Monday, March 05, 2018
Por Amar Sin Ley, 3/5/18 Chapter 1 Lunes: Gran Estreno
Chapter
1: Marriage is Cursed
Ricardo
Bustamante stepped off the elevator and entered the offices of Vega
and Associates. He was a tall, attractive man in his forties with
dark hair and dressed in a dark suit and tie as though he were ready
for court, a sensible precaution in his profession. He greeted the
office staff and was met by his secretary, a mature woman named
Carmen who asked if he wished to go over the agenda. He answered in
the affirmative. They began discussing this on the way to his office
only to encounter a couple having an argument that ended with the
woman throwing a glass of water in the man's face. Victoria
Escalante, who seemed to be the woman's lawyer, went over to stop
this situation from getting any worse.
“Control
yourself!” she shouted. “You can't behave like this in my
office!” She turned around and noticed Ricardo and Carmen, then
turned back to her client. “We have to come to an agreement and
both of you have to control yourselves.”
“Ay,
I can't wait to get another lawyer in this office,” said Carmen as
they entered Ricardo's office.
Out
in the hall another lawyer was telling her client that she was going
to make her soon-to-be-ex-huband pay child support. As her client
went ahead to her office Olivia Suarez exchanged greetings with
Carmen on the way back to her office and Carmen reminded Ricardo that
he had a meeting at four that afternoon. He checked his watch.
“Good
morning, Ricardo,” said Leonardo Morán. “How are you?”
“Not
great. Now I'm on the other side, like my clients. My divorce.”
Leonardo
put his hand on Ricardo's shoulder in support and both entered the
conference room. Gustoavo Soto, their 50-something associate, was
already there pouring coffee for himself and for Letizia Jara, who
looked up just in time to flirt subtly with Benjamin Acosta, the tax
specialist, before he went to get his coffee. Roberto Morelli, the
womanizing criminal law attorney, entered behind him. He was in his
late thirties, dark-haired, and bearded.
“Ricardo,
this is very important,” he said. “I need roses for four lady
friends and looking for your consultation –”
“Roberto,
thanks but not now,” he said, good-naturedly. “I don't believe
in love right now. Excuse me.” He took his seat.
“Did
something happen?” Roberto asked. He then turned to Leonardo, who
shook hands with him and commented on something else.
As
the gentlemen took their seats Victoria and Olivia entered the room.
Both were attractive, long-haired blondes, and dressed in
courtroom-ready skirts and white blouses.
“Ricardo,
I'm sorry your situation has come to this,” Olivia said.
“Thanks,
Olivia,” he said, a little uncomfortably.
“Me,
too,” said Victoria.
“Thanks.”
“I
don't want to sound like I'm taking Elena's side,” said Letizia,
“but divorce is the coward's way out.”
“On
the contrary, Letizia,” said Victoria. “Cowards stay in a place
where they don't feel good. We all have the right to find happiness.
It's valid to find it with someone else.”
“No,
no, no,” said Benjamin. “Excuse me, but I don't agree with you.
Marriage is not a game. If you can't deal with feeling slighted –”
“I
don't want to hear this again,” Roberto said. “If you get
married, it's all over.”
“I
can't believe you're saying that, Roberto,” said Olivia. “Without
marriage and children, this law firm wouldn't exist.”
“You're
all mistaken,” said Gustavo. “The institution of marriage is
badly handled. It's the people, not the institution –”
This
caused some outcry which died down as Alonso Vega entered. He was a
tall gentleman with a full head of steel grey hair that was turning
silver and a short, neat beard, wearing a pearl grey suit. He took
his place at the head of the conference table.
“What
was the topic under discussion?” he asked.
“Marriage,”
said Ricardo. “Some believe it's in crisis.”
“Lamentably,
here it is,” said Alonso as he sat down. “Divorce is on an 18%
increase. Because of that we have lots to do in family law.”
“That
speaks well of our firm,” said Victoria.
“Yes,
but badly of marriage,” said Olivia. “It's a shame that love is
on the decline.”
“But
the business is because people aren't marrying for love,” said
Letizia, as she glanced at Benjamin. “ That's why they get
divorced.”
“Perhaps,
but we're lawyers. It's not our business to judge our clients,”
said Alonso. “We help them so that the law is applied in the best
possible way.”
He
looked around the room, satisfied that this issue had been settled
before covering the purpose of the meeting.
In
another part of town a divorce case was in progress before a judge,
who turned to Alejandra Ponce Ruiz for her opening argument. She
was in her thirties, dressed in an off-black jacket, white blouse,
and beige slacks. Her long, straight dark hair was parted in the
center in the manner of Morticia Addams, and was not the best look
for her.
“Thank
you, Your Honor. I will begin by saying that my client resigned his
job a few years ago by agreement with his wife, Inez. When he tried
to resume his career his age became an issue. For this reason he is
seeking alimony.”
Her
opponent stood up.
“Your
Honor, in the four years since the divorce my client's ex-husband has
not demonstrated any real effort toward finding employment. He just
wants to be supported.”
His
client stood up.
“It's
true. My ex doesn't want to work. He just wants to get money out of
me.”
Alejandra's
client stood up.
“You
know that's not true,” he said. “I sacrificed my career for your
love. Now that you don't need me you want to leave me with nothing?”
“Oh,
please! You've always been useless!”
“Silence,”
said the judge. “This is not how to conduct a case.”
A
secretary entered the office of Carlos Ibarra, announcing that he had
a client waiting, a builder named Saúl Morales. He told her to show
him in. He grinned as he watched her exit. Whether that was in
anticipation of the client meeting or in appreciation of her
miniskirt would have been anyone's guess. She stepped aside so the
man could enter, then left them to their meeting. The two men
greeted each other. Morales looked a little ill at ease.
