The story begins with the Cruz family – Lily and her parents Dante and Carmia – embarking on a journey to Poblacion Ardiente, a new town where they’ll be moving to escape the danger that Dante’s work as a lawyer has brought upon them.
Dante has been receiving death threats for taking on powerful clients, and the family hopes to start anew in this small town. As they drive, their car breaks down, and they’re forced to stop on the side of the road.
Unfortunately, this causes them to block the way of Governor Julio Ardiente’s convoy, which is on its way to a political rally. The governor’s men help the Cruz family by towing their car to a local mechanic shop, and the family is grateful for the assistance.
The people of Poblacion Ardiente are overjoyed to see their governor, Julio, and they celebrate his return with great enthusiasm.The governor’s family attends the rally, including his daughter Emilia, who is the mayor of the city, and her husband Raul.
Raul is a charming but unfaithful husband, and Emilia has to constantly keep an eye on him to prevent him from pursuing other women. Despite his charm in front of the public, Governor Julio is a strict father who pushes his grandchildren to excel.
He has high expectations for his grandson Arnaldo, who is Emilia’s son, but he has little patience for Diego, who is Raul’s illegitimate son.
Diego is often mistreated at home, and Governor Julio punishes him cruelly, including forcing him to endure ant attacks.
As the Cruz family settles into their new home, Lily starts school, and Carmia begins working as a teacher. Dante starts his job as an attorney and is surprised to learn that the town has a zero-crime rate. Meanwhile, Diego runs away from home, feeling miserable about his shortcomings. He stands near a cliff, contemplating his life.
Lily sees him and thinks he’s about to jump so she shouts at him not to do it. She ends up startling him and Diego stumbles, nearly falling off the cliff. Lily saves him, but they don’t get a chance to talk as Diego rushes off. The two meet again when Diego sees Lily having a picnic with her family.
They invite him to join them, and Diego is hesitant at first but eventually warms up to them. As they spend more time together, Carmia helps Diego with his schoolwork, and Lily helps him exercise to lose weight. Diego’s grades improve, and he becomes more confident.
Raul discovers Diego’s progress and he is impressed, but he’s more interested in getting to know Carmia, who he’s seen during one of Diego’s tutoring sessions. Raul becomes infatuated with Carmia, and his intentions are far from pure.
