La Hija del Jardinero (THE Gardener’s Daughter)

Episode 1: When Misfortune Knocks
The soap began with a wealthy family of a father (Fernando Elcantara) and two sisters (Amelia and Consuela), who had the misfortune of death of their mother at tender age. They were raised by an elderly nanny into adolescent. Amelia, the older sister fell in love with a fellow undergraduate- Luis Alexandro Montero (but from a poor family background) in the same University. The younger sister was envious of Amelia in all things, including the choice of boyfriend. She confessed to the old nanny that she hated her sister and that her sister was her enemy! She however never let Amelia know of this smoldering hate.

Amelia second misfortune, after her mother's death was to become pregnant for Luis Alexandro, who denied both love and responsibility for the pregnancy. This guy was a schemer who only preteded to love her because she came from a wealthy family. He dumped her immediately he met another 'sugar-mummy' rich 'sucker', an older but widow lady MarisaGómez Ruíz (a single mother of a 6-year old boy), who inherited a banking conglomerate fortune from her parents. The young lad- Carlos Eduardo never liked Luis Alexandro and never regarded him as a worthy replacement for his late dad.
Marisa proposed sudden marriage to Luis A. and he agreed, obviously because of her wealth. They signed the dotted lines and went for 6 months honeymoon in Spain. Amelia's father- Fernando, who was a disciplinarian kicked her out, upon learning of the pregnancy. He wrongly thought that Pedro, the house gardener was responsible and therefore sacked him too. Amelia insisted that Pedro should take her to Luis A's house. When they got there, they were told that Luis just got married that day, and has just travelled to Spain for his honeymoon. Amelia was stunned and crushed by this unfortunate news, but Pedro assured her not to worry and that he loved her and would protect her.

Pedro and Amelia proceeded to the church cathedral to meet Pedro's elder sister who is a catholic nun, for refuge. She offered Pedro the job of church gardener, but told them it is impossible to live in the church premises except as husband and wife. So they agreed to the "marriage of convinience"and went to the nearest registry to formalise the marriage.

Episode 2: Rejected daughter, Rejected baby
Immediately after the "arrangee wedding" between Pedro and Amelia at the Marriage Registry, it became clear that the new 'couple' would be two parallel poles that would never meet, no, not even on the 'matrimonial bed" (they never slept on the same bed together),...till death do them part! The next eight months till Amelia put to bed were months of excruciating poverty. She lived with unpacifiable bitterness, a bitterness that tore her to shreds and pushed her into unforgiveness...unforgiving Luis Alaexandro, for jilting and dumping her. This overflowed unto Pedro too...unforgiving Pedro for loving her while she felt nothing for him...The rage of this bitterness almost swept the innocent, new-born child, Luisa Fernanda into adoption at a motherless babies Home. But for Pedro's love and strong counsel, tempestous Amelia would gave given the new-born baby the same treatment she received from her own father- REJECTION!

After the honeymoon and return from Spain by Luis and Marisa, Luis summoned Marisa's attorney to draft document that would make him an executive Board member of his wife's chain of conglomerate, but the lawyer(who never hid his disdain for Luis), told him that the pre-marital aggreement signed by Luis forbid him to join his wife's businesses except in the case that she become handicapped by illness or infirmity. This revelation was a crushing disappointment for Luis. the second one followed in succession when he demanded of his wife to bear a child for him as a fruit of their marriage. Marisa simply told him that she had no cervix or womb, as thiese had been cut off after the birth of Carlos Eduardo, her son and only child, because of complications during child-birth. hahahah...a case of "cunning man die, cunning woman bury him".
Hope resurged for Amelia when Pedro suggested that she goes to visit her father, thinking that the man would forgive her because of his new grand daughter. they went and were disappointed. they were insulted and thrown out by the insolent Fernando Elcantara. The man declared with a boiling passion, saying: "...Amelia is dead in my life and dead women don't give birth to babies..."

...18 Years Later...
the baby girl has now become a most facinating and most beautiful and most brilliant damsel
in her Mission school. She became best of friends to a rich girl in her class. the rich girl later turned out to be her step cousin- i.e. the step daughter of Consuela, Amelia's younger sister...both of them did not know this until the tail end of soap.

Carlos Eduardo, the only son of Marisa was also graduating fom medical college by this time. marisa decided to throw a big gradution party for her son and sought the sevices of an expert gardener to prepare and ready the lawn for the party. This 'expert' happes to Pedro...

Episode 3: If Our Path Crosses Again, Then, Its Pay-Back Time- (1)
This telenovela began rather too early to recompense the evil doers- Consuela Elcantara, Luis Alexandro, Don Fernando Elcantara.

Luis Alexandro hit Luisa Fernanda while driving on high speed and she was taken to the hospital where Dr. Carlos Eduardo Gomez attended to her. Neither of them (biological father and daughter) knew that they were blood relatives. Carlos' best friend, Augusto, a fresh graduate attorney suggested that Luisa should file a suit in court for injury and damages against Luis Alexandro, so that the court can make him to pay her...this was a fertile idea that both Liusa and her best friend Vanessa agreed to, even though her injury was minor. They thought that the compensatory money would be enough to finance Luisa Fernanda's trip with the rich girls for their graduating class crise to the carribeans.

