Chapter 1

Marcella Rivera was plagued by a recurring dream that repeatedly invaded her nights, filling her with a conflicting mix of eager anticipation and frustrating longing. In the dream, a mysterious and alluring stranger, tall, dark, and handsome, would suddenly appear in her home, his presence commanding and intense. He would move with purpose, his eyes fixed on her, as he made his way to her bedroom with a sense of urgency. There, he would gently yet firmly remove her clothes, his touch sending shivers down her spine, and overpower her, taking control in a way that left her breathless and her heart racing with excitement. But just as the dream was reaching its climax, just as she was on the brink of surrendering to the passion and desire that threatened to consume her, she would invariably wake up, leaving her feeling unfulfilled, unsatisfied, and yearning for more.

Marcella looked forward to these dreams every night, it's been four years since the loss of her husband, Pedro Rivera. His death had left her feeling deeply lonely and sad, living in the house with her only son, Alejandro, for company. The dreams provided a strange comfort, a sense of being desired and connected in a way she missed dearly.

On this particular night, Marcella was once again lost in the same dream. The mysterious man was just about to make love to her when she abruptly woke up. Frustration washed over her as she glanced at the clock, which read 6:30 AM. With a sigh, she realised it was time to get up and start her day, even though her mind was still lingering in the remnants of her interrupted fantasy.

Marcella Rivera, a captivating 32-year-old woman, is renowned for her stunning beauty, which is accentuated by her luscious, dark curly hair that cascades down her back like a waterfall. Her remarkable resilience, unwavering work ethic, and unassuming humility have earned her the admiration of all who know her. Despite the devastating loss of her husband, Pedro Rivera, in a tragic turn of events that left her a widow at a tender age, Marcella continues to exhibit extraordinary strength and courage, inspiring those around her with her unbreakable spirit. She resides in a quaint, close-knit town in the picturesque state of Sinaloa, Mexico, where she once shared a life filled with love, laughter, and dreams with her beloved Pedro. Pedro was employed at a bustling car repair factory, where he worked tirelessly to provide for their family, while Marcella worked alongside her dear friend and confidante, Isabella Perez, at a popular hair salon, where her creativity and talent were on full display.

Marcella was deeply in love with Pedro, and their life together was peaceful and content. Their happiness grew even more when Marcella became pregnant and gave birth to their son, Alejandro. The arrival of Alejandro was the greatest gift for Pedro, who adored his son immensely.

However, tragedy struck on Alejandro's third birthday. Marcella received the heartbreaking news that Pedro had been involved in a severe accident at the factory, which resulted in his death. This devastating event left Marcella in a state of profound grief and uncertainty about the future.

Ambrose, a 34-year-old,millionaire man, dark-haired and handsome, with an air of arrogance about him. He resides in the luxurious city of Beverly Hills , showing affection for no one but himself. striking appearance and commanding presence leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets. His tall, athletic frame is complemented by dark, perfectly styled hair and a complexion that highlights his rugged, chiseled features. Ambrose's deep-set, piercing blue eyes often seem to smolder with a mix of confidence and mystery, further accentuated by his strong, sculpted jawline.

Dressed in impeccably tailored suits that speak of his considerable wealth and refined taste, Ambrose exudes an air of sophistication that is both intimidating and alluring. His every movement is marked by a deliberate grace, showcasing a self-assuredness that borders on arrogance. This aura of confidence is unmistakable, making it clear that Ambrose is a man accustomed to getting what he wants.

Ambrose's wealth and influence are apparent not just in his attire, but in the way he carries himself. He navigates social and professional settings with ease, leaving an indelible mark on all who encounter him. His charm is magnetic, his presence compelling, making him the epitome of a dream for many. Women are particularly captivated by him, drawn to the potent combination of his good looks, wealth, and the air of mystery that surrounds him. 

His father, William Ledger, is a tall, bearded man in his 60s, still strong and distinguished. It's clear where Ambrose inherited his good looks from. William has repeatedly confronted Ambrose about his womanizing lifestyle, urging him to change his ways. However, Ambrose has always been headstrong and resistant to his father's advice.

