Caray, Caray!

TAN CERCA DE TI, NACE EL AMOR #79 Page 1

Notes from the Couch

1. Lorena did hear and finds it hard to believe that Vale is Vero's daughter. Now she understands why Vero's eyes shine when she is with Vale and the sweetness she hugs her with. Vero says she has no idea what she has been through, what it was to lose her, the years she searched for her not knowing if she was alive, if she were happy or alone. She appeals to her not to say anything for Vale's sake.

2. Renán accuses Diego of stealing his headphones. Diego wants Majo to check the serial number with him online. She won't have it. She tells him to return the headphones and apologize. Diego pleads his case but she tells him to drop them and grabs the headphones and hands them to Renán and apologizes. (Really? They do not belong to her) Diego looks on in surprise. (As do I) Renán asks why it bothers him so much that he and Majo are friends. Diego says because he is still hooked on Majo after their history in Spain. Majo asks Diego to stop talking. He doesn't understand her behavior unless she is still hooked on Renán. Majo stares at him and Renán, with the headphones around his neck, smirks at him.

3. Back at the snack bar, Lorena talks about loving Vale and her being her daughter's best friend. She watched her grow since she was little. She knows all about how she was hurt when her mother abandoned her at birth. Vero tells her that she never abandoned her. Her father tore her from her arms. She was a minor and couldn't defend herself. Vero, mother to mother, asks her again not to say anything. She wants to tell Vale herself when the time is right. Romina adds that Joaquín knows and is supporting them. Vero then confesses that her real name is not Consuelo but Verónica Arellano. Romina adds that they are sisters. Lorena confirms that Nico is Romina's uncle. Vero adds that Nico is their father's brother. Lorena concludes that Claudia is Vale's aunt. Romina reminds her that they are all family as Joaquín arrives.

4. Vero gets up to tell him that Mario knows everything. He is aware of that having just talked to him. She says Mario investigated her and confronted her. She couldn't deny the truth. He hugs her.

5. Aurelio is lethargic (catatonic?) having been on the couch all day as Consuelo asks if he has eaten anything. She offers to make him some nice broth. He is crying. All he can say is that he is losing everything: his daughters and her. He wanted to apologize to Vero but the wound is far too large. He feels responsible for having pushed his daughters into this great misery and how can he dream of a future at he side when he doesn't deserve it after having spread so much pain. She apologizes for her reaction to hearing that he told his girls that he had been in love with somebody else, but she got afraid. He feels lost and confesses something he never has. Ever since Vero told his that she found her daughter, he can't stop thinking of her and wonders if every girl he sees on the street is her, if she looks like Vero or has some of him. He is worried she would reject him when she found out the he was the one who separated her from her mother. He prays to God to give him enough life to apologize to and talk with her just one time.
 

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6. In private, Majo tells Diego that she has told him that Renán would be incapable of stealing anything. Why cannot he get that? He asks what if he is right? She insists that she knows perfectly who Renán is. He complains that she always throws that in his face. She answers that she cannot talk to him and has had enough of his jealousy. He cannot be that insecure. He reminds her that she said that she would vouch for Renán no questions asked. He tells her to be careful because she is getting burned. He leaves as Crazy Claudia grins in the hall.

7. Consuelo tells Aurelio how she prayed to the Virgin to open his eyes so he could overcome his stubborn pride. He says he has lived a long time and it is sad for him to recognize that he has never been happy. In his bitterness, he dragged his family along with him. Consuelo tells him his heart is still beating so he still has time to find that happiness at his daughters' and granddaughter's side. She tells him not to give up. He caresses her face and tells her that she has always been his strength, his calm and he needs her more than ever. He asks her not to let him go. She says she might be be angry with him, but she will never let him go. He thinks his daughters needs to know what they feel for each other. She says no because they would not understand. He asks what if hey did understand and accepted their love? She could be at his side not as the sister-in-law but as the woman who loves him. They could be together and start fresh. Consuelo says every time she sees him, she also sees Beatriz. She swore she would take care of him but not take her place. It isn't as if she doesn't feel anything but every time her heart wants to move ahead, she hears Beatriz's voice as if she is reminding her not to betray her. He suggests that maybe they need to make peace with those who are no longer here.

8. Upset and being a dunderhead, Diego goes to visit Crazy Claudia at the snack bar. They sit in the stock room where she tells him it is very hard to accept that the person who you love doesn't trust you. He says he never lied. She grabs his hand and says she knows him and that he tells the truth. Love without trust isn't fair to anyone. He is upset that everything he said, Majo turned back on him as if he were the crazy one. She grabs both of his hands and says he never has to prove anything to her. She has always known who he is. She has missed him and goes to kiss him. He stops her and apologizes. He suddenly doesn't "feel well" and is going home. He thanks her for listening to him and her help. He goes to leave. She says she is always there for him. He answers that he knows.

9. That same evening, Renán snakes over to pay Majo a visit. She welcomes him. She doesn't know how to apologize for Diego. He says no big deal. Diego says what he wants to not out of meanness but . . . She asks but what? He doesn't want to get involved since couples' issues are very sensitive. She wants to know what he thinks. Renán knows what she wants but doesn't get why she insists on having such a hard time of it. Could it be that Diego is too immature for her?

