Pretend you’re my wife in front of everyone,” the millionaire ordered the young woman. Beatriz Guevara never imagined that accepting a job as a maid in a five-star hotel in Mexico City would change her life forever. At 24 years old, she had left her native Puebla just 6 months ago, carrying only a suitcase and the dream of studying administration.

The salary at the Presidente Intercontinental Hotel was barely enough to pay the rent for her small apartment in the Roma Norte neighborhood, but it was honest and gave her hope for a better future. That March morning the air was fresh and the blue sky typical of the Mexican Valley announced an ordinary day. Beatriz was organizing the towels in the cart when she heard hurried footsteps in the corridor on the 15th floor. Excuse me, miss.

Anu, a male voice, called out to her in Spanish with a refined accent typical of the capital’s posh colonies. She turned around and found a tall man with brown hair, with slight gray hair on his head and intense dark eyes. He was wearing an impeccable navy blue suit and carrying a leather briefcase that seemed to be worth more than 3 months of his salary. Yes, sir.

How can I help him? Beatriz replied, nervously adjusting her uniform. “My name is Fernando Navarro. I need your help with something out of the ordinary.” She looked around as if to make sure they were alone. “Can I talk to you privately? It’s urgent.” Beatriz hesitated. Fernando looked about 42 years old and there was something in his eyes that conveyed a mixture of desperation and determination.

He didn’t look dangerous, just desperate. Sure, but I can’t take long. I have other rooms to clean.” Fernando led her to a small living room at the end of the hall, reserved for special guests. He closed the door carefully and turned to her. What I’m about to ask for may sound strange to you, but I need your help.

She took a deep breath. My family is organizing a meeting tonight. It will be at the Pujol restaurant in the Polanco neighborhood. It’s complicated to explain, but I need someone to pretend to be my wife in front of them. Beatriz opened her eyes wide. What do you mean, Mr. Navarro? I don’t even know you. I know, I know.

Sounds crazy. Fernando ran his hand through his hair. My family has very specific expectations about my personal life. They think I’ve been married for 2 years. I let them believe it to avoid being pressured all the time with marriage and children. And why do you ask me? Are there agencies for that kind of thing? No? Beatriz asked, genuinely curious.

I need someone authentic, someone my family doesn’t know and who isn’t part of their social circles. Fernando took a wallet out of his pocket. I’ll pay you 5000 pesos for the night, just dinner, a few hours. You just have to smile, be kind and pretend you know me well. 5000 pesos. It was more than half of his monthly salary.

 

With that money, Beatriz could pay for her college tuition arrears and still have food left over next month. Why should I trust you? She asked, crossing her arms. Fernando looked into her eyes and for the first time since the conversation began she saw a genuine vulnerability on his face. Because I’ve been honest with you from the beginning.

I could have made up a story, but I chose to tell you the truth. Fernando Navarro extended his hand. I own a technology company. I’m 42 years old. I’ve never been married and my family thinks I’m a personal failure because of it. Beatriz looked at the outstretched hand, then at her face. There was something sincere about his expression that touched her. Beatriz Guevara. he said, shaking his hand.

24 years old, a management student and apparently your new temporary wife. Fernando smiled for the first time and Beatriz noticed how it completely transformed her face. So, do you accept? I do. But with conditions. Beatriz straightened her shoulders. No physical contact beyond a handshake or holding the arm.

You pick me up at 7 p.m. and bring me back safely. And if someone asks very personal questions about our marriage, you change the subject. Perfect. I’ll pick you up at 7. Fernando wrote down the address she gave him on a piece of paper. And Beatriz, thank you, you don’t know the relief you give me. Shi.

When he left the room, Beatriz was left alone looking at the business card he had left her. Fernando Navarro, CO Texol, Mexico. Below, the address of a company in the prestigious Torre Reforma. For the first time in months, he wondered if he wasn’t getting into something much bigger than he imagined.

At 7 o’clock, a black Mercedes-Benz pulled up in front of the modest building where Beatriz lived, on Álvaro Obregón Street. She had chosen a simple navy dress, borrowed from her neighbor, and black flats that she bought at a department store during her lunch break.

Fernando got out of the car and opened the door for him, impeccable in a dark gray suit. “You are beautiful,” she said sincerely. And Beatriz felt a heat rise to her face. Thank you. I hope it is suitable for the restaurant. It’s perfect. Fernando helped her get into the car. Along the way I will tell you about my family so that you are not caught off guard.

