Chapter 1

Guadalupe is a strong young woman, and she was never let down by her visual impairment, she was always as independent as possible within her means. She never wanted to get married, because she always dreamed of giving her life to God, even though her parents, due to their advanced age, want her to have a family and the protection of a husband.

Atilio was always an incorrigible flirt, he lived from bed to bed until he was forced to live in seclusion on a farm. As soon as he saw Guadalupe, he was enchanted by her beauty and strength to face life... his desire to possess this woman will make him take cruel actions in order to marry her. Seeing himself completely in love denies himself and her to assume that feeling and this will make them suffer a lot.

Puebla - Mx, 1909.

Esther

For so many years of dreaming of the blessing of being parents, at age 49, God gave me the gift of generating and giving Leonel his male child, but God's designs only he can explain. I had a beautiful girl, I suffered a lot with childbirth because my body no longer had the same strength as a young girl, finally, she came into the world bringing hope for our family to continue to exist.

So beautiful and white, those beautiful green eyes soon won the heart of the father who, even frustrated at having been born a woman, clung to that sweet baby with all his heart.

We chose the name Guadalupe in honor of our holy virgin for being born on her day, as the months went by we realized that she did not follow us with her eyes. It was hard to accept that those angel eyes had no light and our little miracle couldn't see as all the other kids in the village.

I cried for months asking God for a miracle until I realized that she alone was a blessing and the greatest gift our heavenly father could give us in this life.

We've always been humble, my husband sold the milk from the few cows we have, corn in the city, and some eggs from the farm, and that's how we lead our humble but happy lives. As soon as our little princess turned 10 years old, her godfather Saul and our oldest farm neighbor presented her with a beautiful foal that she herself decided to call Sunbeam.

Soon, the two established a strong bond of friendship. Leonel taught the animal to take our daughter to the godfather's farm and even to the city, it was enough for him to smell two different smells for him to know exactly where he should go, camphor: Ferreira's farm and rosemary: town and took her right to the fair where her father sold spices.

“Dad, where are you?” Guadalupe asked, feeling around the furniture.

“Come on, daughter, you can come, you have to trust and learn to be independent!” Leonel said, waiting for her with open arms.

Guadalupe has always been fearless despite her condition never agreeing to hide from the world and stop playing with other children. Saul, our neighbor, and Lupe's godfather had two children: Luiza, who was almost Guadalupe's age, and Gabriel, who was five years older than both of them.

Although our conditions were never the best, Guadalupe was always spoiled by everyone, maybe they felt compassion for her condition and tried to compensate somehow by giving her lots of gifts. She was always well-groomed, I never spared any efforts to make her look good. We were sitting outside the house just listening to the nocturnal animals.

“Sometimes I think, why did God make me this way?” Guadalupe asked with a sad expression, and it was the first time he'd heard her question her physical condition.

“Because you are special, he chose you to give us strength and teach us many things about life.” I replied to her.

"I'd like to hear from him if he really thinks I'm as strong as you say I am."

“You are the strongest person I have ever met in this life!” I smoothed her hand and she smiled.

The years passed and my little princess turned into a beautiful woman, already completing her 17 years of life.

She had a beautiful body just like the women in my family, long, straight, and very black hair, full breasts, and a small waist. Wherever we went, she always caught the attention of boys her age, and even the older ones got lost in her feminine charms.

We were all seated at the table, we had made a special lunch and our compadres were as always by our side celebrating that very special date.

“My son doesn't get tired of praising the beauty of Guadalupe all the time and he's right, our little emerald is getting more and more beautiful every day.” Saul said with a smile, showing how much he would like a union between our children.

“ Yes daddy, the truth is that she is the most beautiful girl in the whole region, like her there is no other.” Gabriel replied.

“Even so young, she has already dismissed so many suitors, that I even worry if she will ever accept to join someone.” Esther said that and later regretted it, she didn't want to pressure Lupe into deciding on a suitor like that.

The young woman showed irritation, that matter was already more than resolved for her even though her mother and father tried to change her decision.

“You know I don't want to get married and we've talked about this so many times that I thought my decision was already clear.” Guadalupe quickened her breathing, talking about that subject always made her very angry.

“Your mother and I are already old, you have to think about your future after all who will protect you when we are no longer here? Take care of this ranch that is old, but still gives its livelihood!” Leonel says trying to make his daughter reconsider.

“Dad, we can talk about this at another time, now I just want to celebrate for another year of life.” Guadalupe deflected.

"Son, why don't you give her your gift?" Asked Saul, touching his son's arm.

“Can I take your hand?” Gabriel turned to her.

"Yea." Guadalupe replied timidly.