10. Nico finishes mass and Lorena is seated in a pew smiling at him. He smiles back.

 

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11. Iván meets the Countess at a restaurant. He says they have to talk. She says anytime a man says that he is either going to apologize or run. He doesn't want to run but he doesn't want to lie either. She tells him to say what he has to say. He made a mistake thinking he could start a new relationship without ending the previous one. It is Romina. He loves her and has never stopped loving her. She asks what is she then? Some sort of patch? An elegant distraction? He insists she was never that. He reminds her that he was always honest with her. She says that he was but, although it hurts to admit it, she fell in love with him anyway. That is why he wants to end this before he hurts her even more. She is not about to give him up for a woman who was not able to leave her past for him. She is staying and will fight for him. When a woman really loves, she doesn't give up in the first battle.

12. Lorena tells Nico that she didn't tel him she was coming to mass because she didn't want him to feel nervous but she needed to hear him. He asks why. Smiling, she says it was a long time since she had seen him like this: at peace and with that light in his eyes. She has never seen him as happy as she is seeing him today. He says being back gives him strength as if he is breathing again. She knows. That is why she came and also to apologize. She judged him badly when she felt he was leaving her out but now she knows he was protecting a secret that was not his. Now she knows all about Vero and what she has been through. She asks him to help Vero do with Vale what he did with Claudia. He says it isn't easy.There is so much pain and so many open wounds. She says that Vero deserves to embrace her daughter without fear and that girl deserves to know the truth. She is sure he can help them so nobody is hurt in the process. She asks him to do it for those who can still be saved. He smiles and thanks her for believing that he can still do good. She adds that even with the world changing, she believes he still has a space in his heart for miracles. They smile and hug.

13. A drinking Mario tells Sanabria that mistakes always come at a high price. He thinks back to making his wedding vows to Kassandra. Sometimes a person says yes just to stop fighting fate. Next, he thinks back to seeing Vero at the reception. Eighteen years and he was brought back to earth with just one look. He remembers Vero looking at him. He contemplates having a daughter and having her whole life stolen from him. He is not going to lose Vero again or what is his. He tells Vero's picture that she has no idea what he is capable of doing as long as he gets her back again.

14. Vale and Eleazar think of texting each other but neither wants to give in.first.

15. Vero tells Joaquín how she felt like the floor dropped out from under her when she discovered that Mario knew everything. Joaquín says Mario didn't seek out the truth out of love but to control her and now he is going to use it. She says that she asked him not to talk about it and agreed not to tell Vale until she had the chance to tell her first. Joaquín tells her not to trust what he said. He is not the same man she once knew. She says she needs to believe him for Vale's sake. Joaquín explains that for that very reason she need to talk to Vale ASAP and accept the outcome. Vero looks terrified.
 

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16. Mario comes home and Kassandra wants to know why he is so late. He had a meeting with Sanabria. She asks if she has to believe that. He asks why wouldn't she. She says because he was seen with another woman in his car. He asks who saw him. She says it doesn't matter. What does matter is that it is the truth.He asks again who saw him. She says her mother. Kassandra demands to know the identity of the woman. Mario doesn't hesitate and tells her that the woman is the love of his life. She cannot believe he had the nerve to say it so directly. He says she was going to find out anyway and wants her to know that he told Sanabria to draw up divorce papers for them. She cannot believe it. He also has other plans for the stock she bought from Nuria. He is sorry to inform her that they will not be remaining in her name. She cannot believe any of this. She asks who the woman is. He answers her name is Verónica. She knows her as Consuelo. Kassandra is beyond shocked and asks if she is Consuelo the domestic worker. Mario smiles.

17. Vero tells Joaquín that she is terrified to look Vale in the eyes knowing that she hates her. What happens if she rejects her or leaves her forever? Joaquín is sure that will not happen. Vale loves her as a mother even though she doesn't know it yet. He adores Vale as if she were his own daughter. He has known Vale almost her whole life and is sure that when she understands why Vero did what she did, she will hug her hard and never let go. Vero hopes so because she doesn't know if she will survive if Vale rejects her. She has looked for the right moment to tell her but Vale's resentment is so strong that she hasn't been able to. Vero blames herself for not fighting hard enough at Vale's birth to keep her. Joaquín doesn't want the to blame herself. She has not stopped fighting for her since then. He suggests that he tell her the truth from her heart only as a mother can. She hugs him.

18. Mario is still smiling and Kassandra is hysterical saying that it cannot be HER! That woman is a social climber who gets ahead at the expense of men. He asks her what is it she exactly wants him to see because the woman she is describing is she HERSELF. She vehemently disagrees telling him not to dare compare her to that miserable woman. She asks him to see that Vero is out to destroy her. First, she got involved with Joaquín and managed to snatch him away from her. Now she has to destroy their marriage. She begs him not to let her do it. Vero cares about money. He thinks if there is a woman who is capable of selling her soul to the devil in order to be surrounded by luxuries, it is HER. He adds that he always knew who she was. He liked her excessive ambition, her cruelty and all of that fire she has within her. So when Aurelio said that his daughter had died, he thought the best thing would be to marry her. She asks what Aurelio has to do with this. He says that Aurelio is Vero's father. She asks who is Vero. He accuses her of not listening. Vero is the woman he has always loved and who he thought he had lost. Then he ran into her on their wedding day. From that very moment he knew that marrying her was a mistake that he is about to fix. She begs him no and he answers YES! She gets on her knees and promises to be the perfect wife and whatever else he needs. She hangs on to his leg sobbing as he stands immobile and emotionless.

