That night, for the first time, they talked—about her small hometown, her grandmother, and the smell of freshly baked bread. He shared his fears, his father’s expectations, and his loneliness. They spoke until dawn.

As the weeks passed, the mansion began to feel warmer. The cold light softened. Alejandro started smiling again. He invited Lucía to breakfast, asked her opinion on music, even shared the emails that annoyed him. Something quiet but real was growing between them—not instant love, but mutual respect built from honesty and calm presence.

One afternoon, Alejandro walked into the garden and noticed dozens of daisies drying under the sun.

“Why daisies?” he asked.

Lucía smiled gently. “Because even the simplest flowers can make someone who already has everything smile.”

But not everyone welcomed the change. One of Alejandro’s jealous business partners began spreading rumors, accusing Lucía of manipulating him for money. Still unsure of himself, Alejandro let the doubt creep in. That tiny moment of weakness shattered something precious.

The next morning, Lucía didn’t come.