After a Contract, Lost in Love

Episode 1

Catalina, at 22 years old, has just commenced her seventh semester at university, pursuing a degree in nursing. Currently, she's undertaking practical training at one of the city's most prestigious hospitals and is known for her diligence in her studies. Sadly, she's orphaned, having lost both her parents; her father passed away when she was 10, and her mother two years prior to the current time. Left in her care is her 8-year-old sister. Their parents left them a small house, ensuring they were not homeless. Catalina’s impressive academic performance earned her a scholarship, just like it did for her sister. Their mother had set aside some savings in a bank account, intended for their education; although not substantial, Catalina has relied on those savings to get by for the past two years. With the funds depleting and with a year of internship and another year of service still ahead, she was contemplating the taxing prospect of seeking a night job. In her spare moments, Catalina crafted desserts to sell at the university and the hospital where she interned, securing some additional income. Her little sister, thrust into a role of heightened responsibility by their circumstance, helped as much as possible and never opened the door to strangers or wandered outside, keeping herself safe. Outside of her sister, Catalina’s only other support was her best friend, Stephanie, given that she had severed ties with love after discovering infidelity twice before. She witnessed both her boyfriends cheating firsthand, finding them in bed with other women, which led her to shut her heart off from romantic distractions and focus on the essentials.

On the other side of the story is Bruno, the quintessential handsome and irresistible male protagonist, a 27-year-old with a degree in business administration. He has always lived a wild life, characterized by luxury, excess, and a slew of relationships, yet he has never been earnestly attached to anyone. He runs a small company his father helped him build and resides alone in his mansion, preferring not to have his family meddling in his affairs. Bruno always gets what he desires and has never met a woman who could resist his charm, yet deep connections have eluded him.

The weekend arrived, marking Bruno's mother's birthday, and as per tradition, his father planned an elaborate celebration. However, Bruno found such family gatherings tedious. His sister Gris would attend with her boyfriend, presenting a picture of domestic bliss that Bruno deemed dull. His younger brother, still a teenager, would brush off the meal and gift exchange to leave early. Despite his mother's request for him to stay, Bruno followed his usual impulsive ways, offered a quick kiss goodbye, wished everyone well, and quickly departed. At his usual bar spot, his friend Pablo and a couple of girls were already waiting. Bruno would typically drink to excess, celebrating in his own preferred style. Usually, his nights ended with taking a girl to a motel, but this time, things took a different turn. After leaving the bar, he hopped into his sports car, in no state to drive. Pablo tried to chase after him, yet in vain, as Bruno sped away beyond the reach of Pablo's taxi. Suddenly, the evening took a horrific turn; Bruno ran a red light and was struck by a cargo truck. Pablo, who arrived only in time to witness the accident, was in shock. He immediately called for an ambulance, but the sight was dire; the car was in ruins and Bruno lay unconscious, trapped within the twisted metal.