19. Olga goes to visit Marcos that same night. He wants to know what she is doing at his house. She is all dolled up and came to talk to him. When she walks in, she cannot believe the mess. She offers to lend him a hand. He only wants her to leave him alone. He adds that the day he got involved with her , he complicated his life forever.
 

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20. Mario finally pulls his leg away and tells her to get up. She asks if he wants to humiliate her or throw her out like an old rag. He wants her to accept that what they had is over and for her to get out. She gets up stating that there will be no easy divorce so he can go and chase that floozy whatever her name is. She starts to say she swears . . . and Mario grabs her face. She wrenches it away as Mario tells her she better not do that because if she does, she will regret it. He can give her money and a place where she can start fresh again very far way from there. He is open to paying for a dignified disappearance for her but if she does anything at all against Vero, she will be leaving the marriage as she entered without anything. She doesn't want crumbs. She wants it all. He says the world is big and there are more men that can give her what she is looking for. She is astute enough to get what she wants. She refuses to be treated like garbage He reminds her that she put herself on sale and that he bought her but their deal is over. He refuses to believe that she didn't marry him for his money. He says she did the same thing with Joaquín and even with . . . Luis Miranda!!! Does she really think that he didn't know that she seduced Luis to get money? She and her mother laid a trap with Suárez's help. She took Luis to a hotel and went to bed with him while Suárez took compromising photos that they blackmailed Luis with. Did she forget about that? She asks where he is getting all that from. He asks who does she think bought those photos from Suárez. Who does she think helped Suárez disappear with all of the money that Luis paid for his silence? Who does she think gave Facundo one of those photos to control her within the company? WHO? She has to admit it was him. Mario says he has been moving the chess pieces all over the board from the start. He adds that it would not be to her benefit to be his enemy.

21. Olga says that it wasn't that way. Marcos' marriage was already bad when she appeared.He accuses her of taking advantage of the situation to seek him out. She says the feelings were mutual. He disagrees. She calls him backwards, a caveman, a machista but finally admits he doesn't deserve the woman who is standing in front of him. She leaves.

22. Iván surprises Romina to tell her that he ended things with the Countess. She says he cannot be there by her sister's place. She could come out at any moment. Iván sees no problem. She needs him to go. He asks if she is putting up a barrier in between them. She says no. He says he already took a step and now wants to know if she is going to take hers. She cannot keep living in fear. He wants to know if that kiss they had was as important to her as it was for him. She agrees it was. It meant a lot; it meant everything. She smiles. He swears they are going to do everything right and nobody will get hurt. He needs to kiss her before he leaves. They kiss. Joaquín and Vero come out and Joaquín coughs to get their attention. Everyone stares at everyone else.
 

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23. Kassandra arrives at her mother's place and collapses on the floor in tears. Isaura wants to know what is going on. She tells her that Mario just asked her for a divorce. Isaura calls her a damn stupid woman. Kassandra whines it wsan't her fault. Isaura says of course it was. Isaura guesses she confronted him. Kassandra says she couldn't stay quiet knowing about another woman. Isaura told her to warn her not to have her take action. A man like Mario is allowed to have all the lovers he wants.The only important thing is that she is the wife who signs for the accounts. When you discover a woman with your husband, you do not raise a scandal. You smile and you shut up. You manipulate the situation. Every slip up on his part can mean a piece of jewelry, a new car, a trip. That is how the game is played! SHE ruined it all. Kassandra tells her mother to shut up. He didn't want to divorce her for her complaints. He said he found the love of his life. Isaura says men say that all the time. Kassandra says it is different this time. This is the only woman he never could forget and it happens to be the woman she detests the very most in the world: Consuelo that damn domestic worker.

24. Joaquín, Vero, Romina and Iván have a cup of coffee at Vero's. Iván remarks that these two brothers fell in love with these two beautiful sisters. Iván has been told Vale's secret. Joaquín is asking for his absolute discretion until Vero can talk to Vale. Iván says no worries and there is always Romina who can kiss him and stop him from talking. Joaquín thinks it is time to go and get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow, Vero is gong to tell Vale she is her mother.

25. Kassandra says from day one when Consuelo showed up looking for work at the Miranda house, she knew there was something strange about her. She was too proper, too accommodating, too perfect. She knew she was hiding something and she wasn't wrong. He real name is Verónica. Her mother thinks that is the key to destroying her. Nobody changes their name without a reason and those reasons are usually dangerous. Kassandra brings up Aurelio. Isaura says his last name is Arellano. Kassandra recognizes that as Vero's last name. She is that journalist. Consuelo and Vero are the same person. Then there is Romina the receptionist. She is Vero's sister. They have been accomplices this whole time. Isaura reminds her she stole Joaquín from her and now wants to do the same thing with Mario. Kassandra swears she will destroy he rand make her pay for every tear she shed. She will not fail this time.

FIN
 

TAN CERCA

WOW!
-So we have Mario and on another level the Countess not giving up the fight.
- I was glad that Olga finally gave up on Marcos and went home.
-Too much time spent on Aurelio again .
-Loved how quickly Mario got rid of Kassandra.

Cannot wait until tomorrow.
 

TAN CERCA

Jarifa, thank you for your powerful rendition of this revelatory episode. Exquisitely detailed. Pure platinum.

“She took Luis to a hotel and went to bed with him while Suárez took compromising photos that they blackmailed Luis with” …So, I was under the impression that Luis’ “sin” was merely kissing Kassandra, I didn’t realize she slept with him (or maybe she didn’t??)

