinking it might be Ricardo, but when he opened it he found an older woman he didn’t know. Esperanza Morales, the lady asked. Yes, it’s me. I am Carmen, Mr. Mendoza’s assistant. Can we talk? Esperanza felt her stomach churn. ¿What

Would Ricardo want now? Mr. Mendoza doesn’t know I’m here, Carmen clarified as if she had read her thoughts. I came on my own because I’m worried about Mateo.
What about Mateo?, Esperanza asked, immediately alerted. It’s very bad, ma’am. Since you left, you have not been the same again. You don’t eat well, you don’t sleep, you cry at night asking for you. His grades dropped again. He fought again at school. Esperanza felt that she was

it broke the heart. And his mother? Doesn’t it comfort you? Carmen sighed deeply.
Mrs. Claudia, she’s not exactly maternal, she spends most of her time at social events. Matthew says that she looks at him as if he were a stranger. Why are you telling me this?, Esperanza asked. I don’t work there anymore. Because that child needs her, Carmen said urgently. And because Mr.

Ricardo needs it too.
Although he does not dare to admit it, Ricardo is married, he has a family. Do you know why Mrs. Claudia faked her death? Esperanza shook her head, because she was having an affair with her French tennis instructor. I wanted to start a new life with him in Europe, but I didn’t want to go through it.

for a scandalous divorce that affected the family fortune.
Esperanza was speechless. The plan was to disappear forever,” Carmen continued. “But the Frenchman left her last year and now she has come back because she needs money. The Herreras lost a lot in bad investments. Ricardo knows this, he suspects it, but Claudia and her parents have it

threatened. If he does not accept her return, they will fight for custody of Matthew.
They say you’re a bad influence. Anger grew in the chest of hope. How dare they say that about her? Mrs. Esperanza, Carmen said, holding her hands. Mr. Ricardo loves her. I see it in his eyes every day. He’s dying inside, but he thinks he’s protecting Matthew. ¿So what

Can I do it? I can’t fight against such powerful people.
He can fight for love, Carmen said, and he can fight for Mateo. That child considers her his real mother. That night Esperanza did not sleep thinking about Carmen’s words. The next day he made a decision that would change everything. Matthew was sitting alone in the garden of the house, playing sadly

with a ball.
He had lost weight and had dark circles under his eyes that a 12-year-old boy should not have. Mateo called a familiar voice. The boy raised his head and couldn’t believe his eyes. Hope! He screamed running towards her. Ah, I knew you’d come back. I told Dad you’d come back. Esperanza hugged him tightly, feeling

as his own heart repaired a little.
I missed you so much, my beautiful boy. I missed you too, Mom. The other mom doesn’t make me empanadas or help me with my homework and dad is always sad. Where is your dad? In the office. He is always in the office. Now Esperanza had planned to see Ricardo first, but changed her mind when she saw

Matthew’s state.
Do you want me to make you empanadas?, he asked. The boy’s eyes lit up for the first time in months. They were in the kitchen with Mateo helping to make the dough and laughing like in the old days when Claudia came in. What is this woman doing here? He asked in an icy voice. She is hope, he said

Matthew, placing himself protectively before her. She’s my real mom. I am your mother, Matthew.
It is not used. No, you’re not my mom, Mateo said with a courage that surprised both women. A mother does not leave and leaves her son crying. A mother does not return only when it suits her. Claudia turned red with rage. Matthew, go to your room right now. No, said the boy. You have no right to

give me orders.
You don’t love me. Of course I love you. So why don’t you ever play with me? Why don’t you ever ask me how my day at school was? Why are you always on the phone or hanging out with your friends? Claudia had no answer for that. Esperanza does love me, Mateo continued.