Consuela was conscripted by her father, into a 'marriage of convinience' with a rich man whom she does not love and after 18 years of marriage, the marriage has been fruitless, as Consuela was certified barren. Thank God, the man already had a daughter (Vanessa), by another woman before he married Consuela. what a harvest of the evil she had sown by scheming her elder sister Amelia, out of her heritage from their father.

Don Fernanda Elcantara became worried and anxious at old age of not having any grand-child to inherit his great fortune. He asked Consuela if it is still possible for her to have a child. She replied her father harshly, that he should not remind her of her impossible case and thereby insulting her. She said that her husband is happy with her in her condition. Don Fernanda kept quiet and with a sad countenance...secretly must have been regreting sending Amelia with his grand-child out of his life some 18 years ago.

Consuela accidentally met with Luis Alexandro at a fast-food restaurant where they exchanged greetings and addresses. When Alexandro asked after Amelia and what became of the prgnancy, Consuela lied by telling him that Amelia aborted the pregnancy.

Episode 4: If Our Path Crosses Again, Then, Its Pay-Back Time- 2
It appears that the law of karma has begun to catch up with every wrong-doer in this telenovela, so early, (we are just in episode 4 out of 180!). Last episode, it was Consuela's reaping of barreness; Alexandro also got into trouble for running over Luisa Fernanda with his car, this time it is Don Elcantara who was almost choked up to death with smoke in an elevator, after his meeting with Alexandro in the lawyer's office.

Marissa begun a desperate but futile lobby for the reconciliation of Luis Alexandro and her son Carlos Eduardo, by elisting the support of Rosario, the old house keeper, who nursed Carlos from infancy to adulthood and also the alliance of Jennifer his fiance.

Since Don Elcantara seemed confused and unconvinced to sell the family house at Hacienda, Consuela persuaded him to follow her to meet with 'one of the best lawyers' in the country for proper advise. This lawyer happens to be Luis Alexandro. Don Elcantara was reassured by Alexandro that he would get in touch with the Constrution company (the buyers) to ascertain the true cost and determine if their offer was right and best. The old man left but Consuela refused to follow him back lying that she wants to go visit another friend of hers. The truth however was that she waited behind to chat up with Alexandro to see if she could catch up or rekindle on her old love for him.

When Alexandro asked her again about what became of Amelia's pregnancy, she re-affirmed her wicked deception of episode 3 that Amelia aborted the pregnancy. Alexandro concealed his disappointment. Consuela blamed him for 'dumping' her for Amelia two decades ago, but Alexandro replied that what he had for her then was 'puppy love' and that it was Amelia whom he really loved, but for the 'untimely' pregnancy which almost distrupt his academic career.

Amelia and Pedro had a disagreement: while Pedro wants Luisa to go on the graduating class cruise organised by the childrenof rich families, even if she had to be sponsored by her rich best friend- Vanessa. Amelia was opposed to it for dignity sake.

Luis Alexandro asked his secretary to call again the house of Luisa Fernanda, this time it was Amelia that picked the phone and was astonished and breathless to hear that her ex lover that jilted her Luis Alexandro would like to speak to her about her daughter Luisa Fernanda. At this point, her thoughts went wild, thinking that the man is now ready to reconcile with her and accept the responsibilty of true fatherhood of Luisa Fernanda. She harsly commanded Pedro to leave the palour because the call is a discrete and doesn't want him to hear it. Iiut was Pedro's turn to be shocked- to be ordered out of his own house because of a discreet call? In the 18 years of their hopeless and fruitless 'arrangee-marriage' this is the first time his 'wife' Amelia would be recieveing secret phone calls. he foolishly obeyed her and went out without even eavesdropping.

The call actually turned out to be an exposee of the accident and suit filed by Luisa against Luis Alexandro. Her heart was beating rapidly and just before the call was transfered to Alexandro she cut the phone for fear of what to say and not wanting Alexandro to discovere her identity. she went straight to Luisa school only find out that the teacher had not seen her in class since the day started. This infuriated her the more and she later went to accuse Pedro for spoiling Luisa.

Vanessa' Dad who happens to be the husband of Consuela visted the school to see his daughter, it was a great opportunity for presentation of the trip and Luisa's case. The man agreed to sponsor Luisa.

Luisa Fernana got frightened and desperate because of phonecall to her house by Luis Alexandro's secretary last episode. She didn't want to let her parents to know about the scam she and vanessa were planning to get money out of Alexandro for the cruise, using the car accident as excuse. So she collected the address of the Physician- Dr. Carlos Eduardo Gomez from Vanessa, and went srtaight to his house to plead with him to ask his 'father' -Luis Alexandro to forget the case and not to call her phone number again. While they were still talking in Carlos's car, Jennifer, Carlos' fiancee appeared and she immediately became jealous with suspicion that carlos is having an affair withis young school girl Luisa Fernanda.

Carlos was captivated and facinated with the supersonic beauty, confidence and the impeccable intelligence of this young school girl- Luisa Fernanda Perez and had uncosciously fallen in love with her. He carried her in his car to school and met Vanessa there too.