As they navigated through Mexico City traffic on their way to Polanco, Fernando explained, “My dad, Roberto Navarro, is 70 years old. He owns several construction companies and is, let’s say, traditional. He thinks a man my age should already have a wife and at least two children. He paused. My mom, Carmen, is 68 years old.

She’s kinder than my dad, but just as concerned about my personal life. “And do you have siblings?” asked Beatriz, adjusting her seat belt. Yes, my sister Lucía is 38 years old, she is married to Diego and they have two small children. She has always been the model daughter. There was a hint of bitterness in his voice. And my younger brother, Carlos, is 35 years old.

He is single, but he has been with the same girlfriend for 5 years. Still, the pressure always falls on me for being the oldest. Beatriz observed Fernando’s profile as he drove. There was a tension in his shoulders that he hadn’t noticed before. Why did you never really get married? He asked softly. Fernando was silent for a moment with his eyes fixed on the traffic.

I had a serious relationship at the age of 35. It lasted 3 years. She wanted to get married, to have children. I thought I wanted that, too. But when it came time to take the next step, I realized that I was with her because it was what everyone expected of me, not because it was what I really wanted.

And what did you want? Freedom to build my company without family pressures. Time to discover who he really was outside of the expectations of others. He looked at her quickly. It sounds selfish. Sounds honest,” Beatriz replied. “Better that than an unhappy marriage.” Fernando smiled. “Now I understand why I chose you for this.

“They arrived at Pujol, one of the most recognized restaurants in the city, located in Tenison. The place exuded sophistication with its minimalist décor and intimate atmosphere. “Last chance to back down,” Fernando said, taking her hand gently. “I’m not going to give up now,” Beatriz replied, surprised by her own determination.

The Navarro family was already gathered at a private table at the back of the restaurant. Roberto Navarro was an imposing man with completely white hair and a straight posture. Carmen was elegant, with brown hair, well groomed and a warm smile. Lucia, the sister, had delicate features and observant eyes.

Carlos, the younger brother, was shorter than Fernando, with a jovial and friendly air. Fernando. Carmen immediately got up and hugged her son. And this must be our dear Beatrice. Beatriz’s heart beat faster. It was the first time someone had called her darling in that context. Yes, Mom.

She is my wife, Beatriz Guevara de Navarro,” said Fernando, putting his hand gently on her back. “It’s a pleasure to meet you at last,” Beatriz said in a more natural voice than she expected. Fernando talks a lot about you. Roberto gave him a firm handshake. The taste is ours, daughter. We finally meet the woman who conquered the heart of our Fernando. Har. During the first hour everything flowed well.

The talk was on general topics: the restaurant, the weather, the news of the city. Beatriz managed to answer the basic questions about her marriage to Fernando, making up details about how they met at a business conference and their honeymoon, a leisurely trip to Tulum.

But then Lucia asked the question that would change everything. Beatriz dear, when are they going to give us nephews? They have been married for two years now. The silence at the table was almost palpable. Beatriz felt all the eyes on her and for a moment she didn’t know what to answer. That’s when Fernando surprisingly took her hand and said, “We actually have some news to share with you.

Beatriz looked at him alarmed, with no idea where she wanted to go with it. Beatriz’s heart stopped for a second when Fernando squeezed her hand under the table. I had no idea what I was going to announce. And the fear that it was something she couldn’t support made her tremble slightly. We, Fernando began looking directly into her eyes, are trying to have children, but we decided not to talk about it until we were completely sure. It’s something very personal for us.

The answer was perfect. Beatrice felt a wave of relief and at the same time admiration for the speed with which she thought. Carmen clapped softly. Oh, how wonderful. Don’t worry about pressure, dear ones. Those things happen when it’s time. Roberto raised his glass of wine.

So, let’s toast to the hope of future grandchildren. During the toast, Beatriz noticed that Fernando was trembling slightly. The lie was weighing on him more than he imagined. The rest of the dinner was quieter with the family sharing stories and memories.

Beatriz discovered that Fernando had been a rebellious young man who almost dropped out of school to become a musician at the age of 20 and only returned to the family business after a serious chat with his father. He played guitar in bars in the Zona Rosa with laughing guitar playing. Our parents went crazy when they found out. “You still play,” asked Beatriz, genuinely interested.