“Carlos,
how are you?” he asked, shaking hands.
“Going
over the final details of my wedding.”
“It's
good that I caught you now.” He sat down.
“How
can I help you?”
“I've
got a big problem and I need your help.”
“Be
calm, we're here for you. What is it?”
“A
female employee is accusing me of sexual harassment.”
Alonso
looked down at the agenda at the first item.
“Olivia,
how is the divorce case you are handling with Letizia?”
“We
are negotiating the child support agreement,” she answered.
“Good.
Keep me informed. Gustavo?”
“I
have a meeting with the Riveras regarding the details of the
separation agreement.”
“How
is your case going, Benjamin?”
Benjamin
stood up as though about to give a state of the union address. The
others looked at him and not with positive feelings.
“I
was in court for the decision about my client and we won. Mrs Mendez
will live calmly and like a queen because her ex will have to pay.”
“Very
good, Benjamin. Sit down.” Alonso looked a little peeved that he
had to say this. “Roberto?”
“Regarding
the fraud case we've completed only a little but it's going well. We
will file the charges, as usual.”
“Leonardo?”
“We're
digging into a forgery case, and it's going well.”
“Good.
Since most of our work is currently in family law we need to hire
another lawyer with this specialty.”
“Pardon
me,” said Benjamin, with a brief glance at Letizia. “Do you have
anyone in mind?”
“Yes.
We're looking at a very good lawyer, my friend Jaime's daughter.”
“I
know Jaime very well,” said Ricardo. “He's the best law
professor I had. Except for you, Alonso, of course.”
“Good.
What did she say? Did she accept the offer?” asked Roberto.
“We
need to wait until she returns from her honeymoon; she's getting
married this weekend. Ricardo, will you be at the wedding?”
“Yes.
I promised and it will be good to see Jaime again.”
“So,
I'll see you there.” He picked up his folder. “Okay, now it's
back to work.”
“Madam,
how much do you get per month?” asked the judge.
“Tell
the truth,” her lawyer whispered.
“One
hundred twenty thousand pesos,” she answered. [$6,365 US at the
moment]
“And
how much are you willing to give to your ex-husband?”
“Twelve
thousand.” [$636 US]
Her
lawyer got up and presented a document to the judge.
“And
what are you looking for for your client?” the judge asked her.
“Fifty
thousand pesos,” Alejandra answered. [$2,562 US]
“No,
no!” She stood up. “Excuse me, but that's robbery!”
“Excuse
me,” Alejandra's client whispered to her. “I don't need that
much.”
“Oscar,
remember that in the meantime you took care of your children. And
that she deceived you. Leave this to me. I won't ask for more.”
“Yes,
Ms Ponce?”
“Yes,
Your Honor. Since the defendant isn't in agreement I would prefer
you to decide what would be appropriate for food and residential
costs within the margin of the law.”
The
other lawyer looked at his client and stood up saying “Your Honor,
we are inclined to offer Mr Reynoso forty thousand pesos per month.”
His client did not look pleased. Alejandra's did.
“We
are in agreement with this settlement, Your Honor,” she said.
“If
both parties are in agreement and there are no other properties in
dispute, we will proceed with this sentence.”
“No!
No! This can't be!” snarled the ex-wife, standing up.
“I
swear I never do things like that. You know me!” said Morales.
“Alright,
alright, alright,” said Carlos. “I'm not here to judge you, but
you have to explain the situation to me.”
“Very
well. We always go to the universities to have them engage our
services. At this time especially because we lost so much work. I
was finally at the point of becoming the most important builder in
Monterrey.”
“Very
good. Congratulations!”
“Naturally
to finish the job we had to work into the evenings. I asked this
young woman to come to my office... but it was strictly business. To
talk about my experiences, to have coffee... and now she accuses me
of sexual harassment.”
“And
did you?” Carlos asked. All through his client's last few
sentences he listened with an expression right out of the “Nudge,
Nudge” Monty Python sketch.
Morales
took a deep breath and slid back into his chair. Carlos took that as
a yes, but said nothing.
Alejandra
and her client were leaving the courthouse when his ex ran up to him,
shouting.
“You
are not much of a man!”
“I
gave you my life!” he said.
“You
took advantage! You left nothing. You are useless!”
“Madame,
don't be insulting. The judge made his decision. There is nothing
else to do. Accept this.”
She
looked back at her lawyer, then at the courthouse behind her.
“All
of you, all of you are a disgrace!” She then looked at Alejandra.
“I can imagine what you did for the judge. What deals you make
with him.”
Alejandra
turned to opposing counsel and suggested he get his client under
control by pointing out that she was a licensed attorney and
interested only in the law. The other lawyer was embarassed by his
client's behavior and hustled her out. Alejandra's client invited
her to dinner out of gratitude but she explained “I'm getting
married tomorrow” and showed him the ring, adding that she would
love to take him up on his offer after the honeymoon.
“Saúl,
this isn't going to be easy,” Carlos told him. “Sexual
harassment is considered a crime. You have to be completely honest
with me if I'm going to take up your defense.” He handed him a
bottle of water.
“Carlos,
I didn't say anything to this girl and especially didn't touch her.”
“Okay,
I believe you.”
“I
know this is a lot to ask but you have to do something so this
doesn't become public. If the press hears about this I'm sunk.”
“I'm
off on my honeymoon this weekend.”
“No,
no!”
“But
I will look into this as soon as I get back.”