Episode 5: "You're Playing With Fire!"
Consuela, the evil architect, planner and master-mind of the misfortunes of Amelia, lighted a match-stick of amorous fire with Luis Alejandro Montero, which? later exploded and consumed her in this Mexican telenovela. Yes it led to her death! But we would have to wait for quite some time before we get to that episode.

After Don Elcantara was rescued by firemen from the smoking elevator, he was attended to medically by Dr. Carlos Eduardo Gomez Ruiz who, coincidentally was just entering the buliding with a mission top come and talk Luis Alejandro Montero out of the suit filed by Luisa. The oldman was grateful to him and exchanged complimentary cards with each other. Carlos went thereafter and walked straight into Alejandro's office..., and what a heck...he caught Consuela with his step-father in an amorous kissing session.

The 'couple' quickly separated and Consuela went away while Carlos tongue-lashed Alejandro, calling him a coward that lacks the moral courage to divorce his mom- Marissa Gomez Ruiz, but rather prefer to sustain adulterous relationship with strings of women outside his matrimony. He walked out angrily and jammed the door on Alejandro's face.

Pedro Perez confesses his 18-year lie to his sister, the catholic nun. That he is not the true father of Luisa, and he had sacrificed his whole life, in the hope that Amelia would one day love him. That he had never shared any conjugal relationship of a husband-wife relationship with Amelia.

Augusto, the lawyer friend of Carlos was went to visit Rigobert- the old house-keeper of Don Elcantara, who happens to be his god-mother and who sponsored him through university. He told her of his gratitude and promised to take care of her as soon as he begins to earn money. He told her of his first case which he filed on behalf of a 'rich' young lady whom he intends to marry. He mentioned her name as Luisa Fernanda Perez. the old house-keeper mused over the name and thought it to be Amelia's daughter, but she dismissed it because she knew Amelia and Pedro aren't rich anyway.

Now Amelia scolded Luisa after she confessed the detail of the scam against L.A. and warned her not to tell her father about it, at that point Pedro came in and heard them, so he challenged Amelia on what she was hiding from him. Amelia lied to him that it is about Luisa's escapades in school. She later taught Amelia to lie to Pedro that she was sick and want Amelia to take her to the hospital. This would be a perfect excuse for Amelia to encounter her old flame Luis Alejandro Montero at the court-room tomorrow. her plan was to rekindle her flame with L.A. and tell him to forget about the case and that Luisa was his daughter whom he abandoned the pergancy of 18 years ago. That was her plan, but we would wait to see if it works out in tomorrow's episode.

Nana, as the old house keeper of Marissa was fondly called by Carlos, warned Carlos not to reveal the infidelity of Alejandro to marissa asit would cause her untold pain, he agreed with the old woman.

Pedro confided in Juancho- an old gardener colleague, that he suspected Amelia of infidelity, citing the example of secret phonecall she received. Pedro was very saaaad. He explained to Juancho that Luisa was not his true daughter and there has never been any conjugal affair between him and Amelia. Juancho advised him to employ the services of private detective to trail Amelia's movement if he wants to prove her infidelity.

Rigobert- the old house-keeper in Don Elcantara's house had a confrontation with Consuela over the draging of Don to L.A. for counsel. she wondered aloud why L.A. of all lawyers in the city. Consuela simply told her that she doesn't know any other lawyer in the city and besides, it is an oppourtunity to find true happiness with the man whom she had always loved. At that point Rigobert warned her that she is playing with fire. Consuela also warned Rigobert that she should not interfere in her love life and should never tell her husband and father.

Episode 6: The Worst Humiliation Date
The insane things a woman can do because of love! Amelia, for me, is the major subject of this episode. I was very hurt as a woman for the high-level treachery and ingratitude of Amelia to Pedro Perez. Her bitterness towards the poverty of Pedro makes her never to love him.
Amelia went to borrow a better dress from Lupe- her only friend, telling her she has a date with the only man she ever and would ever love. Lupe was surprised and asked her what of her husband Pedro. Amelia confided in Lupe that she only married him for convinience of accomodation at the church premisces after her father threw her out for being pregnant. She said that Pedro is not the father of Luisa and the real father of Luisa is the man she is now dating. She succeeded in decieving Pedro that morning of court appearance and she left home with Luisa purportedly for the 'hospital'.

Carlos overslept at Jennifer's house and had to rush out late to join Augusto and Luisa in the court. Jennifer was not happy that her man is involved in a case with Luisa. You can see uncertainty and fear of loosing Carlos to Luisa, written on her face.

On arrival at the court, Amelia told the young lawyer that she would take charge of the negotiation with L.A. (brevity for Luis Alejandro). When L.A. arrived Amelia confronted him and annouced to him that: "we need to talk in private." "Who are you?" replied L.A. Amelia was stunned...she asked him, "you mean you don't know me?" Alejandro replied "I don't know you, and I have never met you in my life." He walked past her and went to inside the court-room. Amelia almost collapsed with shame and astonishment. That Luis Alejandro could not remember or recognise her again after 18 years, was too much of a pain that she almost ran into a speeding car while floundering around in utter disbelief and shock. Luisa approached her to ask her the reason for her weeping, the burden was too much for her to explain the deep mystery to her daughter. She was too ashamed and uposet to return home, else Pedro might get suspicious, so she went to her friend's Lupe's office.