Sometimes at home when I need to relax,” Fernando replied a little blushing. It was almost 10 p.m. when the family began to say goodbye. Carmen hugged Beatriz affectionately. “It was a pleasure to meet you, my dear. I hope we can see each other more often. How about a lunch just us next week?” Panic returned to Beatriz.

I would be great, but I’m very busy with work. Beatriz works in a consulting company, Fernando quickly intervened. Their projects are very intense. What a pity, Carmen said without suspecting anything. So, maybe next month. On the way home, the car was silent.

Fernando seemed lost in thought and Beatriz did not know whether she should say something or just wait. Finally, when they were stopped at a traffic light on Insurgentes Avenue, she broke the silence. Why did you do that? What? Fernando asked, although he knew perfectly well what he meant. The thing that we’re trying to have children, you could have backed out.

Fernando sighed heavily because the moment I heard my sister’s question and saw the expectation in my parents’ eyes, I realized how complicated this farce is becoming. I looked at her and I also realized how natural everything was with you, that for a few moments I even believed that we were really married.

Beatriz felt something strange in her chest, a sensation she couldn’t identify. What is going to happen now? Your mom wants to have lunch with me. Your family looks forward to seeing us together. I know. Fernando parked in front of his building. I didn’t think of that before I asked you this. It was selfish of me. They were silent for a moment until Fernando continued.

Beatriz, can I ask you another question? And this time you have every right to say no. Question. My family is throwing a party to celebrate the 45th anniversary of my dad’s company. It will be next Saturday at his home in Las Lomas. They’ll expect you to be there. He took a deep breath.

I know it’s a lot to ask, but you would dare to go with me. I’ll pay you twice as much as today. 10,000 pesos. Beatriz did the math. it was quickly the equivalent of his full monthly salary. Why don’t you hire a professional actress? Anyone better suited for this sort of thing? Fernando looked her straight in the eye.

Because you’re not an actress, Beatriz, you’re real. And for the first time in years when my family looked at me tonight, I saw pride in their eyes. Not because he is successful in business, but because they believed he had found someone special. Tell me what city and country you’re watching this video from. I’m going to read all the comments. Beatriz felt her heart race.

There was something in Fernando’s voice, a vulnerability that he had never seen in any man before. And if anyone finds out the truth, he asked. Then we will face the consequences together, he replied. But Beatriz, I need you to know, if you accept, it will not be just another night. It will be the beginning of something that could change our lives forever.

As she climbed the stairs of her building, Beatriz carried more than the 10,000 pesos in her bag. She carried the feeling that her life had just taken a whole new direction and she still didn’t know if it was a blessing or a curse. Saturday arrived faster than Beatriz expected. During the week she had used some of the money Fernando paid her to buy a suitable dress for the party.

A dark green mid model that highlighted her brown eyes found in a store in the Zona Rosa. Fernando picked her up at 7 p.m. as promised. This time he was driving a silver BMW convertible and wearing a navy blue suit that seemed tailor-made. “You’re radiant,” he said when he saw her. And Beatriz noticed that the comment sounded more sincere than Cortés. Thank you and you are very elegant.

The Navarro family’s home in Las Lomas was imposing, a Mexican colonial mansion with manicured gardens and a panoramic view of the city. Luxury cars were parked on the street and uniformed waiters circled among the guests in the back garden. How many people are there? Beatriz asked.

feeling a twinge of nervousness. About 60 people, family, close friends and some of my dad’s associates. Fernando noticed her anxiety and put his hand gently on hers. You don’t have to talk to everyone, just be yourself. The party was in full swing when they arrived. Carmen Navarro wore an elegant embroidered dress and greeted guests with the grace of an experienced hostess.

Roberto, in a classic beige suit, chatted animatedly with businessmen near the illuminated pool. “Fernando, Beatriz.” Carmen came over immediately. “It’s good that they arrived! Come, I want to introduce you to Fernando’s uncles. The next hour passed like a whirlwind of introductions, smiles, and superficial chatter.

Beatriz managed to stay in the role by inventing details about her professional life and her relationship with Fernando when necessary. It was during a pause when Fernando went to get drinks that everything began to get complicated. You are Fernando’s wife. A female voice behind her made her turn around. She was a woman in her 40s, blonde, elegant, in a black dress that probably cost more than Beatriz’s annual salary.