Crushing Kassandra was child’s play for Mario. While gratifying to see her (literally) brought to her knees, she was far too easily vanquished. Isaura’s black heart, twisted logic and calculated cruelty, would have been a match of equals!

Whatever Ivan possesses that the Countess is loath to let go of completely eludes me. Seeing Joaquin and Vero having coffee with Ivan and Romina, the two sisters and two brothers together seemed off to me. Ivan just doesn’t fit. Also, when Olga showed up at Marcos’ with his shirt unbuttoned looking amazingly sexy, I thought surely they were going to melt into each other’s arms, but no. Give the writers credit, they are going to keep us guessing until the bitter end.

Aurelio is an emotional mess. I’m so tired of the constant mewling and “woe is me”. “Aurelio is lethargic (catatonic?)” indeed! 😊

“Renán snakes over to pay Majo a visit” had me smiling away.

Jarifa, this was excellent.

Diana
 

Jarifa,
Thank you so much , Jarifa . I must dash away , but I wanted to express my appreciation !
Diana, loved your insightful comments .
Watching confident , relentless kass melt into a puddle. ! Wow ! Yikes ! Susan
 

Tan cerca,
Yes, the writers are going to keep us guessing until " the bitter end", Susan
 

Coraje

The doctor clearly likes Clara too!!! This woman sure knows how to attract the men!

The evil stepmom tells Jackie to get closer to Clara and become her BFF so no one suspects her.... we all know how this storyline normally goes, but I kind of like Jackie - she seems really vulnerable and alone. It would be nice to see the story develop where Clara actually has a positive influence on Jackie instead of Jackie being a secret torn in Clara's side. I don't have high hopes, but I'd like to see it.

Episode ends on Juan admitting he likes Clara too!!! The 3 man race is on - sorry doc I don't think you can make it a 4 legged race.
 

CORAJE

Thanks, Darcy! I’m behind and I’m going to be away this weekend, but hopefully I’ll have good wifi.

I don’t have quite the sympathy you do for Jackie — yet — but I do find her fun to watch.
 

Coraje

Blue Lass, I think it’s more potential than sympathy. I don’t necessarily feel sorry for her but I see the possibilities for redemption and I get tired of the same old jealous petty girl goes evil story in every novela.
 

Tan Cerca

Thanks Jarifa, things are getting tense again as we approach the conclusion of this show, but still a lot to reveal.

I breathed a sigh of relief when Vero told Joaquin as soon as she saw him that Mario knew everything. I’m glad she didn’t try to hide that.

I was surprised with the swiftness of Mario dropping Kassandra. He’s so sure he’s going to get Vero back. It’s a little scary. It seems he thinks he’ll always get his way. Rebecca will not be happy that Vale is her sister! I think the chances of Nuria getting out of the country with the kids just became more difficult.

I was surprised with how easily Joaquin and Vero accepted Ivan and Romina’s relationship. It doesn’t seem like the countess is as accepting. I’m hoping she can win Ivan to her side. He’s still living in his brother’s house and hasn’t been working!

It didn’t take Claudia long to make more moves on Diego. And Renan goes over to Majo’s house. You’d think the two were working together to break up Diego and Majo. And it seems to be working.
 

TAN CERCA

Another entertaining episode!

Diana, "Give the writers credit, they are going to keep us guessing until the bitter end." about that and several plot lines. I am enjoying the pacing of teh story telling.. "Crushing Kassandra was child’s play for Mario. While gratifying to see her (literally) brought to her knees, she was far too easily vanquished. Isaura’s black heart, twisted logic and calculated cruelty, would have been a match of equals!" Yes, Isaura knows how to play the game and would not hesitate to play it given the chance. Kasandra was merely pathetic.

Susan, "Watching confident , relentless Kass melt into a puddle. ! Wow ! Yikes ! " She never saw it coming which was the best!

Liz, "It didn’t take Claudia long to make more moves on Diego. And Renan goes over to Majo’s house. You’d think the two were working together to break up Diego and Majo. And it seems to be working." I hadn't thought of the possibility of Majo and Renán working together. With the coincidental timing, maybe they are! "I breathed a sigh of relief when Vero told Joaquin as soon as she saw him that Mario knew everything. I’m glad she didn’t try to hide that."
I am hoping that Vero continues to keep Joaquín up to date in a timely manner, too.

Only six more episodes! Unbelievable!
Can't a wait until tonight.
 

Tan Cerca

Jarifa, you have outdone yourself. I especially loved your play by play of Mario and Kass confronting each other.

At first I thought this would be a meh episode. Of course Lorena would not reveal Vero's secret...There's Aurelio again moping about his life and begging Consuelo. Then, KAPOW! Mario lowers the boom on Kass and we get fireworks. Even though I can't stand her, Kass getting on her knees and begging didn't seem in character.

My guesses about Renan and the Countess: Renan came to Mexico fleeing from theft charges in Spain. The Countess has been hired to undermine Joaquin through his weak brother. She seemed robotic to me in telling Ivan she will fight for him.
 

TAN CERCA

NIecie, I like your guesses. Funny but way back when Majo was supposedly fleeing from theft charges in Spain(again we never got the full story on that exactly whether something went down or not)when she came to join her father. Could have Renán been involved in that? And as for the Countess being a plant, I would put nothing past Mario after last night.
 