Gabriel placed a beautiful ring on her finger, the young woman could not imagine what such a piece meant. He took her hand to his lips and kissed her, everyone in the room looked at each other and despite knowing the girl's opinion about marriage and commitment, that agreement had been made between her parents, Gabriel always loved her and was a young worker and then who besides him could be the ideal husband for her?

" It's a beautiful ring, daughter, and it's the color of your eyes!" Esther said, finding that piece wonderful.

It was a modest and small emerald, but it symbolized what he had always felt for her since he was little and never made a point of hiding it.

“Thank you very much, Gabriel and godfather. I'm sorry that Luíza and my godmother didn't come and I hope she gets better from her indisposition.

“Yes, Guadalupe and I will tell her that you hope for the best.”

“Now we have to go because we still have a lot to do on the farm today.” Says Saul as he gets up from his chair.

"Why don't you take Gabriel to the exit, daughter?" Suggested Saul to his daughter.

"Sure daddy, let's go, Gabriel?"

Even Guadalupe herself felt how much everyone there forced an involvement between her and Gabriel, but it was so common that she didn't even take it to heart or get angry.

He gently took her hand and placed it on his arm, she knew how to walk around the farm alone and since she was little.

“Can I take you one of these afternoons for a ride by the waterfall?” he says, hoping to hear a yes.

“Okay, but can we take Luiza too? It's just that there's something I need to talk to her about, something about women and she hasn't come to see me for a few days... ” Guadalupe missed her friend, she was going through some feminine phases and changes that I wanted to share with her.

Gabriel planned a more romantic and intimate date, but it would still be nice to be with her on an outdoor walk.

“ I understand and will invite you to come with us.” He says, taking the girl's hand and bringing it to her mouth.

He kissed her hand, feeling the scent and warmth of her skin.

After saying goodbye he follows his father back to the farm, while father and son ride back home...

“Do you think she will agree to the marriage someday, Gabriel?” Saul asked, pulling the horse's reins.

“Really dad (sigh) I don't think so. And the only thing that consoles me is that Guadalupe will never belong to anyone in this world.”

"Can't give up, be strong and fight for the love you feel for her." Saul didn't know what he should say to his son, but he knew the great love he always had for that young woman.

A few days later, the Ribeiro farm, which is located between Leonel's small property and the Ferreira farm, after major repairs to its structure, would be inhabited again by none other than Atílio Ribeiro, the only heir of the commander who died a few months ago.

Atilio was one of those men ahead of his time, he spent fortunes on nights out, women of life, and parties in the city. Until he got a lung injury and was sent by doctors' orders to a place where he could breathe clean air and stay away from the wanton life he led. He unloaded the luggage together with his father's faithful employee, Dona Amelia, they arrived in the county and settled in that huge mansion.

Soon the news of the new residents spread throughout the region and aroused the curiosity of many about the intentions of that new and young landowner.

“A true end of the world, literally where Judas lost his boots! There isn't even a casino in town!” He says, getting out of the car and looking at that big property.

They entered the house and Atilio took off his hat and threw it on the sofa in the living room.

"Don't talk like that son, your father was born in this county and here he acquired all the wealth that is yours today, thanks to these lands you curse today." Amelia replied, finding that place very beautiful and peaceful.

"Amelia if it weren't for you who take care of me like a mother, (he smiles) oh and your pumpkin sweets what would I become?" He hugs that lady with many marks of time.

“It's your own fault for having to spend a good season here and try to rest because the doctor said that if this injury happens, it can get worse if you don't rest properly.” she says, bringing him back to reality.

Atilio went to the window and took off his hat, he was thinking how boring it would be to stay on that farm for so many months just looking at horses and pigs.

Until he saw something that filled his eyes, in the distance Guadalupe riding in its Sunbeam smiling while the wind ruffled his long black hair, they passed in front of the great mansion and the young man even went out the door to better see all that beauty pass, some peons were working there and he tried to find out more.

“Tell me, what is this precious jewel called?” Atilio asked without closing his mouth, in total fascination.

“This is Guadalupe, sir, she is the daughter of old Leonel. They have a ranch, a few meters from here is a humble girl, but very kind.” replied Sebastian, one of the oldest and most loyal farmhands.

"I never imagined that here in this end of the world I would find a girl's beauty like this, here's a distraction to bring the old and shameless Atilio back!" He was still smiling when he saw the dust from the horse riding in the distance, taking his gift away from there.

" But there's something about her that you don't know..." Sebastian wanted to tell him at once about her reality, but the boss was too enchanted to want to hear.

“Stop talking nonsense, I already know what you're going to tell me... that you are a maiden from a puritanical and religious family. Nothing that a good dowry doesn't make your parents' eyes fill, after all, who in this world doesn't have a price? He says taking a few steps.

