This story unfolds in the early 20th century in the city of
Puebla, Mexico, where Magdalena Mendoza (
Christian Bach), a young woman from a once-wealthy family now fallen on hard times, lives. She maintains a secret romance with José Luis Álvarez (
Frank Moro), a penniless military man who loves her with all his heart. The family's dire financial straits have forced them to mortgage most of their possessions. To maintain the social standing they have enjoyed until now, Magdalena's mother, Paula (
Rosario Gálvez), has decided that her daughter must marry a wealthy man of high social standing. Paula herself chooses Alejandro Almonte (
Miguel Palmer) as the perfect candidate. He has just inherited a considerable fortune following the recent death of his father, a landowner who had acknowledged him as his legitimate son moments before passing away. Upon discovering Magdalena's relationship with José Luis, in collusion with her ambitious son, Dimitrio (
Rafael Sánchez Navarro), she manages to have the young soldier imprisoned; simultaneously convincing her daughter that he has been deceiving her. Out of spite, Magdalena agrees to marry Alejandro, who has also taken upon himself to cover the family's debts in exchange for being allowed to court the young woman, with whom he has been captivated since the moment he saw her. But on the very day of the wedding, José Luis, who has escaped from prison, arrives to find Magdalena, clearing up the entire misunderstanding and agreeing to elope with her. However, the plan is discovered by Alejandro, who, filled with rage at the betrayal he has suffered, decides to take Magdalena to his ranch, forcing her to live with him against her will. For his part, José Luis is not willing to let the love of his life escape, so he doesn't stop until he finds her. Assuming a false identity, José Luis arrives at Alejandro's ranch determined to take Magdalena away. But he doesn't realize that, over time, her feelings have changed, because, as she has grown closer to Alejandro, she has come to understand that he is the one she truly loves. José Luis's refusal to leave the ranch will trigger a series of terrible consequences that will ultimately have a profound impact on everyone's lives. == Cast ==