“Yes, I’m Beatriz,” she replied, extending her hand. “Alejandra Morales,” said the woman squeezing his hand with a smile that did not reach his eyes. Fernando’s ex-girlfriend, or rather, the woman he almost married 5 years ago. Beatriz’s heart skipped a beat. Fernando had not mentioned any ex-girlfriend.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Beatriz managed to say. “My pleasure.” Alejandra took a sip of her drink. You know? I was surprised when I learned that Fernando had married. He always told me that I was not a man for marriage. He said that his freedom was more important than any relationship. Beatriz felt as if the ground was moving under her feet.

People change, don’t they? Of course, especially when they find the right person. Alexandra studied it with shrewd eyes. Tell me, how exactly did they meet? Fernando was never very clear when Roberto told me about you. It was then that Beatriz realized that she was being put to the test. Alejandra suspected something.

“We met through work,” Beatriz replied, trying to keep her voice firm. It was gradually a friendship that turned into something deeper. How romantic. Alejandra smiled coldly. And tell me something, ferra for you? He used to play for me on Friday nights. He said it was his way of relaxing after a heavy week.

Beatriz remembered Carlos’ comment at dinner, sometimes, when he is at home. And where do they live, by the way? Fernando always dreamed of a house overlooking Chapultepec. The conversation was turning into an interrogation and Beatriz felt that each answer could be a trap. “We prefer to keep our address private,” he said, trying to sound casual.

Alejandra was about to ask another question when Fernando appeared next to her with two glasses of champagne. “Alejandra,” she said and Beatriz noticed the immediate tension in her voice. I didn’t know you’d be here. Roberto invited me. Do you know that our families have always been close? He looked between Fernando and Beatriz. I was getting to know your wife, a lovely young woman, better.

No, Fernando gave Beatriz a glass and she noticed that his hand trembled slightly. Alejandra, with permission. I need to introduce Beatriz to other guests. Of course. It was a pleasure, Beatriz. I’m sure we’ll see you soon. As Fernando and Beatriz walked away, he whispered, “What did he tell you? That they were boyfriend and girlfriend.

Why didn’t you tell me that?” Beatriz tried to keep her voice low, but the irritation was evident, because I didn’t think it was relevant. We broke up 5 years ago. She suspects something, Fernando. He asked very specific questions about our life. Fernando stopped walking and looked at her. What kind of questions? Where do we live? How did we meet? If you play guitar. Beatriz took a deep breath.

He knows that something is not right. At that moment, Roberto Navarro approached with a microphone in his hand. Attention, dear friends and family. His voice boomed in the garden. I want to make a special prom tonight, not only for the 45th anniversary of our company, but also to celebrate that my son Fernando finally found happiness in marriage.

All eyes turned to Fernando and Beatriz. People began clapping and smiling, hoping that they would kiss like a couple in love would. Beatriz felt panic take hold of her. Fernando looked at her with desperation in his eyes. They were surrounded by 60 people, including a suspicious ex-girlfriend, waiting for a public demonstration of love.

And at that moment, Beatriz realized that there was no turning back. She would have to kiss Fernando Navarro in front of her whole family or everything would collapse right there. The moment seemed eternal. 60 pairs of eyes fixed on them, the microphone still in Roberto’s hand and the expectant silence that floated over the illuminated garden. Beatriz felt her legs tremble, but then something unexpected happened.

Fernando took a step towards her, gently put his hand on her face, and said quietly just for her to hear. Forgive me for all this. And he kissed her. It was not a theatrical or forced kiss. It was gentle, respectful, but charged with an emotion that neither of us expected to feel. For a moment, Beatriz forgot where she was. He forgot that it was all a farce. There was something genuine about that moment that scared her and delighted her at the same time.

The guests applauded and whistled. Roberto smiled proudly and Carmen wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. Only Alejandra maintained a skeptical expression observing every detail. When they separated, Fernando and Beatriz looked at each other for a second that seemed to contain all the words they could not say in public.

“Now keep celebrating,” Roberto announced and the talks returned to normal. Fernando took Beatriz’s hand and led her to a more secluded area of the garden, near a decorative stone fountain. “Beatriz, me” began, but she interrupted him. We have to be serious.