"Actually Guadalupe and her family have turned down many husband candidates, she doesn't want to get married and they accept her decision and don't question it."

"This is what we're going to see, what's your name again?"

“Sebastian.”

“Sebastian, I want you to go tomorrow on my behalf and invite her and her family to dinner here. Say I look forward to meeting them! Maybe I'll make the old man a good offer for his daughter..."

Atilio

I could already think about rolling in bed with her, she was too young and beautiful to be undefeated at this end of the world... it was time for someone like me to enjoy all her womanly charms.

Sebastian knew that the boss would do very badly in his intentions, he was used to the women of the city and would suffer a heavy blow when he realized that he was no longer on the same ground.

The next day Leonel received Sebastian at home and with him the invitation from Atilio, he was giving corn to the chickens when Sebastian approached.

"I don't know if you know, but the old commander's house has been occupied again by my little boss." Sebastian says, taking off his hat, as is the custom there, out of respect.

" I've heard rumors about him and his horrible temper." Leonel responds amid grumbles.

“Atilio invited you and your family to dinner at the big house.”

“Tell this man we appreciate his invitation, but we'll have to decline. I heard how he treats everyone on that farm above good and evil. I have no interest in meeting him.”

“Not all the rumors are true, he is a tough man, yes, but he is not as cruel as they say.” Sebastian tried to convince him, but Leonel was unyielding.

“Just say I appreciate the invitation, but let him have dinner alone.”

Sebastian put his hat back on his head and rode back on horseback with the answer that the boss wouldn't like it at all.

“Let me prepare my skin, for the mood of the man.”

“Unfortunately, Leonel said he will not be able to accept your invitation, sir.” He says swallowing hard and waiting for the scolding.

“So he thinks I'm giving the honor of an invitation to anyone? That's right...I can find other ways to get closer to his daughter.” Atilio was taking a sip of whiskey and found that challenge even more exciting.

"Sir if I can give you some advice, leave Guadalupe alone..."

“Save your advice for anyone who asks for it Sebastian, I like your work here on the farm, but I don't need your guesses...”

Atilio

The princess rides by here almost every day at the same time, I'll surprise her along the way. And I know she will love it a lot!

Atilio thought and smiled.

The next day Guadalupe was getting ready to ride Sunbeam, as he did almost every day, to visit his father in town.

“Sometimes I am impressed by your beautiful daughter!” Esther says looking at her daughter from the bedroom door.

“Say that because you love me so much, Mom.”

“Please be careful, you know that even though I trust God I fear for these outings of yours alone. Now she is a woman and beautiful...”

“Don't fear for me mom (she smiles) when the wind hits my face I feel like I lack nothing in this life, not even seeing! Rest in peace and nothing bad will happen to me.”

"Alright, go with God then."

The young woman went out on horseback, taking the food to her father who would spend the whole day selling it there. Everything was normal, the wind ruffled her hair as she loved feeling it so much, until she heard the sound of a horse getting closer and closer.

I felt my heart accelerate, everyone in these parts knows me and immediately denounces their presence so as not to scare me knowing my disability, but this person was silent until he got close, too close...

"Could you do me the honor of speaking to you for a moment?" Says Atilio, surprising her on the way.

Guadalupe tensed with fear of that thick, unfamiliar voice, she knew from the sound of the horse's footsteps he was following her. He didn't answer, just tapped the horse's reins gently to make him go faster.

“Have you not been taught that leaving someone alone to talk is impolite? Your father's refusal of my invitation is enough, so I'll think that's an attribute of your family, am I right?” He looked at her from head to toe, he didn't care what the young woman might think, it was in his nature to act like that.

Atilio crossed with his horse on the girl's path and made Sunbeam stop abruptly with her for the first time in the middle of the way.

“Please come, Sunbeam!” She cried out in whispers.

Guadalupe tried to make the horse walk, but Atilio always got in his way and stopped the horse.

“Calm down little brunette, why are you trying to run away? I just want to chat for a moment, my name is Atilio and I moved here a few days ago.” He stretched out his hand beside her, but the young woman didn't even look at him for obvious reasons.

"Let me out young man, I need to take this to my father in town."

“Guadalupe, is everything okay?” Gabriel saw the suspicious movement of the two and then approached, glaring at his rival.

He appeared like a divine providence mounted on his horse and held the reins of her horse calming them both.

"Gabriel? Is that you?"

“Yes, it's me…I'll take you to town. And you, leave her alone, I don't know who you are and I don't like you anymore!" he says, getting ready to take her away.

Gradually, she calmed down.

“I didn't do anything too much, she got scared for nothing. Looks like you've never seen people!" He responds smiling to make the boy even angrier as he took Guadalupe away.

