Episode 5

In the hands of Count Salvatierra was the paper decreeing that his daughter should marry the man best known as the Dark Count, known for his reputation.

The Viceroy had told him he would be delighted for his beloved daughter to marry the Count of Veracruz, better known as the Dark Count; that was the man his daughter should marry.

But of course, he would not allow his precious daughter to marry that man, of whom terrible things were said. He was even suspected of killing the previous women who had been both his fiancee and his wife.

The Countess was furious. She, too, was aware of the marriage request and begged, no, demanded, that her husband not allow her beloved Manuela to marry such a man, who was said to be a cruel and ruthless man who had even hit women. A man like that should not be near her darling daughter.

Then she was reminded that she had a daughter, yes, but Count Salvatierra had two daughters. So the bastard would be the one to marry.

And that is what he demanded of Count Salvatierra: to deliver his first daughter for this marriage.

For a moment, the Count worried about the future this girl might have, but then his wife reminded him that she was not his daughter, that she was a bastard, and that this was the time she could finally repay what had been done for her; it was time for her to be of some use.

Saving her younger sister was the duty of every older sister, after all, wasn’t it?

Almost instantly, Evelyn was called to the study to be notified of her upcoming wedding.

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...Narrator...

Evelyn was walking towards her father's... that is, the Count's office. She had changed over the years. She had changed a lot, but these changes were not noticeable since Evelyn, from the age of 8, had hidden her face and hair, as if they were her body, for fear of provoking the Count Salvatierra’s anger.

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Evelyn: I was summoned by the Count to his office. He never does that. It's been a long time since I've seen him. The last time I crossed paths with him was almost two years ago, but he apparently didn't recognize me, or maybe he didn't even care who I was. Before that, he always looked at me with rancor and contempt. Over time I learned not to take it personally.

I wondered what they want from me. I could swear it's nothing good. Whenever I'm called into his presence, it's to be accused of something I haven't done, or to be punished for the same thing.

Something he doesn't care about, nor does he even investigate. He only believes the Countess, even if they are lies. He never bothers to investigate or ask. Even if he did, no one would support me, but what else can I do.

Right now, I am in front of the man who is supposed to be my father, Alejandro, Count Salvatierra, and beside him, my aunt and stepmother, Aranza Montiel.

Count Salvatierra: I have summoned you to inform you of your forthcoming marriage.

Evelyn: For a moment I am stunned. What do you mean? What wedding! Did I hear wrong? I would never believe that he would have sought me out a suitor. After all, he despises me; surely I am imagining things.

Count Salvatierra: Are you listening to me or are you stupid? Are you so stupid that you don't understand me?

Countess Aranza: Girl, listen. Don't play dumb and answer.

Evelyn: Like a wedding? You mean it’s true?

Count Salvatierra: Prepare yourself, your fiance will arrive any moment, and upon his arrival the wedding will take place.

Evelyn: Something is not right. So I ask, why me? Perhaps you are mistaken and the marriage proposal is for Manuela?

Countess Salvatierra: You dare question our decision! You should be happy that at least you can get married.

Evelyn: And what about Manuela? Wouldn't it be better to marry her off first? After all, she is the beloved daughter of the Count and Countess Salvatierra.

Countess Aranza: You know who your fiance is, well, it’s the Dark Count. Now tell me, do you think I would allow my precious daughter to be the wife of a despicable man like him? A despicable man deserves a despicable woman. Don't you think you are perfect for him? After all, you are a bastard and a disgrace to this family.

Count Salvatierra: Enough, my dear. You don't need to explain yourself. She just has to obey and nothing else.

Evelyn: It is certainly what I expected; these people I have in front of me are the most despicable people that can exist in the world. Count, do you think the same?

Count Salvatierra: Why do you ask such nonsense? I have done enough by keeping you all this time, and it is time for you to do something for this family. After all, that's what bastards are for. Besides, I've had to put up with your presence on my land long enough. As for the dowry, don't worry, it will be the same dowry that belonged to your mother.

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...Narrator: As Evelyn made her way back to her room, she thought about how to avoid the wedding....

...She didn't agree. She didn't want to marry a stranger....

...But what could she do? Although, thinking about it carefully, maybe this was her chance to get away from this family that hated her and that she, in turn, hated....

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