His voice was firm, but Fernando could see the confusion in his eyes. This has already gone too far. I know, you’re right. Fernando ran his hand through his hair, a gesture that Beatriz was already beginning to recognize as a sign of nervousness. When my dad made that announcement, I realized the absurdity of this whole situation. “Does your ex-girlfriend suspect something?” he asked questions that I didn’t know how to answer well. Beatriz looked around, making sure no one was listening to them.

And that kiss, I’m sorry, I didn’t plan it, it was instinctive. Don’t apologize for the kiss, Fernando. Apologize for getting me into this situation without preparing me well. He took a deep breath. I need to know what else you haven’t told me about your life, because if we’re going to continue with this charade, I need to know everything.

Fernando looked her in the eye and Beatriz saw that he was making an important decision. You are right. Let’s get out of here. I’ll tell you everything, but I can’t do it here. They said goodbye to Fernando’s parents, inventing an excuse that Beatriz had a headache. Carmen insisted that he take a chamomile tea that always worked and Roberto hugged the two saying how proud he was to see them together.

In the car, Fernando drove in silence until they reached a viewpoint on the hill of Chapultepec, from where they could see the entire city illuminated. It was almost 11 p.m. and the air was cool. Alejandra and I met when I was 30 years old, Fernando began, leaning on the hood of the car next to Beatriz. We were dating for 3 years.

She wanted to get married, have children, complete traditional life. I thought he wanted that too until the day he gave me an ultimatum. Either we got engaged in 6 months or we finished. And what did you do? I broke up with her. Not because I didn’t want her, but because I realized that I was trying to be someone who wasn’t just to meet everyone’s expectations. Fernando looked at the lights of the city.

It was the first time I really let my family down. My dad got angry, my mom cried, Lucia called me selfish. And that’s when you started lying about having a wife. No, right away. First I tried to focus on work, building my own company. For two years I endured constant pressure from family about when I was going to fix my life.

Fernando smiled bitterly until a year ago, on my mom’s birthday, she started crying saying that she would never be a grandmother because of me. It was when I lied for the first time. I said I was meeting someone special and the lie grew. Exactly. At each family gathering I made up more details about my girlfriend.

Then she became a fiancée, then a wife. When I realized it, I was caught in a web of lies so complicated that I didn’t know how to get out. Beatriz was silent for a few minutes, processing everything she had heard. Fernando, you realize that this can’t go on forever, right? Sooner or later the truth will come out. I know.

And after today, after seeing how happy my parents were, after feeling, he stopped looking at her. After feeling how natural it was to be by your side tonight, how easy it was to imagine that we were actually married. Fernando turned to look at her straight ahead. Beatriz, I know it’s crazy, but you felt the same way.

Beatriz’s heart raced. Fernando, you hardly know me. I’m a hotel maid. I come from a humble family in Puebla. I study at night at a public university. We are from completely different worlds. So what? Fernando took a step towards her. You are smart, brave, authentic. You dealt better with my family in two encounters than any I have ever taken to meet them.

Because I was acting out a role. No, Beatriz, you were being yourself and that’s why it worked too. Beatriz felt tears pool in her eyes. This is impossible, Fernando, when your family discovers who I really am, what work I do, where I come from. So, let’s tell the truth.

Fernando’s voice sounded firm and determined. We’ll tell my family that we met recently, that you’re an amazing person that I’m getting to know and that we want to see where this takes us. Beatriz looked at him incredulously. Are you serious? Completely seriously. Fernando took his hands in his.

Beatriz, in two meetings you showed me more courage and honesty than I have had in the last 5 years. If there’s a chance, however small, of building something real together, I want to give it a try. And if it doesn’t work, what if we discover that we are incompatible, that we really are from very different worlds? So, at least we tried, at least we stopped living on lies and pretense. Fernando smiled.

Besides, you already know all my flaws. Do you know that I’m a coward who lied to his family for an entire year? Beatriz couldn’t help but smile. And you know I’m a practical woman who agreed to pretend to be your wife for money. And two imperfect people trying to figure out if they can be imperfect together, Fernando said.

Sounds like a good start. Beatriz looked at the illuminated city below, then at Fernando. There was something in his eyes, a sincerity that I had never seen in any man before. If we do this, he said slowly, we do it right, no lies, no pretense. We tell your family the truth about how we really met and see how they react.