Luisa lambasted Carlos at the court premises for not telling his father to withdraw the case and called him a liar.

Don Elcantara suffered a sudden heart-attack and Carlos was called in for the emergency, he came immediately and treated Don- Amelia'senstranged father. The old man seem to have taken a liken to Dr. Carlos, he promised him that he would obey and take his medications as recommended by Carlos. As soon as Carlos left, Consuela rushed after him, wanting to explain the embarassing and amorous circumstances carlos found her with his step-father- Luis Alejandro yesterday. Carlos snubbed her by telling her: "I am not interested in your explanation, goodbye." and he walked away.

Luis Alejandro lost the first round of the case in court. The court ruled that it has the jurisdiction to hear the matter and gave a date for the next hearing. This was good news to the young shark- Augusto, this was his first case after graduating from law school, and against a wealthy popular giant attorney of L.A.'s stature and status for that matter, this, indeed is a great victory.

Alejandro came out angry and boiling out of the court-room to threaten Augusto and Luisa that he would not rest until they are destroyed. He even called Augusto a thief who wants to use legal means to take money from him.

L.A. later told Marissa his wife that he is going to investigate Luisa Fernanda's family and background in order to have evidence to destroy them in court.

Episode 7: The Drunken Stupor
Luisa Fernanda and Carlos gave us a glimpse of the love adventures that would grow between them in weeks and months to come: A defiant love that would be driven by a stupor that would trigger passionate hatred and desperate intrigues and has no respect for any opposition, be it from families, associates, fiance or fiancees.

Luisa, in a fit of anger stormed the house of Carlos with the aim of confronting Luis Alejandro to warn him to desist from insulting her mom and threatening her. Just near-arrival, she saw her father, Pedro Perez there too and she ran back thinking he was on a similar mission. Not knowing that the man was working there on a contract as a jardinero to get the garden ready for a big party.

Carlos, who was driving home for a meeting with his mom and fiancee, Marissa and Jennifer, saw her in the distance and went after her. Their rebuff and exchange of anger and apologies landed both, in a near-by restaurant for a lunch date. Carlos and Luisa dug up so much about each other's background on this date. Luisa forgave and drank the wine of Carlos (did I hear you say 'wine of love'?) recklessly, shunning every restraint by Carlos. She opened up that she doesn't have any boyfriend when carlos broached the issue. Carlos lied that he too doesn't have any girlfriend. When Luisa reminded him of Jennifer, he lied that Jenny was a family friend. Carlos confesses to Luisa that his attraction to her was her transparent innocence and honesty.

Jennifer de la Vega and Marissabecame worried when Carlos did not show up for the lunch meeting, so Jenny put in a call through to Carlos who was still being spell-bound by Luisa's ravishing beauty at the restaurant. He picked the call and lied to Jenny that he could not make the lunch meeting because he was attending to a medical emergency at the hospital. Luisa laughed and said, "...so I am your medical emergency?" to which Carlosexplained away his lies that they were some of his friends who invited him to lunch and would be offended if he had told them that he is at lunch with another person.

Jennifer became suspicious and requested from Boukina, the old house-keeper of Marissa, to take carlos lunch to him at work. She invited Marissa to join her for the surprise visitation which trully turned out as a shock and unexpected discovery that Carlos was not at the hospital for any medical emergency. Jennfer de la Vega was hot with jealousy and furious because she suspected Carlos of having lied to her to cover up his escapade with the 'young school girl'- Luisa. She lost her cheerful countenance and concentration for the rest of the day and was moody and very harsh with all the models who came for audition/practise in her company in preparation for her forth-coming fashion show, eminently supported by Marissa Gomez Ruiz.

Consuela entered Luiz Alejandro's office, meeting him with Andreina- his mistress and concubine, who also happens to be his wife's, Marissa's secretary. The "Consuela-L.A." meeting was a session in catalog of revelations, as both learned that their respective marriages to their spouses have produced no offsprings. Consuela briefed L.A. of his step-son's encounter and visit to attend to don Elcantara's medication at home, and how he spurned her. L.A. suggested to her to divorce her husband (and he could handle the suit), if she is truly unhappy with her marriage as she claimed (she had earlier told L.A that her hubby was an ambitious money-monger who has no love for her). She changed the subject immediately, because the hubby is also a pawn in her schemes to inherit the fortune of Don Elcantara after scheming Amelia, her elder sister out of the heritage. L.A. tried to discourage Consuela from any affair with him, saying (but of course lying) that he is a faithful husband and adores his wife. He warned Consuela to forget she ever kissed him yesterday and should just let bygone be bygone. The past should be buried and not uprooted.

Luisa Fernanda was drunk silly, she couldn't even stand on her feet. Carlos had to drive her home, and they were lucky Luisa's parents, particularly the hot-tempered and acidic-tongued Amelia. it was Ceasar, Pedro's apprentice who rescued her and helped Carlos to carry her to her bderoom to sleep off after a bout of vomiting.