“No,
no!”
“Don't
worry, don't worry. You can trust me. I promise I'll take care of
this as soon as I get back.”
“I
know you can do it. Thanks and I will pay you whatever you ask.”
Carlos
smiled, like the devil in a Charles Gounod opera.
“I'm
sure you will,” he said.
“I
never thought I'd need help for anything like this. What a pain.”
“As
I've said, the law is sickening,” Carlos said, slapping him on the
shoulder. “You're in the best hands.”
They
shook hands and Morales left.
As
Ricardo returned to his office his cell phone rang. It was his son,
telling him he had gotten a 10 on his latest exam. Ricardo had
promised him a new video game for that. He named two, which led
Ricardo to promise both if he got the same score on the upcoming math
exam. He also had to assure him that the upcoming divorce had
nothing to do with him or his sister.
Benjamin
was in his office when his client's ex-husband came charging in,
angry that the outcome of the divorce awarded half his assets to his
now ex-wife. Like the woman in the courtroom, he was crying
“robbery” while Benjamin stated that he was doing his job. He
was foolish enough to say that the man got off lucky because he could
have gotten his client more. Fortunately for him Ricardo came in
just in time to prevent Mr Mendez from assaúlting him. However,
when Mendez said that his money was going to end up supporting his
ex-wife's lover, Benjamin boasted that his own wife would never be
unfaithful to him because “She respects me.” Ricardo gave him a
dirty look for that and a verbal warning to back off. Mendez left,
saying that a desperate man will do anything. Ricardo chewed
Benjamin out for this, telling him he should stop and think about the
image of the firm.
Mendez
left through reception, accusing the entire firm of being thieves.
He carried on long enough for waiting clients to be discomfited.
Ricardo caught up with him and escort him to the elevator, trying to
encourage him to put this in the past. He calmed down and
apologisesd to Ricardo, then to Leonardo as he got off the elevator.
Ricardo explained to Leonardo what happened, then said “Now I'm off
to the most important case of my life: My divorce.”
Alan
Páez entered his cousin Carlos' office. They talked about Saúl
Morales.
“Do
you think he's guilty?” Alan asked.
“He
says he isn't but I think he's hiding something. He wants us to keep
the press in the dark to protect the million-dollar projects, and he's
willing to pay well for that.”
“Those
are the best cases, aren't they?”
“For
that reason I need you to take charge of this case until I get back
from my honeymoon. I'll leave it ready for you, including opening
arguments.”
“Don't
worry about it. I'm in charge.”
“Above
all, do a good job. Be prepared for anything.”
“I
love cases like this.”
Alejandra
arrived home and was lovingly greeted by her mother. Paula Ortega
was a tall woman who looked younger than her sixty years. She had
long brown hair and bangs and dressed very tastefully. She pointed
to a huge bouquet of red roses that were delivered that day and they
looked at the note that came with them.
Gustavo
and a client – who was trying to stop bleeding from his nose –
were walking down the corridor talking about his case. Gustavo asked
whether this had been the first time he had been unfaithful. When he
said it was Gustavo said one should not confess such a thing. They
agreed to meet the next day. When the client left Roberto, who had
heard this, said that this was not the case; confession was a winner.
Victoria laughed at the male mentality on this issue, but ended it
with “Because of this no man is worth the trouble.”
“If
you give me a chance, I'm sure you'll think differently,” Roberto
said to her.
“You?
To just add me to your endless list of women? Never.”
“Not
too many, but they did something to get there. Aren't you even a
little curious?”
“Leave
me alone,” she said with a sly smile. “See these shoes?” She
indicated her stiletto heels. “You don't want me to walk all over
you.”
“Is
that supposed to stop me? If you let me I'd be the only one ready.”
[???]
She
walked away from this. Roberto obviously saw her as a challenge.
Gustavo – who had probably already known this – was likely
wondering whether anything would happen.
Ricardo
met his 4PM appointment in another law firm. He sat opposite his
lawyer and next to Elena, his soon-to-be-ex-wife. Her lawyer
stood behind her. Both women were blond. The lawyer was dressed for
court while Elena wore a red jacket over a black blouse with a
plunging neckline. Ricardo's attorney put the documents on the table
and requested that both parties look them over.
“The
documents concerning the children have been redacted. Why?” he
asked.
“Excuse
me, but there were no children from this marriage. The children were
the product of an earlier relationship of my client,” said Elena's
lawyer. “Therefore, Mr Bustamante has no obligations to or rights
over them.”
“Legally,
no,” said Ricardo. “But if we're going to talk ethically and in
the name of love, I have. I've dedicated myself to Federico and
Natalia since they were three and one year old. I've taken care of
and raised them as though they were my own children.”
“But
they aren't,” said Elena, coldly.
“For
God's sake, their father doesn't want them and shows no interest in
them. You know I can't leave them unprotected because I love them.”
“Why
didn't you think about that before throwing ten years of marriage
into the garbage by asking for a divorce?”
“I
intend to continue seeing the children.”
“That
will not be possible. Effective with this divorce I don't want to
see you near my house and especially near my children.”
“Don't
be so selfish. Think about the children.”
“The
only selfish one is you. You want to destroy this family. That will
not be.”
“You
were the one who didn't think of this family. If you had you would
not have been unfaithful.”
“Oh,
please!” she shouted. “It was only once! One night! And for that
little thing you won't forgive me!”
Ricardo's
lawyer invited them to continue the argument in private if they
wanted to.
“No,
no, sir,” Elena said in that fake-helpless tone she often used to
manipulate men. “I don't have any more to think about.” She
resumed her seat and picked up the pen. She signed, then shoved the
documents to Ricardo, who also signed. She then began to cry,
knowing that he could see her.