She listens to me, hugs me when I have nightmares, knows my favorite food. She’s my real mom. At that moment Ricardo arrived, attracted by the voices. He froze when he saw Esperanza in his kitchen. What’s going on here, he asked. This woman broke into our house without permission, she said

Claudia and he’s filling Mateo’s head with ridiculous ideas.
I invited Esperanza, Mateo said. This is your home too, Matthew. Ricardo began. No, Dad, the boy interrupted him. I can’t keep quiet anymore. You love Esperanza. I know. And she loves you and I love you both. Why can’t we be a family? For I am your mother and your wife’s wife.

father,” Claudia said. “You’re not my mother,” Matthew shouted. “My mother died 5 years ago.
You’re a liar who pretended to be dead.” The silence that followed was deafening. Matthew had said out loud what everyone knew, but no one dared to say. “Mateo is right,” Esperanza finally said in a firm voice. “You are not his mother. A mother does not abandon her child. A mother

He does not fake his death for money and convenience.
How dare you? “I dare because I love this child as if he were my own,” said Esperanza, standing next to Mateo. I dare because I have been here when he needed me, not like you who appear when it suits you. Ricardo, are you going to allow this woman to insult me? But Ricardo was looking at

her son, seeing the determination in her eyes, the way he had stood by Esperanza’s side, as if she were really his mother.
Claudia finally said, “I think it’s time for us to speak the truth.” The truth about why you faked your death. The truth about Jean Pierre, your tennis instructor. The truth about why you really came back. Claudia turned pale. I didn’t expect Ricardo to know about Jean Pierre. No

I know what you’re talking about. I know everything, Claudia.
I hired a private investigator. I know you faked your death to go with him. I know he left you. I know that your parents lost money and that’s why you came back. Mateo looked at his father with wide eyes. Esperanza felt a mixture of pride and fear. That doesn’t change anything, Claudia said, regaining her

composure.
Legally I am still your wife and Matthew’s mother. You were legally declared dead, Ricardo said. Our marriage ended when you faked your death. That can be reversed, not if I don’t want it to be reversed. And I don’t want to, then I’ll fight for custody, Claudia shouted.

My parents have influence, money, power. We will prove that this woman is a bad influence. Try it,” Ricardo said, taking the hand of hope, “but I warn you that I will not remain silent this time. The world will know the truth about you.” For the first time, Claudia seemed genuinely scared.

He knew that a public scandal would completely ruin his reputation and that of his family.
“Dad,” said Matthew in a small voice, “esmeso means that hope can stay.” Ricardo looked at Esperanza, who had tears in her eyes, but also a strength he hadn’t seen before. “If she wants to stay,” he said, “so she can forgive me for being a coward.” “You weren’t a coward,”

said Esperanza. “You were a father trying to protect his son.
“Do you forgive me?” he asked. Will you give us another chance? Esperanza looked at Mateo, who was looking at her with pure hope in his eyes. Then she looked at Richard and saw in him the man she had fallen in love with. “I forgive you,” he whispered. “I love you.” When they kissed, Mateo screamed with joy and hugged them both.

At that moment, they were finally the family they had been destined to be since that rainy night. Claudia left the house without saying another word, knowing that she had definitively lost the battle, not for money or power, but for something much stronger, true love.

5 years had passed since that afternoon in the kitchen when Mateo boldly declared that Esperanza was his real mother. 5 years since Ricardo chose love over fear and Esperanza, he decided to fight for his family. The morning sun was streaming in through the windows of the new house that

They had built together, smaller than the mansion in La Calera, but infinitely warmer.
It was a house full of laughter, hugs, homemade empanadas and origami in every corner. “Mama Esperanza, look what I did,” Mateo shouted. Now a tall, self-confident 17-year-old running into the kitchen with a letter in his hands.

“What is it, my love?” asked Esperanza, who was preparing breakfast while Santiago, now 5, helped her by putting the napkins on the table. I was accepted into the National University. I’m going to study social engineering like I’ve always wanted. Esperanza dropped the spatula and ran to

Embrace. Mateo was already taller than her, but he was still her child, the child she had found crying in the rain.
I’m so proud of you,” she cried with tears of happiness rolling down her cheeks. “Dad, Dad!” shouted Santiago, running towards Ricardo who had just entered. “Mateo goes to college.” Ricardo lifted Santiago in his arms and hugged Mateo with the other arm. At 45 he looked younger and

happier than ever. “I knew you would make it, son. I always knew you would do great things. It’s because you believed in me.
Mateo said looking at both parents, because they taught me that love is the only thing that really matters. Ricardo’s company had grown even more in these 5 years, but now he had a different approach. A significant portion of the proceeds went to foundations that helped single mothers

as Esperanza had been.
She herself ran one such foundation, combining her life experience with the social work studies she had completed. “Grandma Carmen has arrived,” Santiago asked. Carmen, Ricardo’s former assistant, had become an integral part of the family.