Heriberto Sotomayor, Consuela's husband came home late and was challenged by Rigobert, the old house-keeper why he didn't respond immediately to the distress call during the mild heart-attack of Don Elcantara earlier in the day. he replied that he was very busy with an important meeting and that it is time for the old man to

Episode 8: The First Kiss of Love is Deepest
The stupor of yesternight's wine may have worn off but the sweet aroma of that encounter has become more and more intoxicating. Carlos could not sleep all-nite because of the savour of that encounter. Luisa could not wait the following morning to see Carlos again. At the slightest excuse, she sought a favor from the lawyer Augusto, who had come to take her to the court for the next hearing, to first take her to meet the Doctor Carlos Gomez. That visit culminated in the First Kiss of Love as the newest couple in town were escounded in each others arms, lost to the world and... Augusto, who was waiting outside the hospital for Luisa Fernanda Perez.

That kiss succeeded in opening a floodgate of uncontrollable emotions that found both in the ladies rest-room of a restaurant doing... what they found out they could only do best- Kissing....

I'd continue tonight's episode later...let me attend to my family first...see ya later friends...

...friends, I am back. pardon my delay.

Rigoberto the old maid, Consuela and her husband Heriberto Sotomayorwere discussing the failing health of Don Elcantara, which has become a great concern to the household of recent. Rigoberto mentioned something about the old man saying something about his will recently. Heriberto- the consumate schemer, was startled and asked the old woman what was in the will and what did Don say. Consuela complacently replied that the will is not a subject of importance since she is the only heiress, and there is nothing to bother about. Rigoberto however asked her to wake up from her day-dream, saying that Consuela should not be so fast to jump into conclusion,..."you have a sister who has a daughter...". At that point Consuela was silenced, but became thoughtful and sulky.

Carlos arrived Jennifer's house, but Jenny did not even grant him an audience of explanation for his absence. She called him a cheating liar and marched him out of her house before he could take a seat.

I suspect that some portion of the telenovela was cut off because, the next thing we saw was, Carlos and Luisa in deep kiss in the ladies rest-room of a restaurant. A woman came in to ease herself and was shocked to find a man in a ladies rest-room kissing a lady. Carlos apologized and walked out of the rest room. It happenned to be a friendly dinner of four friends- Carlos, Luisa, Vanessa Sotomayor and Augusto. I guess that Luisa must have agreed to Augusto's invitation to a dinner date by wisely roping Vanessa and of course her new love Carlos into the scheme.

So, neither Augusto nor Vanessa knew that a secret affair had already started between Carlos and Luisa. Carlos and Luisa must have taken excuse to go to the restrooms, leaving Vanessa and Augusto at the dinner table. The secret lovers now met by pre-arranged signal at the ladies rest-romm for the continuation of what they started yesterday. as soon as both arrived at the table Luisa announced that she is going home as her mom would be expecting her back at home by now. Vanessa was happy and said she would still hang around with Carlos. An eye signal from Luisa was enough for carlos to also say he is not hanging around but had to leave too. That is how this two love-birds used their innocent but ambitious best friends to achieve their love game that night.

Pedro came home from work and asked Amelia about Luisa, she replied with a confrontation saying, "I am sick and tired of this fake marriage". Pedro was shocked and asked her why the sudden out burst, to which shee replied that, if she doesn't get this off her heart she would explode. Pedro wanted to know if she had been seeing a man to which she said no and continued her tirade..."...what a disgrace to stay with you under the same roof for 18 years because there is no alternative." she said she couldn't cope again with the lie that he is the father of Luisa. She lied that, the reason for her (weird and mysterious recent behaviours) why she sent him out when receiving a secret telephone call was because an old friend called her and reminded her of her family.

Pedro became sympathetic and suggested that they should give calling on her father, Don Elcantara and family another trial. She did, and behold, it was Rigoberto that picked the call, she must have been weeping when she called from the account of Rigoberto, Amelia seem very upset and therefore Consuela should make effort to fish Amelia and Pedro out. Consuela was not too enthusiatic about this Samaritan assignment, obviously because any new invitation of Amelia into the family would scatter her grand scheme of inheriting her father's fortune when he dies. The old woman- Rigoberto has said it several times under her breath that Consuela and her husband Heriberto are waiting and praying that Don should die soon so they can solely inherit his great fortune.

Episode 9: Moments of Truths
Tonite's episode was a big drama. How art the mighty weeping! It is a spectacle to see the stubborn and strong-willed Don Fernando Elcantara, broke down and wept secretly for his 18-year indiscretion of sending his pregnant daughter Amelia, out of his life. It was also another moment of truth for Luis Alejandro who through Don, discovered that he had a child by Amelia, and Don has decided to secretly without Consuela's knowledge, will all his fortune for this grandaughter. Don had come to him to discretely enlist the services of a detective to seek out his 'lost' daughter- Amelia and his unknown grand daughter Luisa. He said with soberity to himself after Don left his office: "So, Consuela deceived me; Amelia didn't have an abortion afterall; So, I have a daughter".