Carlos
arrived at Paula's house, holding out his arms for Alejandra. They
kissed and she thanked him for the roses. He kissed Paula on the
cheek and she commended him the roses. She left them alone and
Carlos told Alejandra about getting a new client with a big problem
for which he would be paying well for his assistance. Alejandra
seemed a little suspicious of this, but Carlos told her “He's not
paying to get out of a problem; he's paying for my expertise; I
studied a long time for that. Besides, I'm not responsible for my
clients' problems.”
“Yes,
but if they need your help it's because something bad happened.”
“You
think that way because you don't get criminal cases like I do. My
clients are in need.”
“In
everything.”
“I
know you won't have the same opinion. And that's precisely why I'm
so in love with you.” He kissed her hand and they got up. “I
stopped by just to wish you luck on your bachelorette dinner.”
“The
same to you for your bachelor party.”
“That
doesn't matter to me. It's going to be very simple. I don't want to
stay up late. I want to be perfect for tomorrow and for the rest of
my life.”
“You
will be.”
“Before
I leave I want to kiss you for the last time as fiancés. The next
time I kiss you you will be mine. You will be my wife.”
She
smiled and they kissed. She did not hear the alarm bells.
“So
this was your revenge, Elena,” Ricardo said to Elena. “The
children.”
“Revenge?
No. You started this whole thing.”
“Me?”
“Yes.
Because you have such a big ego because you can't forgive me one
single mistake.”
“You're
mistaken, Elena. My ego has nothing to do with this. If I asked for
a divorce it wasn't because you were unfaithful. It was that you
lied to me about it. That's what hurt. You know how that hurt? It
removed the love. Between you and me there is no more love.”
Elena
left the office.
“Mother,
thanks for everything you've done.”
“It's
the one thing I can do. The only thing I want is to see you happy.”
“That
makes me very happy. Carlos is a great guy.”
“Yes.
My love, I know I haven't been the best example for you on the issue
of marriage –”
“Oh,
Mother, don't say that.”
“Yes,
but I've been married four times. I just want you to do well in this
new chapter of your life.”
“I
also hope so. I'll do everything I can so it works. I'll marry him,
we'll buy a house, and have a family in good time.”
Paula
looked for a moment as though she were going to cry. They hugged.
Ricardo
returned to his office and in response to her questions told Carmen
what happened. She then pulled out the wedding invitation and
explained that she had gotten the directions, puchased his plane
tickets, and bought the gift. “What would you like the card to
say?” she asked.
“Poor
Alejandra to be marrying Carlos,” he said. “This guy is
intelligent but contrary about a lot of things. Well, put
congratulations on the card, please.”
“Very
well. It's just that the cards usually included Elena's name.”
“Yes,
but it wouldn't be right just to send my business card. The bride
might think she's expected to get a divorce very soon.”
“That's
right! So I'll send your personal card.”
He
pulled out his copy of his divorce papers to show her.
“You
know what this is?”
“Your
divorce decree.”
“It's
two crossing roads. Love that begins --” He dropped the wedding
invitation on the desk. “And one that ends.” He dropped his
divorce decree on the desk.
“It's
true, sir. Excuse me.”
She
left him alone in his office behind a closed door. He removed his
wedding ring and dropped it on his divorce decree.
Jaime
Ponce arrived at his ex-wife's house to find their daughter
entertaining her female friends. There was food on every table and
bunches of heart-shaped mylar balloons and red fringe all over the
living room. She was very happy to see him.
“How
could I miss the bachelor party of my adored princess?” he said.
They hugged as Paula entered with a glass of red wine for him.
“Are
you ready for the wedding?” he asked Alejandra.
“Everything
is in order,” Paula said. “Everything will be perfect, just like
our little girl.”
“I've
never seen anything as perfect as she is,” he said, putting his arm
around Alejandra. Other guests, friends of Paula's, arrived and she
went to greet them.
“I
know you're very excited about your upcoming marriage and starting a
new family. You don't know how much pleasure that gives me. But I
have to ask you something, daughter. Don't put your career aside. I
don't' want to see all those years of studying wasted in exchange for
what Carlos gives you. I don't want you to give up your career in
case the marriage doesn't work.”
“Dad,
it will work.”
“That's
what I hope. But really, think about it. Think about it.”
“It
will be fine, Dad.”
They
drank a toast.
Meanwhile
at a luxury hotel Alan was hosting Carlo's bachelor party. The
ground-floor room had one round bed inside and a canopied double bed
right by the edge of the pool. The dark-suited guests were likely
all from their law firm. Each had some sort of cocktail in hand.
“If
you think about it, you can still escape from this wedding,” he
said.
“Are
you nuts? All I want is to marry Alejandra,” said Carlos.
“Honestly,
I don't know what you say to a woman to convince her. Salud!”
They
all repeated “Salud” and raised their glasses as Alan took a
photo with his cell phone. Carlos poured himself another drink as
the doorbell rang.
“Surprise!”
said Alan as he went to open the door. Right on cue, eight women of
questionable morals entered the room.
“Now
your bachlor party officially begins!” Alan announced.
“Holá!”
said a blonde as she approached Carlos. “I'm Patricia.” [Is
this a popular name among hookers? Enquiring minds think this
curious. - Ed.]
Carlos
stared like a snake looking at a mouse.
“Well,
don't just stand there,” said Alan. “I'm sure you aren't dead!
That's not so clear if you ask me!”
Everyone
laughed. Patricia began flirting with Carlos, who responded in kind.