And if they don’t take it well, then we’ll find out what kind of family you’re really from, Beatriz replied. One that loves you for who you are or one that only accepts you when you are what they want you to be. Fernando pulled her to him and hugged her. It wasn’t a theatrical or planned hug, but the embrace of someone who had finally found the courage to be honest. Thank you, he whispered in his ear.

Why? For helping me stop lying to my family and myself. When they parted, Fernando held Beatriz’s face gently. I can kiss you again. This time not for an audience, but because I really want to. Beatriz smiled. You can, but this time it’s Beatriz Guevara kissing Fernando Navarro, not the pretended wife kissing her fake husband. The second kiss was different from the first.

It was the first truly honest moment between them since they met. Three months later, Beatriz was adjusting the last details of the table in the small restaurant that Fernando had chosen in the Zona Rosa. It was not Pujol or a sophisticated place in Polanco. It was a traditional, simple and cozy Mexican restaurant.

The kind of place where they had begun to see each other for real in recent weeks. The Navarro family would arrive in a few minutes to hear the full truth about how Fernando and Beatriz really met. “Nervous,” Fernando asked, sitting next to her. Terrified,” Beatriz admitted. “And you too? But it’s a different feeling than before. It’s not fear of disappointing anyone, it’s fear of hurting the people I love with the truth.

It’s a more honest fear,” Beatriz said, holding her hand. In the last three months they had really known each other. Fernando found that Beatriz was even braver and more determined than he imagined, working and studying with a dedication that inspired him. She found that he was kinder and more vulnerable than his social position suggested.

A man who truly cared about the people around him, but who had lost himself trying to be who everyone expected him to be. They’d had their first real fights, their first difficult talks about social class differences and life expectancies, but they’d also had moments of genuine connection that neither of them had experienced before.

Roberto and Carmen arrived first, followed by Lucía. Diego and his young children and finally Carlos. Everyone seemed happy to see the couple without suspecting that it would be a very different reunion from the previous ones. “It’s good to get the family together again,” Carmen said, hugging Beatriz affectionately.

“How are you? And how are the plans for the babies going?” Fernando and Beatriz looked at each other. It was time to start. Mom, dad, all of you,” Fernando began with a slightly trembling voice. We call you here because we need to tell you something important about our relationship. Carmen’s smile faded slightly. It’s all right.

Do they have problems? Not exactly problems, Beatriz chimed in. “But there’s something they need to know about how we really met.” And then together they told the truth. They talked about Fernando’s initial lie about being married, about how he asked Beatriz to pretend to be his wife, about how it all started as a farce at the Intercontinental President Hotel. The silence at the table was deafening when they finished speaking.

Roberto was the first to speak. You lied to us for more than a year. Yes, Dad, and I’m so sorry for that. And you? Roberto looked at Beatriz. Did you agree to cheat our family out of money? Beatriz straightened her shoulders. Yes, sir, I agreed. I needed the money for college and thought it would be just one night.

I didn’t imagine it would become this. Carmen had tears in her eyes. Fernando, how could you do this to us? We were so happy. We thought you had finally found happiness. And I found her, Mom, Fernando said, taking Beatriz’s hand. Not as planned, not as I expected, but I found her.

Beatriz taught me to be honest with myself and with you, that’s why we are telling you the truth now. Lucia, who had been quiet, finally spoke. And now, are they really together or is this also a lie? We are finding out, Beatriz replied honestly. We have been really getting to know each other for three months. Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s wonderful, but it’s real.

Carlos surprisingly began to laugh. Brother, it’s always been complicated, but this is over even for you. Carlos, Carmen reprimanded him. No, Mom, let me talk. Carlos looked at Fernando. You were an idiot for lying to us, but I also understand why you did it. The pressure we put on you is not fair. Roberto was silent for long minutes processing everything he had heard. Finally he looked at Beatriz.

Miss Guevara, do you work as a hotel maid? I do, sir, and I study night management. And do you plan to continue working when you finish your degree? Yes, sir. I want to build my own career. Roberto nodded slowly. And you, Fernando, are you willing to support her in that, even if it means that she is not always available for family events and social commitments? Completely willing, Dad. In fact, I greatly admire his determination.