Another momemt of truth came, this time, it is Jennifer turn, as she discovered that she can no longer use her enraptured beauty to manipulate Carlos, and she might be losing him to another woman. Carlos had asked her to let them call their relationship quits. The river of truth also swept through Carlos' heart as he confesses Luisa Fernanda to 'Nana' Rosario- his mom's old maid, as his true and only real love, and not the georgeously ravishing Jennifer de la Vega.
Carlos confessed to the old maid- Rosario that Luisa is not just another adventure. He said of Luisa Fernanda with tears almost streaming from his eyes: "she is different, she is under my skin, she is inside my heart". The family get-together dinner organised by Marissa was a sham as the purpose of it (bringing Jennifer and Carlos together in re-union and fence-mending) was defeated. Carlos refused all entreaties to join them for the dinner downstairs. When his mom, Marissa came upstairs to persuade him to join them he confronted her with another statement of truth: "I don't want to be anywhere near your husband; if you don't want to get upset, don't ask me why". Marissa, afraid of the unknown was silenced and went back to dinner leaving his son in his bed-room.

Carlos stole the best minutes of the next day to wait for Luisa at the school gate. When Luisa asked him why he came, he confessed that it is just to see her, even if it is for 5 minutes! So they both went to a nearby restaurant to sip coffee and for love chat. Their growing love for each other is becoming a danger that may deeply hurt their best friends- Vanessa and Augusto. They were wondering how they could disentangle these 'dreamers' from their respective 'dreams' with minimal hurts, because, sooner or later they both would know the truth.

The conspiratorial and scheming couple- Consuela and Heriberto had their own fight in tonite's episode. Don has declined the offer to sell his Estate at Hacienda, based on the report faxed by Luis Alejandro. The L.A. report exposed the offer as a scandalous rip-off and the price of the Estate is far worth more than the offer brought by Heriberto's '419' friends. Heriberto was mad with his wife, Consuela, for bringing her 'genius lawyer friend', who ended up exposing their scam. He asked what the name of the man is, if he can meet him to amend his report. Heriberto was shocked to know that he was Luis Alejandro Montero.

With his mind full of subtlety, he told his wife that L.A's face adorn the front pages of society magazines daily and that he is married to a banking baroness, Marissa Gomez Ruiz who owns the Metropolitan bank which she inherited from her late husband. This is not surprising coming from a scammer- they are mostly an intelligent walking encyclopedia of Big names and Big business which are often their prime targets. At this news, Consuela now nodded with a knowing, why L.A. is not ready for an affair with her. Luis Alejandro already has a gold mine where he is minning gold from, why would he be interested in exploring another mine. I personally would not be surprised if this evil architect- Consuela devices to blackmail L.A. into playing amorous games with her; future episodes would tell if this prognosis would come true. Heriberto now began to device how to "forge a frienship" with L.A's family. He quickly came up with plans to invite them for a family dinner. after knowing through Consuela that the man had a 'son' who is about 25 years old he quickly suggested bringing his daughter, Vanessa to the dinner hoping to match-make them. Consuela agreed to this plan obviously because she had her own hidden agenda.

After much persuation by Rigoberto, Consuela agreed to search out Amelia and Pedro. She found them, Amelia was so joyful for this first visit by her younger sister after 18 years. Consuela told her that Don still hates her, and there is no hope for their reconcilliation. She obviously plotted this statement to further build an impregnable barrier between father (Don) and his 'princess' daughter (Amelia). So that her return to the family would not threaten her inheritance plans. Amelia was sad but still told Consuela that the reason why she called, was to raise a small loan from her. The schemer in Consuela enquired and found out Luisa fernanda's picture on the table. Now she knows the young lady anytime she meets her anywhere.

Episode 10: My Sister, My Enemy
Consuela Alcantara was the 'attention-grabber' of this episode of the telenovela. The unimaginable evil schemes that she methodically implemented with gusto! Any time she does good, it is always with an indescribably evil motive. Yes, she located and visited her 'long-abandoned' sister- Amelia, but it is with the intention of scaring and warning her not to make the mistake of calling the family house on phone again, NEVER! Her excuse? So that their daddy Don Elcantara, who supposedly still 'hates' Amelia with passion may accidentally pick it!

Even while still with Amelia, she received an urgent call from Luis Alejandro, (the same man whom she and Amelia were just talking about). She stood up to go, lying that her husband just called her for an urgent matter. What a cold-hearted criminal! On arrival at Alejandro's office, the already suspicious Alejandro accused her of lying about Amelia's purported abortion of 18 years ago. She was momentarily taken aback when confronted with this fact. She quickly recovered to manufacture another lie to cover up for that leakage. She told L.A. that her father was sickly and they did not want to aggravate his health condition then, that was why she sold a lie to the father that Amelia had a baby girl. In actual fact she had aborted the pregnancy, said the consumate liar. When asked about the present whereabouts of her sister- Amelia, she lied again that Amelia travelled out of the country with her husband to Texas, San Antonio. "...we NEVER heard from her again" she concluded.

I have hunch that Luis Alejandro did not believe this new lie, but he kept his expression free of doubt before Consuela.