Ricardo
sat up late in his new apartment, which still needed to be set up.
Most of his things were still in the moving boxes and only his desk
and desk chair were in place. He worked on what he couldn't finish
at the office that day. The doorbell rang; it was Roberto and
Leonardo with a cold sixpack and sympathy. They pulled out some
chairs and sat down to talk, mostly about Ricardo's divorce. He told
them that the most unfair thing was that the children were paying for
Elena's mistakes. Roberto reminded him that the children would seek
him out.
At
the bachelor party the women had stripped down to their lingerie
while dancing for or with the guests. Patricia was all over Carlos
like a cheap suit as techno music played. She used some sort of drug
and Carlos pitched the small bottle into the pool. Alan came over
and rounded up the other girls and the guests to leave Carlos alone
with Patricia. Two of the women came out of the pool and he led them
out of the room and into the corridor. Patricia sat in one of the
chairs, hiked up her skirt, and continued coming on to Carlos who had
no resistance left. AS the others led the way past a black-tied room
service waiter en route with champagne on ice, Alan picked up the
rear and tipped the waiter telling him that the order was Do Not
Disturb. He accepted the money and Alan was on his way.
Ricardo
and his colleagues continued to talk about Elena. Leonardo expressed
the opinion that Elena could change her mind about future contact.
Roberto pointed out the logic of that, that Ricardo had been the
children's father in the ways that mattered. Ricardo still didn't
quite understand the situation.
“Let's
say for now you never really know a woman until you're divorcing
her,” Leonardo said. “For that reason I never married.”
“No,
no, marriage isn't bad. I swear you can be very happy at the side of
someone you love.”
“Well,
I decided that marriage isn't for me,” said Roberto. “I can't
imagine being at one woman's side for the rest of my life. Imagine
me with one woman for the rest of my life? That would be hell.”
“Well,
Roberto, you can't go on like this either,” said Leonardo. “Any
minute the right woman can appear. You can't be serious.”
“Did
you hear that?” Roberto said.
“Yes.
I can't believe it.” said Ricardo.
“Who
are you to talk?” Roberto asked Leonardo. “You're single and
alone.”
“Well,
that doesn't mean I'm not seeing someone.”
“Really?”
“Seriously?
And when are we going to meet her?”
“Someday
when I've had time to think about it and things are more serious.
When I'm sure I'll introduce her to you.”
Roberto
and Ricardo looked amused but not entirely as though they believed
this.
The
bachelorette party had progressed to champagne and Paula told
Alejandra that as happy as she was for her she would miss her.
Alejandra assured her she would never be far away.
Patricia
danced around the pole that was on the platform in view of any
occupant of the round bed. This clearly was the Orgy Suite. Carlos
was a little intoxicated as she closed in for the kill and draped
herself all over him. He tried to get her to stop, but she wouldn't.
The doorbell rang and she got up.
“They
came back for me,” he said.
“No,
but let's see.” She pushed him back onto the bed as she went to
the door and fetched the champagne bucket and flutes from room
service.
Carlos
was tempted but decided it was time to leave. He put his jacket on.
She looked like she was putting something else on.
“I'm
getting married tomorrow; I don't want to drink any more.”
“Well,
I'm going to tell you that you're not the only one getting married.”
She displayed her left hand to him. “What do you say we have a
despedida for two?”
Something
about this perverse situation got to Carlos. Within a minute she was
on his lap, then straddling him near the foot of the bed.
The
following morning the flowers were all in front of the church and
Paula was greeting the guests. No mother of any bride would have
looked happier than she. Carlos arrived and greeted his cousin who
reminded him that he was to introduce him to Morales before leaving
for his honeymoon. Ricardo arrived and for a second locked eyes with
Carlos. There was a definite hostile vibe between the two men.
Ricardo's cell rang before this could become anything worse, but the
reason for the call was sad.
“Daddy,
my bunny died,” little Natalia said.
“That
can't be. How did it happen?”
“Someone
killed him.” She was crying.
“Honey,
I can't hear you well. Pass me to your mother.”
“Mama,
dad wants to talk to you.”
“Thank
you, my love.” She took the phone. “What's wrong? I'm busy.”
“What
happened to Nati?” Ricardo asked.
“Something
killed her rabbit. I don't know what to do to calm her down. We're
going to bury it in one of the flowerpots. How does this compare
with a rabbit? I don't know what to do with this poor child.”
“I'm
in a church for a wedding. When it's done I'll come right over.”
“No,
no, no. You don't have to. Thanks, it's not necessary. I've been
very clear with you, Ricardo. From now on the children are solely my
responsibility. You are not her father.”
“Elena,
you don't have to tell me that. I love the children. You know
they're my children.”
“Oh,
yes, you love them so much you'd come back from Palmas again? No.
Goodbye, Ricardo.” She ended the call. When she looked back at
her daughter and saw the tears flowing freely she looked annoyed.
Ricardo
put his phone back in his pocket and greeted Jaime as he arrived. As
they shook hands Jaime introduced him to Alejandra. He congratulated
her on her wedding day as they shook hands. She then put her arm
through her father's and they entered the church. Ricardo lingered
outside for a moment and then looked down to find a white garter,
which he immediately picked up. He stood there for a moment,
thinking.
On
the balcony of her apartment Elena covered the dead bunny with soil
at the foot of a palm tree. Natalia was still crying as she held a
flower to mark the spot.
“It
was an accident,” Elena told her. “Noboy thought it would die.
Put the flower here. Besides, I'm sure it will be very happy in
heaven with other rabbits.”