Carmen wiped away her tears and looked at the two of them. They hurt us with those lies, but also since when we haven’t seen Fernando so calm and happy. It’s true, Lucia agreed, “In the last three months you look more like yourself, because I’m finally being myself,” Fernando replied.

Roberto got up from the table and for a moment everyone thought he was leaving, but he walked towards Fernando and put his hand on his shoulder. Son, you made a serious mistake by lying to us, but we also made a mistake by pressuring you to live the life we wanted for you, instead of supporting the life you wanted for yourself. He turned to Beatriz.

And you, young man, showed courage in telling us the truth today, even though you knew you might disappoint us. That says a lot about your character. Carmen got up and hugged them both. If they are discovering something real together, then we will support them. But please, no more lies. If it works, that’s good. If not, that’s okay too. Just be honest with us and with yourselves.

6 months later, Beatriz finished her degree in administration at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His family had traveled from Puebla for the ceremony. His parents, María and José and his younger sister, Carmen. Fernando was in the audience with the entire Navarro family, all there to support the woman who had become so important in his life.

When Beatriz took the stage to receive her diploma, Fernando stood up and applauded, proud of the brave and determined woman he met disguised as a temporary wife. After the ceremony, the two families met at a simple restaurant near the university. María Guevara, Beatriz’s mother, chatted animatedly with Carmen Navarro about traditional recipes. José Guevara and Roberto Navarro discovered that they were both soccer fans and were arguing heatedly about the capital’s teams. Who knew that my rebellious son would end up falling in love with another woman?

sensible than him?” Roberto commented to José. Laughing. “My daughter always knew what she wanted,” José replied. When he decided to come to the capital, he knew he would make it. I just didn’t imagine that I would find true love along the way. Fernando and Beatriz walked a little away from the group walking through the university city as the sun set over the Mexican capital.

So, Mrs. Guevara,” said Fernando, using the title with affection. What are the plans now? Well, I received an interesting proposal from a consulting company, Beatriz replied. And you, Mr. Navarro, have you thought about hiring a recently graduated administrator for your technology company? Fernando stopped walking and pulled her to him. In fact, I have a better proposal.

What proposal? Fernando knelt right there in the middle of the university campus and took a small box out of his pocket. Beatriz Guevara, you started pretending to be my wife. Now I want to ask you, would you dare to be my real wife? Beatrice looked at the simple and elegant ring, then at the man she had met in one of the most unusual situations of her life.

Fernando Navarro, said also kneeling to be at his level. When you asked me to pretend to be your wife, I said yes because I needed the money. Now I say yes because I really love you. When they kissed, this time there was no audience, no family pressures, no lies or pretense. There were only two people who had learned that true love can begin in the most unlikely ways, but it only flourishes when it is planted on a ground of honesty and courage.

A year later, Fernando and Beatriz’s wedding ceremony was simple and joyful held at the Church of San José in Puebla, Beatriz’s hometown. It wasn’t a lavish party in some five-star hotel in Mexico City, but an intimate celebration with the people who really mattered to them.

Carmen Navarro and María Guevara had become great friends during the preparations for the wedding, discovering that despite social differences, they shared the same values about family and love. Roberto Navarro insisted on paying for the entire party, not as a display of wealth, but as a way of showing that he had fully accepted Beatriz into the family.

During the party, Fernando played guitar in public for the first time in years, singing a traditional Mexican song for his new wife while she laughed and cried at the same time. You know? Beatriz Fernando said as they danced for the first time as spouses.

If someone had told me two years ago that I would marry a man I knew, pretending to be his wife, I would have said I was crazy. And if someone had told me that I would find the love of my life by asking a stranger to pretend to love me, I would have thought it was crazy too,” Fernando replied. “But sometimes the best stories start with the most unlikely situations,” Beatriz said.

And sometimes pretending to be happy is the first step to discovering what real happiness is, Fernando added. As they danced under the simple lights of the Puebla community hall, surrounded by a mix of businessmen from the capital and farm workers, Fernando and Beatriz knew they had found something that could not be bought, faked, or forced.

They had found a love built on the most solid foundation possible, the truth. Sometimes the prettiest stories start with the most complicated lies, but they only become truly beautiful when we find the courage to be honest with ourselves and those we love.

Forgiveness does not change the past, but it can transform what comes after. And starting over does not mean going back to the beginning, it is choosing a new path, this time with the right person by our side.