Heriberto Sotomayor- Consuela's Husband, had a heated arguement with Don Elcantara over the proposed sale of the Hacienda property. The old man flew off the handle and told him that the case for sale offer is permanently closed. He said he would not sell this heritage that still holds the dear memory of his family and his late wife, No, not to swindlers! he said, the house is his LIFE, and he is not selling his life... Period!

The Prime Lovers of La hija del Jardinero- Carlos and Luisa Fernandahad another date, this time, they went to nite movies and later went ice-skating together. Upon being told by Luisa that her father works as a gardener in Carlos house. Carlos was excited and he said he would go to Pedro to seek his fatherly consent to marry his daughter. Luisa Fernanda became afraid and warned him to to do so, as her parents would think she is wayward for keeping a boy friend.

Vanessa Sotomayor, Luisa's best friend came with Heriberto her father to a supposedly birthday party of her fried's father Pedro. She got the shock of her life when Pedro told them he is not celebrating any birthday and it must have been a ploted scheme by the two friends. Heriberto was disappointed with the embarrasment and the obvious poverty he saw in Pedro's house. He warned his daughter not to mix with such people again.

Amelia was weeping when Luisa came home, Luisa challenged her mother whom she suspected of hiding some painful memory of some secrets. She begged her to open up and share the burden with her. Amelia refused, saying it is an adult matter which she would not understand. Upon insistence of Luisa, Amelia who had lived a life of lie for 18 years told Luisa a bundle of half-truths:

1. "You have another family, this is not your only family". TRUE!
2. "I have a mother who died when I was young, I was raised by a good old beloved maid called Rigoberto". TRUE!
3. "My father too, died when I was young". FALSEHOOD!
4. "I have a sister by name Consuela, who travelled abroad with her husband, and just came back". HALF-TRUTH!

This wonderful and lovable girl is going to weave and swim through these half-truths in future to discover the real truth.

Episode 12: "All Lovers Do It"
We missed yesterday's episode, ooops, so painful. Thank God today's episode was clear enough for us to do some extrapolation that would certainly fill the ga..ps, and form a picture trend though, not necesarily a perfect trend...

In episode 11 after the lovers left the skating rink, they headed home but had a flat tyre. As carlos must have been trying to find a solution to the problem two men, (carlos described them as gentlemen in appearance), appeared an offered to help fix the tyre. After the 'help' , they pulled out their guns and robbed him of his posh car and drove it away.

He first led Luisa Fernandahome before going to the police to report the incidence. As he escorted Luisa into the garden of her compound, they kissed each other good night. (The 'things' that happens in gardens... uuh). Amelia came out at that moment and caught them 'red-handed'. Meanwhile, the Jealous Jennifer de la Vegahad turned the city upside down in search of Carlos whom she suspected of cheating on her. She went to such incredible extent of pulling Augusto, Carlos' best friend to help seek Carlos out. They were in the hospital, Carlos was not there; they went to his patient- Don Fernando Elcantara's house, Carlos was not there.

The frustration of Pedro must have driven him to the point of drunkeness, and when he came home, arguement must have ensued between him and Amelia that led to...I don't know, but Amelia described the circumstance as Pedro wanting to take advantage of her.

The fourth important thing that must have happened in episode 11 is thetriangular battle between Marissa-Luis Alenjandro Montero-Andrerina. Marissa was worried that her husband did not come home on time, and in order to fill the gap, called Andreina, her Assistant/Secretary in the forth-coming Jenifer's fashion Show, possibly to work over the details of the Show's preparation. At that moment, she was in bed with Luis Alejandro - Marissa's husband, and she told Marissa on phone that she was with her boy friend. Mild suspicion began when L.A. came home and told Marissa not to expect too much from him on bed, because he was much overworked and fagged out. He pecked her and went to sleep.

As episode 12 began we saw Amelia forbidding Carlos Gomez never to come near Luisa again. She dragged Luisa into the house and began to cane her with words, accusing her of being a terrible liar. She said all her lies was to protect her relationship with a complete stranger, whom she went to bed with. At this point, Luisa Fernanda got angry and stood up to her mom, to defend her love for Carlos, saying that it is not true, and that she had never gone to bed with Carlos, but she loved him and he loved her. YES, they have kissed and it was the first kiss of her life, but she was never going to give him up. As to lying in order to get an opportunity to be together with Carlos, "...Yes, very TRUE, but all lovers do it". She asked her mother if she had never done the same to her parents. if she is truly in love, then she must have done it too, in her time.

Marissa walked into Carlos' - her son's room to tell him that she could not sleep all-nite because of the news of his 'new-found' love- Luisa Fernanda. She was angry that he wanted to betray Jennifer de la Vega. She begged him not to 'dump' Jennifer, because it was him that asked her to contribute and support Jennifer's Fashion Show, and it would be too bad to pull back now.

Carlos was firm in his response. He spoke with absolute conviction and soberity. He said: "I know this is a huge mess, its not my fault that I fall in love with another girl". He said he would find time to go andf tell Jennifer to let them call it quits. Marissa objected to this saying, she need to discuss further with Carlos, before he takes any rash action that he may regret later. She even said that Jennifer is the only daughter-in-law that she would recognise. Their discussion was interupted by one of the house keepers who came to inform Marissa that her attention was needed somewhere else.