TAN CERCA

Just letting you know that the recap will not be up until later on Sunday.
 

"TAN CERCA"
Jarifa: I understand that a new Telenovela will be replacing "TAN CERCA" later this month.

 

OT
Steve, you are right. On September 28 "Sabor a ti" starring Eva Cedeño and Mario Morán with many other familiar faces will be replacing "Tan Cerca de ti, nace el amor."
 

TAN CERCA DE TI, NACE EL AMOR #80 Page 1

Notes from the Couch

1. Breakfast! Romina feels like she might have a temperature and is thinking of staying home from work. Consuelo tells her one good kiss is capable of raising anyone's temperature. She adds that she is separated in love with a man who adores her. She doesn't know what she is waiting for. Romina admits she is afraid. Vero cuts her off and tells her NO WAY! Neither of them can allow fear to paralyze them. Vero admits that with Mario knowing about Vale, she has no choice. Consuelo is lost until Romina tells her that Vero is giong to tell Vale she is her mother this very day. Vero smiles as does Consuelo.

2. At the Miranda household, Meli and Dani are hopeful about the "family" vacation especially with Consuelo being rehired and Joaquín being allowed to come back afterwards if they all go. Vale doesn't buy it but Diego tells her not to ruin their sisters' hopes. Vale says the problem is that Nuria always has a hidden motive.

3. Nuria joins them from the living room after having heard her name mentioned and since she doesn't believe in coincidences, here she is! She supposes that Daniela and Meli have told them about her proposal. She tells "her loves" that it is only for a few days to reconnect with the universe, to let go everything that hurts them, breathe in what heals them and remember that they are family. Vale wonders what kind of universe that is where she gets rid of Joaquín and Consuelo and then asks for love and harmony. Nuria says Vale is right and knows she has made many mistakes, many. She thought she could step in and take care of them like her brother and his wife did but found out she couldn't do it well and she has only felt their rejection. She turns on the tears. She asks if is it so impossible for them to believe that she loves them after all. Meli asks her no to cry. Romina cannot help herself because they are the only thing that she has left of their father. (BOO HOO!) She sees the trip as a way for them to start fresh. Diego concludes that maybe it would do them good to get away from it all. Vale begrudgingly agrees if is really for the family's sake. Nuria promises that that those days together are going to be wonderful! All smiles, she goes to make the plane reservations! Meli and Dani can only think of Joaquín and Vero coming back.

4. Marcos has a big surprise in his office waiting for him: Kassandra. She wants to talk about his sister-in-law Verónica Arellano or would he prefer that she call her Consuelo. Marcos has no idea what she is talking about. She has realized that everyone has a secret around there snd his sister-in-law has one that could cost her her freedom. She asks if she is not lying about her identity and deceiving a whole family. Marcos tells her that Vero did nothing out of being evil. Kassandra values him and Romina but he has to understand that all this time Romina was an accomplice. She could also end up in jail. He tells her not to involve Romina. Kassandra wants his help to protect her. He insists that Romina was not an accomplice and what Vale did she did out of love for her daughter. (WHOOPSIE!) Kassandra clarifies that Vero masqueraded as a domestic worker to be near her daughter. Marcos says she had no choice. He baby was taken from her when it was born. She only wanted to get her back. Vero is not a criminal but a mother. Kassandra puts it all together remembering that Vale was adopted. She smiles upon her discovery!
 

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5. Aurelio is having a quick prayer at the neighborhood shrine when an irate Mario calls out his name. Aurelio asks what he is doing there. All Mario wants to know is if he forced Vero to give up her baby for adoption. Aurelio asks if Vero told him. All Mario cares about it the answer to the question he just asked. YES or NO? Aurelio says yes he did. Bruno sees what is happening from down the street.

6. Consuelo hopes the Virgin illuminates Vero and that her daughter receives her with open arms. Vero smiles and says she hopes so although she is terrified. They all laugh. She adds she simply cannot wait any longer. A smiling Consuelo tells her that her father was crying over his granddaughter and he wants to know who she is, meet her and to apologize to her in spite of the fact that she may hate him. Vero is shocked. Romina is sure this is the time fro Vero to talk to Vale. Romina also wants to be able to tell Vale she is her aunt and that they are family. Vero says that will be happening very soon because today is the day Vale will know she is her mother. The happiness of the moment is interrupted by Bruno telling his mother that they have to come outside. Some high class dude has targeted Aurelio. The three women go running out. Bruno and Nayeli are told to stay inside.

7. Mario grabs Aurelio by the collar and asks the good-for-nothing that he is, how could he? He punches Aurelio in the face. Aurelio ends up on the ground and the women go to his aid. Consuelo asks Aurelio, HER LOVE, if he is okay.

8. Marcos tells a grinning Kassandra that she cannot tell anyone about this. She has no idea what damage that could do. It is not her secret to tell. She thinks he should have learned that secrets end up being known sooner or later. He asks her for Vale's sake. She isn't at fault for anything. Kassandra thanks him for the info which has been invaluable. She leaves and he sits down clearly upset.

9. Mario lifts Aurelio back up by his collar shouting in his face that she was his daughter. Vero manages to push Mario away telling him enough already. He shouts at her asking if she hasn't realized that Aurelio ruined their lives. (Uh, Mario was in Europe incommunicado . . . a little late for this complaint?) Aurelio explains that he thought he was doing the right thing for them. He was thinking of his daughter and her future. He apologizes. An infuriated Mario asks who was he to decide their future? Mario goes on about having a daughter and because of him he never met her. Vero says SHE understands. (You think?) She pushes Mario back again and tells him this is not how you fix things. Aurelio tells Vero to let Mario get if off his chest. Mario threatens him telling him this is not even a fraction of what he is going to do to him. Vero screams at him ENOUGH! and for him to GO! He does and Aurelio laments that they should have let Mario kill him.

