- Married Life.

"Good morning, my love."

Leo barely opened his eyes, pulling her into an embrace and kissing her.

"How was your visit with your dad?" Viridiana asked.

Leo looked at his wife—her full lips, fair skin, and gray eyes smiling at him, her long honey-brown hair cascading down.

Leo’s love for Viridiana was sweet and romantic, reflected in every I love you, every glance, as they built their family and began an extraordinary new life together.

Their wedding hadn’t been simple. Although private, the guest list included only the Connery family, the Carson family, and a few close friends.

Viridiana wore a beautiful white gown made in France, while Leo looked sharp in a navy-blue suit with a bow tie. They celebrated their civil wedding at the Carson family's coffee estate.

"It went well, love—just some meetings and work. How about you?"

"I just missed you," Viridiana said with a playful smile.

He kissed her again, trailing his lips from hers to her cheeks and neck as he held her in his arms.

"I went to Federico’s birthday party."

"How was it?"

"Good—you know Federico and his birthdays."

"Yeah."

"And I ran into Lara."

The kiss was soft and loving. Upon hearing that name, Leo pretended not to care. But that wasn’t true.

"And how is she?" he asked.

"She’s fine. We didn’t talk much."

Leo nodded, avoiding further questions. He wondered if his wife had mentioned him, but he chose not to ask.

After staying in bed for a while longer, they showered together—naked, under the warm water, sharing kisses.

Now, they were sitting at the dining table, enjoying a delicious breakfast.

"What do you want to do today?"

As he asked, his gaze landed on the cover of a fashion magazine.

There she was.

Lara.

Her hair, her face, her smile—nothing had changed. She was still stunning.

I know I would always say it, he thought.

A whispered I love you slipped from his lips.

"My love," Viridiana called.

"Yes?"

"Did you hear what I said?"

"Sorry, love… I just noticed this magazine."

He realized it was a fashion magazine.

"Look, it's—"

Leo thought, It’s Lara.

Viridiana finished his sentence instead:

"My friends. They look great. That’s Lara, right, love?"

Leo gave a quick glance and responded, "Yeah… yeah. But tell me, what were you saying?"

"I was saying that I go back to work on Monday, and you don’t have anything scheduled, right?"

"Yes, of course, love. Please don’t stress yourself now that you’re returning to work," Leo said.

"Of course not, love."

He kissed his wife’s hand.

Leo knew Viridiana wanted to get pregnant soon, but he wasn’t ready to be a father yet.

He took things slowly, hoping she would do the same and stop pressuring herself.

"Let’s go to the park," Leo suggested.

Viridiana agreed, and after finishing breakfast, they went out to enjoy the day, walking hand in hand.

"My mom’s birthday is the day after tomorrow. My brother Sebastián told me they’re planning a small garden party for her."

Leo offered to help pick out a gift for his mother-in-law.

Being models since childhood, they were used to paparazzi, flashing cameras, and constant media attention.

But now, their personal lives meant more. They were a stable couple, bound by love and commitment—now and forever.

The months passed beautifully.

They said goodbye to the old year and welcomed the new.

Viridiana was getting her hair done when she flipped through an old magazine, reading about the Madrid event.

She saw a photo of Lara in an elegant gala dress, accompanied by Matías, who was wearing a matching suit.

Viridiana thought the dress was stunning.

"Hello, Dimitri."

Leo greeted him as he answered his phone from his office.

"How are you?" Dimitri asked.

"Good—just working. How’s your dad?"

"He’s well, thanks. I heard you married Viridiana Castro—congratulations."

"Thanks, Dimitri. I would’ve invited you."

"Don’t worry about it. And I hear you’re going to be a father."

"That’s right," Leo replied.

A few days ago, Leo and Viridiana had announced on social media that they were expecting a baby—she was two months pregnant.

Leo hesitated before saying:

"And how’s your sister?"

"Lara is doing well."

That was all Dimitri said

Leo found it odd that he didn’t elaborate—Dimitri usually said, She’s busy with work, or something similar.

"She must have a lot of work," Leo said.

"I suppose so," Dimitri replied.

But he wasn’t sure how to start saying what he really wanted to say.

So, he got straight to the point.

"I have to travel to New York tomorrow. Why don’t we meet for lunch before I go?"

Leo checked his watch, remembering that Viridiana would be at her mother’s house. He agreed to meet Dimitri.

They met at a restaurant. Both were punctual.

Dimitri didn’t want to jump straight to the point, so they chatted about other things.

"You’re going to New York?"

"Yes, I have a few commitments."

Leo nodded while eating.

"I made a promise to her," Dimitri said suddenly. "But I think you have a right to know."

Leo was caught off guard.

"Sorry… what are you talking about?"

"It’s about Lara."

"What about her, Dimitri?"

"She’s pregnant."

Dimitri knew that was the best way to start.

Leo blinked, processing the words.

He shook his head before asking, "Congratulations, but… why did Lara make you promise not to tell me?"

"You don’t get it yet, do you?" Dimitri said.

He sighed, realizing why Lara had made him swear secrecy.

"It’s fine. You’re married now, and you’ll be a father. I understand why she made me promise… Forget what I just said."

"Dimitri, I know you wanted to talk to me for a reason. I’m here. Just tell me—no more games. What’s going on with Lara’s pregnancy?"

Dimitri took a deep breath.

"My sister isn’t pregnant."

Leo frowned in confusion.

"She was pregnant."

"So, the baby was born?"

Dimitri nodded as he took a sip of his drink.

"Okay, so what exactly are you trying to say?" Leo asked, growing impatient.

Dimitri took another sip, gathering his words.

"The baby is yours."

Leo's breath hitched.

He inhaled sharply.

He took another drink—his soda now tasting far too sweet.

"Where is Lara?" he demanded.

Dimitri hesitated.

He had thought telling Leo was the right thing to do. But now, he wasn’t so sure.

Still, he answered:

"She’s been with my grandmother since after the Madrid event."

"My son… How old is he?" Leo’s voice was barely above a whisper.

"He just turned one year and two months."

Leo swallowed hard.

"And his name?"

Dimitri looked him in the eye and answered:

"Santiago."