Amelia has woken up from her 18-year slumber. She told Pedro that she wants a divorce. She wants to start a new life. She wants to revamp her life. A 36- year old lady that looked 56, just because of the bondage of fear of the unknown. Now that her wicked sister had lied to her that her father Don Elcantara still hates her, she want to face the unknown and "...fight for myself and for my life without waiting for what anybody may think about me...may be, I would even meet someone I can love... I want a divorce from this phony marriage", she concluded.

Pedro was emotionally shattered by this annoucement. He knelt down and begged her to reconsider but she held her ground. after this he stormed out of the house to Luisa's School. Met Luisa at school, and asked her if it was true that she has a boy friend. She confirmed it with apology to the father, for the lies and excuses. As they were chatting, Carlos appeared and what an opportunity for introduction to his father-in-law to be. What a sure platform for the engagement, and finally...the wedding, which unfortunately was several times aborted by the enemies of true love and progress. Which unfortunately too, would not be winessed by Amelia, for she would have died in an auto crash before the sweet ending.

Consuela, went again to L.A's chambers to convince him not to waste his time seeking Amelia because she felt that Amelia didn't want to relate with the Elcantaras anymore, that was why she supposedly travelled out of the country. She also tried to convince L.A that Amelia's daughter does not exist because Amelia aborted that pregnancy 18 years ago. Consuela was horrified with fear when L.A. told her that Don is not leaving anything as inheriance for her and even Amelia, but ALL the fortune- the old man wants it willed to Amelia's daughter, whom Consuela is still lying that the girl does not exist. She said the old man has gone insane and that L.A. should not listen to the voice of a sickly man. L.A. refused to be persuaded, he said he would follow the case to the end, even to this 'non-existent grandaughter'. Consuela left but withot a failed attempt to bribe L.A with a kiss. L.A. turned his mouth to another side, avoiding the tongue of the serpent Consuela.

Consuela stormed home to challenge the father why he wanted to change his will. The old man smiled and confirmed his last wish to change the will as he likes. She challenged him on why he hired

Episode 13: "No One Challenges Me"
The conspiracy to abort the destiny of Amelia and Luisa Fernanda thickens in this episoode as Consuela the chief architect and her husband Heriberto, drew the battle line for Don Fernando Elcantara. Consuela openly disagreed with her father on his fomula and plan to give ALL his fortune to a "Bastard", as she referred to Luisa Fernanda, is unaceptable to her. With her eyes blazing red with fire, she dared her father and told him that she would fight and challenge his decision, she stormed out and went straight to her husband's office.

The old maid- Rigoberto burst into dancing saying this is the most joyous day of her life. She praised Don for doing this right thing but asked him to reconsider making Consuela to share part of his inheritance. Don, in his usual stubborn stance said NO! He roared with the anger of a lion saying: "With me, No one challenges me!".

Pedro had a man-to-man talk with Carlos, and found out that Carlos intention is genuine. He gave his tacit approval for thier relationship, but warned Luisa not to mention it to her mother, because, she would never approve of it.

Amelia's decision to go it alone in re-defining a new life and career for herself would push her on the collision course with her destiny. What she does, and how she responds to that demand would determine if she would arrive at her divine destination. I am afraid, if she doesn't change her attitute and air of gloominess, she might flounder this another opportunity that comes, once again to her.

With the certainty of a matrimony heading for the rocks and about to be torn apart, Amelia went to Lupe, her best and only friend, for help in seeking a job in the bank where she works. Coincidentally, this bank is Metropolitan Bank- Marissa's Bank. Lupe's immediate boss is Lic. Ordóñez- the attorney to the President of the bank- Marissa Gomez.

After Lupe pleaded her case with her boss, Lic. Ordóñez agreed to give Amelia a job interview, after the interview, he gave her the offer to work with Marissa as office assistant in the Bank's President's office. I sensed that opportunity would present itself on a platter of gold to Amelia again, but because she is blinded by her own fixation, she may squander it again. This is just my personal hunch, let's wait to confirm it. The last hunch I gave was confirmed, then, I said Luis Alejandro Montero would not be convinced by Consuela's new lies.

Consuela and her husband went to an exotic restaurant for lunch and to re-strategize in their battle for the fortune of Don Alcantara. As they were walking to their table, they saw Marissa and L.A. so they walked to their table and after introduction, they reminded and pleaded with Marissa of the dinner which they had invited her family to...all parties agreed to make it for that evening and Heriberto asked that they bring their son along.

Meanwhile After Carlos picked his stolen car that was recovered by police, he phoned Luisa Fernanda that he is coming to pick her for a dinner date. He also called his best friend, Augusto to cover up for him since he wont be going to the Sotomayor dinner, however he does that is left to Augusto to figure out. Luisa Fernanda was fully dressed, waiting for Carlos when Vanessa Sotomayor appeared. Vanessa told Luisa that her Dad had organised a dinner in which Carlos' family would be hosted and the dinner may end in proposal and engagement between her and Carlos. she just came for Luisa to assess if she was well dressed for the bash. luisa was surprised and tried to hide her feeling and expectation for the nite...what would happen at the next episode? would Carlos come to meet both of them there? would vannessa drag him to the party