10. Diego and Vale talk. He is feeling a little lost. She is, too. Eleazar doesn't understand her because he already has his place on the team while she has no idea how she will ever get one if they do not allow her to race. He says that has always been her dream. She says she grew up at the track and in the shop watching the races with her dad. Diego says he grew up there, too, but it the offices. He always knew he would end up at the company. She asks if that was his choice or their dad's. Diego admits he always wanted to do something else: sing. She thinks he sings incredibly and if music is his passion, he has to fight for his dreams. They fist bump.
 

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11. Marcos tries to call Romina but she isn't answering. Olga pops up out of nowhere and seeing that he is trying to call Romina, tells him to have a little self-respect because unless he does, she doesn't think Romina will come back to him. He is no mood for her comments and asks her to have Romina contact him if she sees her. She reminds him that she is not his secretary. He asks why she makes thing so hard. She makes the point that she doesn't fly alone. They fly together or not at all. She tells him to be responsible for himself. He leaves. She follows him down the hall telling him that it was him with his machismo that caused Romina to stop loving him little by little. It will be his fault if she ends up falling in love with Iván. (UH, OH) He asks her what she just said. She realizes she said the wrong thing.

12. Aurelio has a split lip and is being ministered to by his daughters and Consuelo. He tells them that Mario did what he had to do. He thinks that if he were in his position he would have gone crazy, too. Aurelio remembers that back then he thought he was giving Vero a chance to continue on with her life as if something like that were even possible. He doesn't know how he could have been so wrong. Vero tells him enough already. He says Consuelo was right always saying he was blind and a fool. Consuelo thinks he still can do the right thing. He tells Vero that he cannot take away the pain from the 18 years they suffered through. He cannot forgive himself for what he did to them. Vero says she indeed can forgive him. Both of his daughters hug him. Consuelo looks on smiling. Vero tells a crying Aurelio that it took a lot of courage to face up to what he did. He doesn't think he deserves her or her sister. Consuelo says now is the time to look ahead. They have a family to get back. It won't be easy when his granddaughter discovers that they are her family. Vero asks if she can count on him. He says she can.

13. Iván is working in his office when Marcos angrily enters telling him to stay away from his wife. Iván reminds him that Romina is not his wife. She stopped being his wife when he cheated on her with Olga. (good point!) Marcos goes on the attack when Joaquín arrives and holds him back wanting to know what is going on. Marcos says to go a head and tell his brother that he is pursuing a married woman. Iván corrects him. She is separated which is very different. He is in love with her and is going to fight for her. Joaquín tells Marcos to control himself. They are at work. Marcos thinks that Iván is wasting his time. because Romina would never pay attention to someone who is as unmanly as he is. He leaves.

14. Mario comes down to the track. Hugo and Eleazar are grinning and ready for their training. Vale stands on the side quietly. He tells them if they win, their teams will be able compete internationally and it an enormous step for them all. So, he wants them to give their maximum effort without excuses or distractions. Eleazar says it is obvious that they will win. Hugo insists that they will give it their all. That is what Mario wants to hear. He asks Vale if everything is okay. She says yes and that she accepts that only Hugo and Eleazar will be competing. She will watch and learn but will not be enthusiastic. She doesn't want to lie to him. She will do her work. Period. (SURPRISE SURPRISE) Mario thinks the time has come to have a woman racer to represent the team and he wants it to be her. He asks if she thinks she is up to the challenge. She asks if he is serious. He nods. She is overjoyed, thanks him and hugs him. He looks happy hugging his daughter. She insists that she will not disappoint him.
 

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16. Nico drops by the snack bar to visit with Vero. Vero tells him and Lorena that today is the day that she is going to tell Vale that she is her mother. They are both happy to hear the news.

17. Aurelio is back on the street. Consuelo doesn't know why he isn't back at home resting after what happened that morning. He makes the point that his heart is beating hard not from fright but rather like it used to years ago. She reminds him he is no kid. His says for that very reason he has decided to fix his mistakes. He has lost too much time. He is going to unite his family and be the man he always was supposed to be. He wants a little of that happiness that he never allowed himself to have. She is happy to see that Aurelio she knew year ago for his daughters' sake. He makes the point that he is not doing it only for his daughters and his granddaughter. He is also doing it for HER because he loves her. The time has come to stop hiding and to dare to live what they have always felt. Consuelo is hung up on her sister's memory again. He asks her to trust him. Will she come with him?

18. Vale, Eleazar and Hugo race. Mario watches and enjoys what he is seeing.

19. Vero talks with Lorena and Nico. Lorena says she asked Nico to come to try to convince her to tell Vale the truth. Vero admits she is terrified. Lorena thinks that Vale deserves the truth and Vero deserves not to be hidden any longer. Nico is with her all the way. Nico says it will be the hardest thing she has done in her life but also the most healing. As a father and as an uncle, he tells her that love is never born out of a lie. The truth is very powerful. It hurts but is liberating. The truth is the only place she and her daughter can be themselves. Vero is worried she will reject her. Nico says then she will give her time. That's all. He adds that love has and will always have the last word. Lorena reminds her that Vale loves her already without knowing why. She is sure when she knows the truth she will love her even more. Vero smiles.