After retiring, she had decided to stay nearby to help care for Santiago and be the grandmother the boy had never had. “Here I am, my Little Prince,” Carmen said as she walked through the door with a smile. “And I bring news.” What news? asked Esperanza.

I just saw on the news that Claudia Herrera married a French businessman in Paris. It seems that he finally found what he was looking for. A momentary silence filled the kitchen. It had been three years since Claudia had signed the divorce papers and had

waived any rights over Matthew. I hope he is happy, said Esperanza and he meant it.
Hope, Ricardo said, taking his hand. You’re too good for this world. I’m just realistic, she replied. Claudia wasn’t bad, she was just lost. I hope he has found his way. Mateo looked at them with admiration. That was his family, generous, understanding, full of love even for those who

they had been hurt.
After breakfast, while Santiago played in the garden and Carmen read in her favorite chair, Esperanza and Ricardo sat on the swing of the portal that he had built with his own hands. Do you remember that night in the rain?, Ricardo asked, caressing the hair of his

spouse. How can we forget it? Esperanza replied, leaning on his shoulder. It was the night that changed our lives.
It was the night that fate brought us together, although I think fate had help from a very special child. They looked out over the garden where Mateo was teaching Santiago how to make an origami crane with the same patience that Esperanza had had with him behind. Look at that,” Ricardo whispered. “Our

older son, teaching our youngest son. It’s perfect.
All of our children are perfect,” Esperanza said, putting a hand on her slightly bulging belly. Ricardo followed her gaze and his eyes lit up. “You’re two months here,” she said with a beaming smile. “I wanted to be sure before I told you.” Ricardo kissed her with a tenderness that still

it made her feel butterflies in her stomach after 5 years of marriage.
“I love you, Esperanza Mendoza,” he murmured against her lips. “And I love you, Ricardo Mendoza.” From the garden Mateo saw them kissing and smiled. She knew that her little brother Santiago would soon have another little brother and that her family would continue to grow in love and happiness. That night, during dinner

family, Esperanza and Ricardo announced the news of the new baby.
Santiago screamed with emotion, Carmen cried with joy and Mateo got up to hug his parents. “Thank you,” Mateo whispered to Esperanza, “for saving us all. You saved me too,” she replied. “They gave me a family, a purpose, a love that I never thought possible.

As they cleared the table that night, Ricardo reflected on the path that had led them there. It had started with a child crying in the rain and a woman with a heart so big that she couldn’t ignore the pain of others. He had continued with lies, misunderstandings, and threats, but he had

finished with the simplest and most powerful truth of all. Love always finds its way.
You know what? Ricardo said to Esperanza as they washed the dishes together as they did every night. What? I think we should write our story so that our children know how it all started and how that story would begin. Ricardo smiled, remembering that night that everything had changed.

“It would start with the rain,” she said, and with a humble mother who helped a crying little boy, not knowing that his millionaire dad was watching and that that simple act of kindness would change their lives forever.
Esperanza laughed, that melodious laugh that had made Ricardo fall in love from the first day. and I would end up with a family,” she added, a family that found in love the strength to overcome any obstacle. Outside, the first drops of a gentle rain began to fall, as if the sky

I would like to remind you where it all started. But this time there was no one crying in the rain.
This time there was only one full family, happy and grateful for the path that had led them there. Because in the end, as Mateo had learned from a very young age, love always finds its way and when it arrives it transforms everything it touches, turning tears into smiles,

loneliness in company and broken hearts in entire families.
And so, under the gentle rain of Bogotá, the Mendoza family prepared for their next adventure, the arrival of a new member who would be received with all the love that a united family can give. Because this family had learned that true love knows no social barriers, that kindness

It is always rewarded and that sometimes the most casual encounters can be the most important of our lives. Yes.