Episode 1

Renato Rinaldi, now twenty-eight, is strikingly handsome, tall, and well-dressed; his eyes a deep blue like the sky itself, but his heart is as impenetrable as steel. Women sigh in his presence, taken by his appearance, until they hear him speak, his words cutting and icy cold. Renato is known to be ruthless, wishing to savor life unencumbered by romantic ties. Hardly anyone can stand him, save for his loyal assistant who for three long years has tended to every detail of his life.

Renato is the adopted son of the Rinaldi Castro family. He has always been aware of his origins and is deeply grateful for the home that nurtured him. Yet, shadows loom over him, particularly on the anniversary of his biological father's death—a date that invariably darkens his mood.

"Helen," he barks irritably over the intercom, setting a glass on his desk. "It's late, you can leave."

"Do you need anything else?" Helen asks, concern in her voice. She knows the significance of this day and how it particularly affects her ungrateful boss. "Should I call a taxi for later tonight?"

"No," is his terse response.

"Okay. Try not to stay up too late. Remember, we have an early meeting tomorrow."

"I know that. Now go."

"Alright." Helen hangs up, her gaze lingering on the door, wishing she could comfort him, but understanding her place. She gathers her belongings and exits into the chill of the midnight air that bites at her bones.

Renato pours himself another whiskey and gazes out the large window at the windy night, the trees struggling to remain upright. He watches as his secretary struggles to keep her skirt, which reaches her slender ankles, in place while trying to hail a taxi without success until finally one stops for her.

Once he sees her safely away, Renato returns to his desk, his thoughts adrift in nostalgia, remembering how his life was turned upside down overnight, transforming the joyful boy within him into a man marked by severity, coldness, and resentment.

Ten years ago... It was a beautiful summer day. The family was about to sit down for lunch when a court notice arrived from Spain, specifically from the penitentiary, summoning Renato to meet with his dying father—a last request the judge could not ignore.

"Son, you don't have to go if you don't want to," April spoke as both mother and lawyer. "You owe that man nothing."

"I know," he replied, looking at the letter in distress. "But part of me needs to understand why he did it."

"April, don't press the boy; he still has a few days to decide," Facundo interjected calmly.

"Fine, but if you choose to go, I'm coming with you," April determined, rising from the table. "I will represent you against that monster," her last words as she left the room.

The following Wednesday morning, the family headed to Spain, planning to stay at their old home. Memories of their first months with Renato flooded back for the couple, as if time had not passed.

"Son, do you know how much you made your mother suffer?" Facundo said with a smile. "She yearned for you to call her 'mom,' and you were just so stubborn."

"I was always more rebellious with her; but from day one, you adored him."

"That's not true; I love both of you equally," the teenager replied, embracing them. "You two are my favorite parents in the whole world."

"And you are our son."

"Hey, I thought there were no favorites," Abigail chimed in, descending the stairs and tying back her long hair.

"We're all the same, aren't we?" Lorenzo added, finishing the sentiment.

"Yes, my loves, you are all equal," Facundo reassured, opening his arms for a group hug. "Come here."

The teenagers rushed into the arms of their family, drawing strength, well aware that Reni faced a difficult tomorrow—a show of their support.

The next morning, April, Facundo, and Renato went to the penitentiary, where they were told that only two could enter, prompting Facundo to wait in the car.

April squeezed her son's hand for support, and an officer led them to the infirmary due to the prisoner's frail health. Inside what looked like a hospital room, a gaunt man with eyes the color of Renato's lay in bed.

"At last, you've come," he rasped, eyes on the boy. "I've waited for this all my life."

"Here I am. What do you want?"

"I want to know if the priests managed to rid you of the evil in your heart. If I did right to sacrifice your mother and entrust you to God."

"My son harbors no evil," April interjected.

"What are you doing here?" he bellowed upon spotting April, his eyes wide with shock. "You were the chosen one, the demon incarnate. You have the mark!"

"I am none of those things! And I'm sorry you couldn't see beyond my appearance in your twisted mind."

"Tell me you're not with this woman! Tell me!" he shouted, grabbing the boy, the frail patient disappearing.

"She's my mom," Renato replied, frightened and teary-eyed.

"Let go of my son," April ordered, prying the man's hand from Renato's arm. "Do not touch him."

"If she's your mother, then you are still cursed, and any children born from you will bear the mark. You are a child of the devil."

"You're insane!" April spun to face Renato, who was visibly shaken. "Son, don't listen to him. Let's leave."

"You caused all of this, it's your fault I'm here, you made me kill the love of my life. From childhood, you haunted me, the evil among the nuns, and now you curse him. Listen well, you will never have a family. You are doomed to live alone and without love."

"Listen, you wretch," April warned, stepping close enough to instill fear with her dark side. "Say one more word, and I swear I'll kill you. I am a good person, but don't anger me. Don't mess with my son, or you'll pay dearly."

"Enough, mom, let's get out of here. That man is not my father."

"Of course, I am, you brat; my blood runs in your veins. Ha! No matter what this woman claims, she is not your mother."

"Guard!" April called. "We want out."

As the guard opened the door, the man grinned maniacally, having already planted the seed of doubt in the boy. His goal was achieved; he knew nothing would ever be the same for the child now staring at him in terror.

Two days later, the family was informed that Lucas Tenesi had died of cardiac arrest.

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