In the early 20th century, the Montes de Oca family—comprising two sisters and a cousin—finds itself entangled in an intense love triangle. Matilde is in love with her cousin Rodrigo, who loves the other sister, Branca Flor; she, in turn, loves a humble fisherman. Upon discovering this, Rodrigo accuses the fisherman of theft, leading to his arrest. The lovestruck cousin’s malice knows no bounds; learning that Branca Flor is carrying the fisherman's child, he waits for the baby to be born so he can make it disappear.