The story begins when Maria Herra, a very hard-working humble young woman and mother of a girl, meets a rich successful man. Both fall hopelessly in love, but he is married to Annie, with whom he has son Esteban. He must decide between Maria and his family, and his love for Maria isn't enough for him to leave his family, so he breaks up with her. But he doesn't know that Maria's expecting his son. She decides to find him and tell him, but when she gets to his house, the maid Olga tells her that he's away with his wife. She asks the maid to give him a letter, because he needs to know the truth. The maid insists she leave, promising to hand it to him, but she destroys it instead, not wanting to ruin his marriage. AFter Maria gives birth, her mother Gracia wants to inform Eduardo, but his father doesn't allow her to speak to him, and he hands her a check that he hopes will keep her and Maria away forever. She takes the money to help her daughter and grandchild, then returns to them. But when Maria realizes that the child is ill, she commits suicide. After her death, Gracia develops a great hatred for her grandson and vows to get revenge on Eduardo for creating the disgraceful situation.