Shortly thereafter, Cristina admits to her father that she is pregnant with Diego's child. Severiano banishes her to the city with her servant , Raquela. Federico Rivera, a cruel and greedy neighbor, takes advantage of this situation and arranges for the baby, María del Carmen, to be brought to his hacienda instead. In order to be close to her daughter, Cristina is forced to marry Federico and pass as María del Carmen's "godmother". Federico causes an accident that leaves Cristina blind, and takes posession of her fortune.

Years go by and María del Carmen is now a beautiful young girl. Cristina has taken pains to provide her with a good education and everyone at the hacienda loves her, specially José María, a lowly ranch hand. Believing she is Raquela's daughter, he dreams of one day marrying her.                          

The arrival of Federico's nephew brings him great joy. Carlos Manuel is now a handsome young doctor who has recently completed his studies abroad. Carlos Manuel falls in love with Deborah Falcon, not realizing that she is his uncle's lover When Federico finds out about their relationship, he looks for the way to drive them apart.