“It's
that the bunny was a gift from my dad and I loved him very much.”
“I
know, Natalia,” said Elena. “But now there is no Ricardo, no
rabbit. Now don't behave like that and stop crying.”
“It's
not fair. I want things to be as they were, Mama.”
“Look,
there are lots of things I want that I can't have. It's what we
learn. Why don't we fix ourselves up and go out?”
“I
don't want to go.”
“I'm
just asking.”
Natalia
walked away and Elena cried because she didn't get what she wanted.
Alonso
arrived and Ricardo was still outside.
“Jaime
arrived and I met the bride. Is she the one who's joining us?”
“Yes,
Alejandra. She will be a great help to us. She'll be joining us
after she returns from her honeymoon.”
“Good,
good.”
“Let's
go in.”
They
entered ust in time to see Jaime walk his daughter down the aisle.
Her dress was ankle-length with a hoopskirt, tapered bodice, and a
neckline that Scarlett O'Hara would have loved.
“You
are so beautiful,” Carlos said.
Elena
led her children out of the building, telling them they were going
shopping. Neither of them was really in the mood. As they entered
the car she told them to buckle their seatbelts. As she closed the
door she noticed that the front right tire was flat.
“No,
this can't be!” she said in frustration. She left her purse on the
hood to get the appropriate tool out from the back of the car. “This
can't be too difficult,” she said to herself as she fitted the tire
iron wrench to the wheel. She had not thought to look for the jack
to raise the car so the wheel was off the ground. The kids looked
out and saw that she was clearly out of her depth.
“Should
we call Dad?”
“No!
You won't call Ricardo. I can take care of this.”
She
couldn't, though. That was obvious to her children, who exited the
car and went back inside. She yelled at them about leaving the car
door open. However, when she tried to turn the tire iron with her
foot she slipped and landed on her backside and proceeded to cry like
a spoiled child.
Alejandra
and Carlos were on their knees before the priest, who asked the
guests to kneel. He called for the godparents of the rings, etc., to
come forward. Alan, Jaime, and Paula came forward.
Elena
took out her cell and called but got Ricardo's voicemail. She left a
nasty message: "When you're done with that disgusting wedding I hope
you get this message. I want you to know that me and my children are
stuck. If you don't want to see me you still want to see them. We
are not accustomed to living without you.” After another second
she said. “We are now better than ever.” She ended the message
and threw the tire iron down, childishly.
“Alejandra,
do you take Carlos as your lawful husband to love, honor, and cherish
him in sickness and in health until death do you part?”
“Yes,
I do.”
Several
police cars with sirens blaring pulled up in front of the church and
parked.
Carlos
was about to put the ring on Alejandra's finger when one of the cops
called out his name.
“Carlos
Ibarra!”
All
eyes were at the rear of the church. Several plainclothes detectives
ran up the aisle.
“That's
me. What's wrong?”
“Why
are you here?” asked Alejandra.
“What
are you doing in a house of God?” asked the priest.
“We're
not leaving until we take this man in,” one of them said, pointing
to Carlos.
“What
are you talking about?” Carlos asked.
“Mr
Ibarra, you need to come with us.”
Jaime
approached the detective.
“Officer,
let's talk outside the church to speak about this.”
“We
have a warrant for your arrest,” said one of the detectives,
holding it up.
“What
am I accused of?” Carlos asked.
“You
are suspected of homicide in the murder of Patricia Linares.”
Labels: ley
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Do they have a dog? They said Fede's dog named "Tita" killed it. Maybe the boy's dog? But I wouldnt put it past that lady to frame the dog. She seemed to not care at all.
Anon1146
Anon1146
Permalink posted by 
: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 12:21:00 AM EST
: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 12:21:00 AM EST
No dog in sight. And dogs -- unless they are trained to do so -- don't usually harm other pets in the house. This wasn't an accident. Elena doesn't care about anyone but herself. It is particularly telling about the timing and the fact that Ricardo gave Nati the bunny.
Carlos will be a villain; I can't see Julian Gil as anything else after what I've seen him in in the past. Interesting that we didn't see what happened in the Orgy Suite that got him arrested.
I will have to leave in an hour to head for the courthouse. Jury duty, believe it or not. I won't be able to do another day this week at least.
Carlos will be a villain; I can't see Julian Gil as anything else after what I've seen him in in the past. Interesting that we didn't see what happened in the Orgy Suite that got him arrested.
I will have to leave in an hour to head for the courthouse. Jury duty, believe it or not. I won't be able to do another day this week at least.
The way the police entered the church seemed a bit exageerated.
I guess Ricardo didn't legally adopt Elena's kids so he can't get half custody or visits.
I guess Ricardo didn't legally adopt Elena's kids so he can't get half custody or visits.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 8:34:00 AM EST
: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 8:34:00 AM EST
Let's try this post again......auto correct is a bear at times.
Thanks so much for a terrific "resumen del estreno" This whole episode would seem to be about marriage-us interruptus!! I trust there will be more to the legal shenanigans and court doings than just family law. Murder most foul is a good start towards that end.
Lovely start-- or end --to a problematic future with a corrupt Carlos. I foresee Elena as a sicky who will terrorize the kids to get back at the ex. That is definitely a possibility here. Anyway, don't they have AAA equivalents there for the well-heeled to rely upon for flat tires? She is useless!!
Thanks so much for a terrific "resumen del estreno" This whole episode would seem to be about marriage-us interruptus!! I trust there will be more to the legal shenanigans and court doings than just family law. Murder most foul is a good start towards that end.
