Snippet 10: Countdown To Showdown

Dominga confessed to Esmeralda that a mysterious story was tied to the emerald earrings, but she would reveal it to her at a later date, when she is ready for it.

Meanwhile, Fermín came to tell Dominga that Crisanta had come to the cemetery to inquire abount the grave of a babygirl buried 23 years ago. and how he told her there was no such record 23 years ago.

Esmeralda too began to flex her emotional muscle by asking her old friend, Melesio, how Graciela looked, was she pretty? Melesio told her that there was no lady or woman (including Graciela), in the village that was as beautiful as her (Esmeralda).

Scheming and desperate Fátima insisted that Armando must give an engagement ring to her daughter, Graciela, to signify his matrimonial commitment to Graciela. She also told him that this must be done on her birthday, as a token gift, which would be next day.

Rodolfo remembered and reminded his wife, Blanca, about her emerald earrings that disappeared some 23 years ago, when they last visited Casa Grande. Blanca was uncomfortable with this shameful reminder of her sins and that of Crisanta.

José Armando asked Florecita not to tell Esmeralda that he saw her in the departmental store in the town, since Esmeralda did not see him.

Countdown to showdown, Esmeralda was in church again, but this time, she wore her provocative emerald earrings. Crisanta saw her at the church and more importantly, the emerald earrings in her ears, and she recognized them.

Lucio confessed his utter and burning hatred of Dominga to Juana, obviously because Dominga was not playing ball with him over his ambition foe Esmeralda.