20. Towards the end of the track, Vale wipes out.

21. Aurelio and Consuelo visits Beatriz's grave and bring her flowers. Aurelio tells his dead wife the truth. She was his wife, the mother of his children and he loved her in his own way maybe not as she would have liked but he never failed her as a husband. He apologizes for not making her happier because of his silence, his blunders, his pride and not knowing how to love her or their daughters any better than he did. He is also there to ask her permission. Ever since she has been gone, Consuelo has taken care of him and their daughters.

22. Vale has ended up in an emergency room but there is nothing wrong with her and she is free to go. Mario comes in to check on her. The only thing that is hurting her is her pride. She came in third. He smiles impressed with how she raced giving Hugo and Eleazar a fight all the way. He thinks she is tough. She knows she shouldn't have done that last maneuver. He knows it was risky but she wanted to be first. He thinks that they are the same that way. He likes to win in business. He admits he has failed several times but he always got back up. One does what they have to do in order to win. That is in one's blood. She finds it strange to be talking to him like this now when he didn't want her on the team. He says she asked for a chance and after seeing her today, they are going to go very far together. She tells him he will not be disappointed. She mentions that her father made her love this sport. Mario says Luis was a great racer. He asks if she misses him. She misses him and her mother with her whole heart. She owes them everything. She doesn't know what would have became of her if not for them. They gave her a family. She was adopted. He asks if she ever asked about her biological parents.
 

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23. Claudia tells Nico that she misses him. He says that is why he is there. He wasn't going to disappear on her. She isn't going to lose her father. She knows that but now she has to share him with God, the parish and other people. There is always somebody before her. It is the same with Diego. Nico says since he found out she was his daughter, she is the first thing that he chose to love. If he hasn't donee it well enough it is because they are still getting to know each other. If she feels not chosen by Diego, it isn't because she did something wrong or she was not enough but because Diego has his own issues apart from her. She says it sounds good but life isn't like that. He argues it is when one doesn't view everything from their own wound. She asks if this is a sermon. He says no. It is an invitation. Tomorrow he is going to a town to help some little kids and he would like her to go with him. She asks if he is thinking about poverty, praying and feeling guilty. She will take a pass on that. Nico says it has nothing to do with feeling guilty. It is about people who have lost a lot but keep choosing to live with hope and a smile. She finally agrees.

24. Vero is working and waiting to hear when Vale's training is over. Lorena is sure it will all turn out well. Vero asks a blonde seated at a table blond if she can help her. Kassandra (looking weirdly not like her self due to the super light makeup job) gets up making sure everyone can hear her, loudly says yes she can help her by leaving her husband alone, by not ruining her life and by taking off that mask that she VERONICA ARELLANO wears in front of everyone. Everyone in the snack bar is watching and listening.

25. Aurelio tells Beatriz his life long secret. He is in love with her sister. He loved her even before they got married. He respected her, he never betrayed her, he never sought Consuelo out. Now they are two old people and he doesn't want to die with out having a little bit of happiness. He is asking her, wherever she is, that she give them permission to be together.

26. Vale makes it clear that she doesn't want to know anything about her biological parents. They abandoned her. He thinks she should find out how things really were. Hasn't she ever been curious to know about them? She wonders why he is asking her that. He apologizes. He only likes to know the people he works with really well. She admits that some times she wonders if she is like them in any way or has other relatives. That lessens her anger a bit but when she thinks she was abandoned and not wanted again, the anger returns. They weren't there. Her family is made of those who have been with her every day.He asks her what if they couldn't take care of her. She has thought about that but is sure she is one thousand times better without them. She hopes they never appear. He says he is . . She asks he is what???

27. Kassandra tells Vale that she knows everything. She always suspected her. She always knew she wasn't who she said she was. For that reason she never trusted her a social climber. Vero argues it is not the time or place but Kassandra will not stop. Kassandra asks if she is embarrassed if everyone knows who she really is. First she got between Joaquín and her and managed to take the man she loved. Because of her , she ended up alone and destroyed. When she finally got another opportunity, she got involved with her husband and got him to ask her for a divorce. Does she want to ruin her life. She will not allow it. Joaquín appears and tells her ENOUGH!

28. Vale's conversation with Mario ends when Eleazar comes to check on her. Vale thanks Mario for everything. He says he takes care of his people and she is his people. He leaves.
 

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29. Eleazar apologizes for her accident. He didn't see her. She says no big deal. She only fell. They both admit it is not easy competing against each other. What to do? Do they have to choose being together or competing against each other? She asks if they should break up to compete against each other?

30. Rebeca is angry with her father because he allowed Vale to race. She explodes and he warns her to watch her tone. He informs her that Vale has a lot of talent. Talent is supported and not held back by whims. Vale has very clear objectives. He asks Rebeca what she is doing for her future. Does she think that her future is resolved because she is his daughter? He thinks she has gotten used to demanding instead of building something of her own. It is time that she learn that her last name is not a life plan. She tells him that shewill never forgive him for that!!!

31. Vale and Eleazar decide to stay together, still race but to support each other. (Sorry, but I am tired of the young romances)

32. As they leave the cemetery, Consuelo is concerned that they may be wrong. Aurelio says nobody knows for sure about those things but when they were at the cemetery, he felt like for the first time in his life he was where he had to be. He cannot continue to love Consuelo in silence. He puts a flower in her hair and kisses her.