Lovely start-- or end --to a problematic future with a corrupt Carlos. I foresee Elena as a sicky who will terrorize the kids to get back at the ex. That is definitely a possibility here. Anyway, don't they have AAA equivalents there for the well-heeled to rely upon for flat tires? She is useless!!
I'd like to know why Elena married another man (Ricardo) when she had very young children. What happened to the children's father? I'm assuming this man is still alive and never relinquished his parental rights so Ricardo could adopt them. Ricardo probably fell in love with the kids and Elena was part of that package.
Nobody really likes Benjamin and Amador is sleazy in this show as well.
That Letizia is shady. I foresee a serious rivalry with Alejandra when she joins the firm.
Guillermo Garcia Cantu is sexay. I'm tuning in just for him.
Nobody really likes Benjamin and Amador is sleazy in this show as well.
That Letizia is shady. I foresee a serious rivalry with Alejandra when she joins the firm.
Guillermo Garcia Cantu is sexay. I'm tuning in just for him.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 9:39:00 AM EST
: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 9:39:00 AM EST
I also think Elena killed the bunny. It was a gift from Ricardo. Elena is framing the dog for the bunny's murder because she can't get her way. What a child, and she was this way all along. Ricardo chose to ignore it because he fell in love with the children.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 9:42:00 AM EST
: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 9:42:00 AM EST
Checking in--Thanks Urban, your recap went above and beyond jury duty. Take it easy today and maybe they'll excuse you because you watch too many telenovelas....
WOW, a murder right at the beginning. Now it's got my interest. Police don't generally enter a church to make an arrest, but it had to be here. Timing was everything. Alejandra must remain single until she finds out what a cad her fiancé is.
Glad to see most of the patio drifted over. Anon1146, saw your last comment on CET. Happy you are here.
Off to Ocean City--maybe to avoid another noreaster? I won't check back in until sometime next week, in case you think I got lost.
WOW, a murder right at the beginning. Now it's got my interest. Police don't generally enter a church to make an arrest, but it had to be here. Timing was everything. Alejandra must remain single until she finds out what a cad her fiancé is.
Glad to see most of the patio drifted over. Anon1146, saw your last comment on CET. Happy you are here.
Off to Ocean City--maybe to avoid another noreaster? I won't check back in until sometime next week, in case you think I got lost.
Urban, thank you. I didn't watch last night. I have to be in bed by 10 pm to get up the next day at 5.30 am. If this show is good I may try to record it.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 12:10:00 PM EST
: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 12:10:00 PM EST
Thanks, Urban. My understanding was hit and a lot of miss last night, so I appreciate all the dialogue.
“Leave me alone,” she said with a sly smile. “See these shoes?” She indicated her stiletto heels. “You don't want me to walk all over you.”
“Is that supposed to stop me?"
I enjoyed Victoria and Roberto’s flirtatious banter, though it probably doesn’t measure up to the standard of appropriate office decorum. Good chemistry. I predict these two will wind up together.
Benjamin boasted that his own wife would never be unfaithful to him because “She respects me.”
Foreshadowing that Benjamin’s wife is cheating?
The doorbell rang; it was Roberto and Leonardo with a cold sixpack and sympathy.
Ricardo looked through the peephole before answering the door. Is this a TN first? :>
Surprised Carlos, presuming he’s the villain, is in deep water the first night. Anybody think Alan set him up?
“Leave me alone,” she said with a sly smile. “See these shoes?” She indicated her stiletto heels. “You don't want me to walk all over you.”
“Is that supposed to stop me?"
I enjoyed Victoria and Roberto’s flirtatious banter, though it probably doesn’t measure up to the standard of appropriate office decorum. Good chemistry. I predict these two will wind up together.
Benjamin boasted that his own wife would never be unfaithful to him because “She respects me.”
Foreshadowing that Benjamin’s wife is cheating?
The doorbell rang; it was Roberto and Leonardo with a cold sixpack and sympathy.
Ricardo looked through the peephole before answering the door. Is this a TN first? :>
Surprised Carlos, presuming he’s the villain, is in deep water the first night. Anybody think Alan set him up?
I'ma back and I don't have to return. I reported this morning, was sent to the other building, waited two hours to get into a courtroom and.... they probably settled the case. At 12:30 they let everyone go. So half a day, which was the shortest jury duty I ever had. The $40 I will eventually get will probably get spent at Red Lobster.
If I wanted to escape being on a criminal trial I could honestly have told the court during voir dire that I binge-watch true crime documentaries on Youtube and drop names like the Yorkshire Ripper or Fred and Rosemary West.
I don't remember any novela apartment with a peephole before. Are the writers reading this blog?
I'll handle another episode this week, probably Thursday's.
If I wanted to escape being on a criminal trial I could honestly have told the court during voir dire that I binge-watch true crime documentaries on Youtube and drop names like the Yorkshire Ripper or Fred and Rosemary West.
I don't remember any novela apartment with a peephole before. Are the writers reading this blog?
I'll handle another episode this week, probably Thursday's.
Urban you hit a home run at the start. This Tn has bite to it.
Yeah that heffa killed that bunny. And
She said"who knew the bunny would die?
Well what did shedo to make the wabbit
Die? She also said"Ricardo is gone the
Bunny is gone".Yeah that useless wretch murdered the bunny.And that was
The sorriest hate message I've ever heard. She pretty much told him that
He can come see the kids even if he don't want to see her. Which he don't.
Carlos, very stupid man. When she told him "I'm getting married too"he should
Have hit the floor running. But no,she
Dead. And he is "it". Alex you dodged
A bullet girl. He wouldn't have made a
Very good husband anyway. Plus we all
Know who she will end up with. But not
Before the storms of life. Hey that is
Sounding just like a soap opera. Huh.