Ambrose's mother, Susan Ledger, is a tall, slim blonde woman, very beautiful even in her late 50s. Her greatest wish is for her only son to settle down, get married, and give her grandchildren. Every time she calls Ambrose to come home, their conversation inevitably turns to the topic of him finding a wife. This recurring subject always makes Ambrose angry, as he becomes frustrated whenever they bring it up.

Marcella's long-time friend, Beatrice Fernandes, currently resides in the prestigious city of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. The two girls grew up together in Sinaloa, sharing a bond that transcended a typical friendship. Marcella, who had lost her mother, Paloma Montenegro, during childbirth, found a sense of sibling companionship with Beatrice, as she had no other family members to turn to. Despite his best efforts, Marcella's father, Andre Montenegro, struggled to provide for her needs due to their extreme poverty. When Marcella was just 10 years old, her father made the heart-wrenching decision to leave her in the care of their neighbor, Pamela Gomez, Beatrice's mother, so he could secure a farming job that would enable him to support his daughter. For five years, they enjoyed a relatively stable life, with Andre finally finding an opportunity to build a better future for himself and Marcella. Tragically, his exposure to harmful chemicals on the farm led to his deteriorating health, and he eventually passed away when Marcella was just 15 years old. With both parents gone, Marcella found solace in Beatrice and her mother, Pamela, who became her surrogate family. Beatrice was always there to offer comfort and support, and their friendship deepened. When Beatrice turned 16, she was sent to live with her mother's friend in LA, leaving Marcella heartbroken and lonely, her only friend and confidante gone.

Marcella's best friend Beatrice Fernandes, reached out to Marcella after a prolonged period of separation, aware that she had missed significant events in her life. Marcella poured her heart out to Beatrice, sharing the harrowing experiences she had endured, including the devastating loss of her beloved husband, Pedro, and the subsequent struggles she faced as a single mother to her young son, Alejandro. Beatrice was deeply saddened by Marcella's plight, her heart filled with empathy and compassion. She gently probed Marcella about her readiness to move forward and start a new life with her son Alejandro,but Marcella was torn, her emotions in turmoil. Beatrice then offered a lifeline, generously proposing to sponsor Marcella's travel to Los Angeles, where she could stay with her and pursue new job opportunities. However, Marcella's concerns centered around her precious son, Alejandro, the only living reminder of Pedro's love. The thought of separating from her child, even temporarily, filled her with unbearable sadness and anxiety, leaving her uncertain about the future.

Marcella's visa was finally out, and her departure date was looming, merely three days away. With time running out, she confided in her colleague and dear friend, Isabella Perez, entrusting her with the care of her precious son, Alejandro. Marcella promised that once she was settled and financially stable, she would return to reclaim her child. Isabella, a married woman with a maternal heart and a longing for children, was overjoyed at the prospect of caring for Alejandro as her own. She vowed to shower him with love and attention, treating him as if he were her own flesh and blood.

As the moment of Marcella's departure drew near, emotions ran high. At the airport, Marcella, Isabella, and Alejandro shared a heart-wrenching goodbye. Alejandro, sensing his mother's distress, clung to her, pleading, "Mama, please don't leave me! Mama, don't go!" Marcella's resolve crumbled, and she surrendered to tears. Isabella, too, struggled to contain her emotions, her eyes brimming with sympathy.

With a heavy heart, Marcella bid farewell, her legs trembling beneath her. Alejandro, refusing to let go, grasped her legs tightly, his small voice wailing in despair. Marcella mustered the strength to reassure him, "I'll be back for you, my love. I promise." She showered his face with kisses, her tears mingling with his. With a final, anguished glance, she entrusted Alejandro to Isabella's care, her voice barely audible as she whispered, "Please, take care of my son." With one last, fierce embrace, she tore herself away, leaving behind a piece of her heart.