Atilio didn't understand the great confusion for a simple approach with that young woman, he returned home and was thinking to himself.

So many defenders, shy, fearful, jealous parents, and I love a good challenge!

Near there...

“Do you know who this Atilio guy is?” Guadalupe asks curiously about the man who approached her.

“They say he's the new owner of the Commander's lands, I don't like his way with you. What did he want with you? "

"I don't know how to say Gabriel, I didn't give him a chance to say much."

"I'm going to ask Dona Esther not to allow these walks of hers anymore, where have you ever seen a maiden wander around alone?" Gabriel let on the great jealousy and fear of losing his friend to any man who might cross his path.

“If you do this, I will never speak to you again!” Guadalupe shouted.

"I want to protect you Lupe (heavy breath) I don't want that guy, or anyone else looking at you like that ever again."

"Even if you want Gabriel, you can't protect me from the world!"

"I just want to protect you from him."

“I know how to defend myself.” She says still annoyed.

The two arrived in the city, and sometime later they went home, but Gabriel didn't leave there until he gave his message to her parents and, of course, told her about his rival's approach to her.

“Guadalupe has already gone to bed, she was tired, poor thing!” Esther says, sitting next to Gabriel.

"I don't want them to let that man get close to her again..." He says still furious.

“Do you think he wanted more than just talking? One day he invited us to have dinner at his house, but Leonel refused. "

“And he did well (he rose thoughtfully) that man looked at her in a way, I bet he must be accustomed to dishonoring city girls and thinks Guadalupe is one of those fools.”

“There will always be men like him, but our Guadalupe knows how to defend itself. God has not given her less than what she needs to live, you love her so much, and how I would like her to reciprocate.” Esther sympathized with Gabriel's suffering, she would have liked him to be the husband of her only child.

“Dona Esther is not sent in the heart, but I believe that one day she may want me as her husband.”

“I'm worried about your uncle Leonel, he's already old and now he's drinking like a duck and falling around as if he didn't have a family.”

“I promise I will ask my father to speak with him.” Gabriel responds by sitting next to her and holding her hand.

“I thank you so much son, it means a lot to me your affection and concern for our family.”

Gabriel returned home and was intrigued and thinking about this stranger. He certainly liked Lupe a lot, he was rich and flirtatious and he certainly knew how to say nice things to deceive the city girls, it would be even easier to deceive the country maidens like his beloved.

“ If he crosses your path one more time, it will be the last thing he does in this life. If I'm going to lose you, let it be to God, but never to a petty man like that!" He said clenching his fists.

"Talking to yourself son?" Saul asked.

"Do you know the heir to the Commander's lands, Dad?"

“They say he's a young man in his early thirties, still without a wife or family. Must have come to settle down or maybe get married?”

“Let him look for a woman far from here!” Gabriel punched the dresser.

“Why the anger?”

“He was following Guadalupe on his way to town! If I don't make it in time, who knows what I'd do with her!"

“Do not judge lest you be judged, Gabriel. How can you say he was following her?”

"For the perverted way, he was looking at her." Gabriel closed his eyes and could still remember his opponent's expression.

“Lupe is blind, but she is still a beautiful young woman. You are a man just like that son of the commander, a more incisive look is natural.” Saul tried to calm the mood and make his son keep his reason.

“I feel daddy, just like I feel like she will never be mine.” Gabriel sat up in bed and sighed.

"Try to look around you son, there must be a girl who loves you..."

"No way! If I don’t have Guadalupe, I don’t want any other.”

Saul left that room with a broken heart, knowing that his son would never be happy in love was terrible. He wanted to have grandchildren and for his family to continue, he saw Gabriel suffer year after year with that love that suffocated his heart.

“Has Gabriel arrived from Lupe’s house yet?” Luiza asked, eating an apple.

"Yes daughter, you are in your room suffering more than before." Saul replied.

“Lupe will still make him do something crazy.”

"Your brother doesn't realize that this battle has been lost for a long time."

"I feel so sorry for him to live like this suffering in the corners daddy and at the same time it makes me angry to see him at her feet all the time like a donkey!" Luiza was revolted by her brother's attitude of submitting to the love he felt for Guadalupe.

At Atilio's house...

"You seem kind of lost in thought..." Amelia says, approaching him while looking out the window.

“The peasant with the green eyes, what a beautiful brunette Amélia!” He would close his eyes and smile as he remembered the encounter on the road.

"You've already found a good reason to stay here at the window."

"If she passed right now, I don't think I would answer for my actions."

“Here you will find many like her, beautiful and innocent. Soon you fall in love with others, I know you too well, son.”

He smiled and crossed his arms.

“Guadalupe, the name of the virgin (laughs) is very suggestive and exciting!” He bit his own lips.