Unless you really like jury duty maybe
They won't pick you. My experience was
Rather boring.
And ain't no way that dawg offed the bunny. And as inept as she is she may
Not have either. I've never changed the tire before but I've got a pretty good idea how it's done and I'm pretty sure it does not involve using your foot. Lol: )
Thank you Urban.
Hey you guys that live up north, my friend flew up to New York just this morning she said they were expecting 12 inches of snow, I think that's what she said, anyway that's a lot of ice. Y'all be careful out there, stay warm.
Yeah that heffa killed that bunny. And
She said"who knew the bunny would die?
Well what did shedo to make the wabbit
Die? She also said"Ricardo is gone the
Bunny is gone".Yeah that useless wretch murdered the bunny.And that was
The sorriest hate message I've ever heard. She pretty much told him that
He can come see the kids even if he don't want to see her. Which he don't.
Carlos, very stupid man. When she told him "I'm getting married too"he should
Have hit the floor running. But no,she
Dead. And he is "it". Alex you dodged
A bullet girl. He wouldn't have made a
Very good husband anyway. Plus we all
Know who she will end up with. But not
Before the storms of life. Hey that is
Sounding just like a soap opera. Huh.
Unless you really like jury duty maybe
They won't pick you. My experience was
Rather boring.
And ain't no way that dawg offed the bunny. And as inept as she is she may
Not have either. I've never changed the tire before but I've got a pretty good idea how it's done and I'm pretty sure it does not involve using your foot. Lol: )
Thank you Urban.
Hey you guys that live up north, my friend flew up to New York just this morning she said they were expecting 12 inches of snow, I think that's what she said, anyway that's a lot of ice. Y'all be careful out there, stay warm.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 5:16:00 PM EST
: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 5:16:00 PM EST
Urban glad you got that over with. Welcome back.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 5:19:00 PM EST
: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 5:19:00 PM EST
Actually, when I heard the weather report I was wondering whether court houses close when we get that kind of snowfall. I don't recall that happening, but I never had jury duty during mid-winter when that usually happens.
Back to our law firm, what I think happened is that when Ricardo married Elena he didn't see how she manipulates men by playing the helpless female. He did see this over time and got annoyed with it. Men who are confident and smart usually have no patience for this crap. As far as I'm concerned women who do this give women in general a very bad name. Add in that she cheated on him and lied about it and he was done with her.
Back to our law firm, what I think happened is that when Ricardo married Elena he didn't see how she manipulates men by playing the helpless female. He did see this over time and got annoyed with it. Men who are confident and smart usually have no patience for this crap. As far as I'm concerned women who do this give women in general a very bad name. Add in that she cheated on him and lied about it and he was done with her.
Yeah that heffa killed that bunny. And
She said "who knew the bunny would die?
Well what did shedo to make the wabbit
Die?
Nina, you are cracking me up! lol!
She said "who knew the bunny would die?
Well what did shedo to make the wabbit
Die?
Nina, you are cracking me up! lol!
BENJAMIN is probably the one cheating and he's smug enough to think his wife will stay with him no matter what.
He's a little too cozy with that Letizia woman, too.
He's a little too cozy with that Letizia woman, too.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 7:14:00 PM EST
: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 7:14:00 PM EST
"Bustamante" that name sounds familiar to me, didn't Gabriel Sotto play a character with that name? And was in a tn with that woman that played Carolina? it was something about I don't know how to pronounce the Spanish title of it, its something about "I'll never trust another man again" or something like that.It has a prominant Sound to it. "BUSTAMANTE"
Yeah this show smells like
"L A Law" 2018.
Yeah this show smells like
"L A Law" 2018.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 7:37:00 PM EST
: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 7:37:00 PM EST
Where'd they get the idea it was Carlos who Wacked da Wabbit?
Wait What? Never mind. All this Bunny Hopping and wabbit wackin right off the bat gets confusing.
Wait What? Never mind. All this Bunny Hopping and wabbit wackin right off the bat gets confusing.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 8:24:00 PM EST
: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 8:24:00 PM EST
Carlos didn't wack the wabbit, Ricardo's ex did. We think. Carlos is the jerk that's being blamed for killing the party girl at that disaster of a bachelor's party.
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 10:15:00 PM EST
: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 10:15:00 PM EST
I was wondering what drug the prostitute was taking during the early part of the encounter. If it was amyl nitrate on top of alcohol, that is potentially very dangerous. It's also lethal if swallowed.
This could have been an accident. I doubt that this will be dragged out long.
This could have been an accident. I doubt that this will be dragged out long.
thanks for this recap. In the beginning of every TN, it takes me a while to get all character's names and their respective relationships to one another correct.
thanks
thanks
Is anyone watching this novela on Sling TV? If so, do they have English language captions?
I no longer have Dish network, so I am streaming the series using Roku. Univision Now is the app that I am using. It does NOT provide English captions, only Spanish captions.
So, I was wondering if watching this show on Sling provides English captions.
I no longer have Dish network, so I am streaming the series using Roku. Univision Now is the app that I am using. It does NOT provide English captions, only Spanish captions.
So, I was wondering if watching this show on Sling provides English captions.
Welcome, Lester, and welcome back Gobluefan!
I don't know anything about Sling TV and I have never used captions to watch. That makes some novelas a challenge for me but here I hope to pick up legal terms and related stuff.
I don't know anything about Sling TV and I have never used captions to watch. That makes some novelas a challenge for me but here I hope to pick up legal terms and related stuff.
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