Episode 3

In the following months, Nina was like a shadow, nobody saw her come or go. The Cannat family had visited the Ugartes during this time and Max hadn't seen his biggest admirer anymore. Nina had become just a memory to someone. Maximiliano felt conflicted; he never thought that the girl would be so hurt to see him with her sister or that she would reject him. It seemed like complete immaturity on his part, but something within him told him that he had crossed the line.

A month after Max took control of his company, Nina was heading to the airport with her parents and sister. Celia had done everything to mend her relationship with Nina, but had achieved nothing.

"Darling, take care. Your mentor will attend to your needs. You should be cautious and visit us again during vacations, okay?" Brenda said tearfully. Nina was her little genius, and now she was leaving just like that.

"Mom, I'll be fine. You don't need to worry so much. I'll call you as soon as I arrive," she said with a smile. She kissed and hugged her mother, father, and left without looking at Celia, who was left heartbroken. She was so sad to see Nina leave without even glancing at her. Her little sister was definitely angry with her.

A year later, Max and his family visited the Ugarte residence. Everyone was talking and laughing until Brenda received a call from Nina, causing everyone to fall silent, especially Max. Sometimes when he was with Celia in some bar, he would ask about Nina, and she would only say that she didn't know anything. Nina didn't talk to her at all; she had cut off all communication with her sister because of that incident. Max felt somewhat guilty for the animosity between the sisters.

"Nina, darling, when are you coming? We're waiting for you for the end-of-year celebrations," Brenda said happily, but her smile vanished as she listened to what her daughter was saying.

After speaking a little longer, Brenda hung up the phone with a sigh of resignation. Celia asked anxiously. She wants to talk to Nina; she wants to restore their beautiful relationship that they once had.

"Mom, when is she coming?" Celia asked, almost desperate.

"Daughter, your sister is not coming. She says she has a project, and she's the group leader, so she's staying to finish everything for the next semester." Brenda sighed anxiously. Something was wrong with her sweet Nina, and she hadn't noticed. This past year, her beloved Nina had distanced herself from the family clearly and decisively.

Max looked at Celia. They had agreed to apologize to her for being so cruel. Nina was a 16-year-old girl whose dreams were shattered in front of her, but it seemed like that would never happen. And it remained that way for years, each passing year filled with workshops, projects, exams, or something that prevented her from returning home.

After four years, when nobody expected it, Nina arrived home as a surprise. Brenda nearly died of happiness; she screamed like a madwoman upon seeing her daughter, who was now 20 years old. Nina had matured, her features and curves had developed, and she looked more beautiful than ever. Four years ago, she was petite and had nothing noticeable, but she always had a beautiful angelic face. Now, she looked gorgeous, like a vision.

"My beloved Nina, my beautiful girl, you're so stunning. The photos you sent don't do you justice. You're truly beautiful," Brenda couldn't stop hugging and kissing her while Nina laughed with joy.

"Mom, I missed your kisses and hugs too," Nina took refuge in Brenda's chest as she continued to shower her with affectionate kisses on her forehead.

Her father came out due to the commotion, since his wife wasn't one to make a scene, but upon seeing Nina, he understood the reason.

"My little cherub has returned. Look at how beautiful you are, my dear. You're the spitting image of your grandmother. My mother was a beauty in her time. She had more suitors than subway passengers," Thomas said, laughing as he embraced his beautiful daughter whom he hadn't seen in four years.

When everyone was filled with happiness and the servants applauded the arrival of sweet Nina, Celia arrived from her classes. She had left everything behind and was studying to become a chef.

Nina, you're back! It's so wonderful to see you, you look beautiful, Celia approached cautiously to embrace her, fearing that Nina would pull away. But Nina didn't reject her hug, much to Celia's relief.

"Yes, I have to take some documents. I'm graduating with honors next year and they asked me for several documents. I'm leaving in two days. I have to take my master's exam, which I finished simultaneously with my studies, to save time. The university told me they could grant my master's degree as soon as I finish my bachelor's degree. I'm happy," Nina said, looking at her mother whose heart was shrinking at the thought of her leaving so quickly. She wanted to have at least a month with her.