33. Lorena asks Joquín to remove Kassandra. Kassandra says they should be removing that imposter. Lorena makes it clear that Kassandra has no rights in HER snack bar. It is her business and she is demanding that she leave. Kassandra keep railing against Vero as Joaquín tries to get her to leave. She shouts out that she needs to tell Joaquín that her real name is Verónica Arellano. Diego walks in and asks WHAT??? Joaquín tells her enough. He knows everything. Kassandra starts to go over the edge realizing that he already knows everything.

FIN
 

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Things are heating up! More later. Bears football today!
 

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Must cash , but thank you , Jarifa , for bringing us every detail . What a great read you proveded us,with !!!

Romina...pregnant ????? Susan
 

Susan, good call but I hope not but then who knows?
 

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Jarifa, an exciting episode elevated to another level by your superior writing which was evident at every gripping twist and turn. You conveyed the heart stopping dialog and action beautifully. Things are now at the precipice, possibly of doom, possibly of salvation where emotional and spiritual lives hang in the balance.

For all of her malice, learning that Joaquin already knew Vero’s past, Kassandra’s evil intentions have fallen flat. Yet, as Diego was there, there is sure to be collateral fallout.

For a moment, I was moved a bit watching Mario’s softened expression as he drank in the visage of his daughter, in whom he was extremely proud. Even if Aurelio had not intervened so cruelly, Mario, under his parents’ thumb, never sought to return so there seemed little hope they and Vale could have been a real family. I do wonder though if he had known, could it possibly have changed his future, kept him on the straight and narrow, and eschew the life and murderous decisions he ended up making?

“Consuelo asks Aurelio, HER LOVE, if he is okay”. 😊 I had to smirk as the girls looked at each other. Aurelio had quite the apology tour didn’t he? Promising “He is going to unite his family and be the man he always was supposed to be” and begging Beatriz for“…not making her happier because of his silence, his blunders, his pride and not knowing how to love her or their daughters any better than he did”. So much to atone for, so much forgiveness to ask for.

“Romina feels like she might have a temperature and is thinking of staying home from work”. Jarifa, thank you for translating that all important statement which I hadn’t understood. Uh oh. Susan, I think you are spot on, and that Romina might well be pregnant!

Jarifa, thank you for all your hard work and efforts. You are truly inspiring.

Diana
 

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Hi, Diana , hmmm, I don't think that Romina and Ivan, the Terrible , ever slept together , so Marcos must be the dad . That would point toward Rom and Marcos trying to stay together ..and baby makes a HEA for the three.

I don't think Ivan and Olga will get together ...too much water under that bridge . The countessa...don't know , don't care.

Aurelio is redeemed . meh.

Will Nuria manage to get the kids to !eave the country with her ??? Susan
 

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Susan, yes Romina didn't sleep with Ivan. I also don't think Marcos slept with Olga.

I also don't think Olga and Ivan will get back together. "too much water under that bridge" is right! :) The Countess may be a consolation prize...I hope Olga stays around to be a bit better of a mother to Majo.

Diana
 

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Jarifa, a romping, stomping recap. Muchas gracias.

I liked Padre Nico's advice to Claudia. "If she feels not chosen by Diego, it isn't because she did something wrong or she was not enough but because Diego has his own issues apart from her. She says it sounds good but life isn't like that. He argues it is when one doesn't view everything from their own wound."

If Romina is pregnant, the little tyke will have two polar opposite (bio and step) dads. This is quite the blended family: two brothers with two sisters, brother-in-law with sister-in-law, Nayeli's uncle will become her stepdad... I'd get a headache trying to draw a family tree for them.

"I do wonder though if he [Mario] had known, could it possibly have changed his future, kept him on the straight and narrow, and eschew the life and murderous decisions he ended up making?" Diana, striking thought. I too was moved by Mario's feelings for his newfound daughter, but it seems he's doomed.

In a way, I hope Vale never founds out what Mario's done. Would she feel like a Bad Seed having a biodad like that?

Nuria is so pleased with her deceit. Kids, don't let her keep your passport.

 

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Jarifa: When's the Gran Final of this Telenovela is supposed to be? 🤔
 

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Steve, it will be this Friday.
 

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Thanks, everyone, for your comments as we get revved for our final week snd seeing all of the plot lines being resolved.

Diana, I, also, appreciated your "what if" about Mario. Seeing him with Vale makes it hard for me to remember he is a murderer.

Susan, great question: "Will Nuria manage to get the kids to !eave the country with her ???" especially with Vale already being suspicious and 18 and with Diego on the brink of being 18, too.

Niecie, you have the best advice of the night. "Nuria is so pleased with her deceit. Kids, don't let her keep your passport."

So much ready to pop tonight!
 

Jarifa, there sure are a lot of plotlines to wrap up in a week. I hope that means that at least the final episode will give us some joyful moments after so many problems for the good folks.
I am very curious about the anvils that are coming.
I was thinking the other day that I like David Z in this show much more than the many other shows,I have seen him in . He looks and acts like a galan, and his .voice is soft and gentle .He Usually seems so calm , easygoing and is protective and supportive .These are all traits that I admire in galans as well as real people.. Susan





 

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Susan, I agree that David Zepeda has done a wonderful job here and he is now on my favorite male actors list because of his role as Joaquín.