A water-filled pot was put by the fire; the captured fish were being cooked on a skillet. Wet clothing dangled on a tree as the fire dried it. Behind the giant tree, Laureana finished using a bar of soap she had been given and slowly poured warm water on her body and hair. She squeezed the water from her hair and put the cloth-like blanket over her body as she grabbed her almost-dried clothing.

Once dressed, she walked away from the tree where Luke kept watch over the fish. She was handed a knife while Luke approached the large tree with the soap bar and pot of water in his hands. His shirt was removed, exposing his muscular body with faint scars. He hid behind the tree and bathed. 

A smell hit her nose, and she realized the fish was burning; the fish were moved far from the fire. "Smells mighty good." Luke walked away from the tree shirtless, only wearing his dried pants and shoes. He noticed Laureana looking away. "Don't be shy. There's no crime in looking." He put on his shirt and sat beside Laureana; they took turns eating fish pieces. "I never asked you how old you were." 

"Eighteen and you?"

"Twenty-three."

"Etka told me that you postponed signing the papers. Why?"

"I can't tell you that yet." Luke ate the last piece of fish. "Everything will come to light soon. Anyway, sorry about pushing you. I wanted to break the tension between us. It looks like it has been a while since you had fun."

Laureana looked at the fire as she thought about her deceased brother and their childhood, which was filled with laughter and happiness. "It has been a while since I had this fun. My brother used to play pranks on me."

"Oh, so you did have fun. I'm glad."

She realized what she said. "I-I didn't mean that! I-!"

"No, no. I heard what you said. There's no shame in it; I'm glad you enjoyed yourself." He looked at the sky. "It will get dark soon, so we should head out. We should try this another time." He didn't receive a response but knew that Lauraena was slowly opening up to him. Progress was made, and that's what mattered to him. 

When everything was packed, they got on the horse and returned to the ranch. The ride was quiet until they arrived at the ranch. As Laureana was assisted off the horse, she cleared her throat. "I-I was wondering if you would like to have dinner outside tonight? A small cookout."

This surprised the young man, but the idea interested him; he was tired of being in the house all day. "Sure thing. I'll fix up everything before dinner. I'm sure your parents will be okay with it."

Laureana nodded as she went inside the house, not realizing that her parents and Etka were watching from one of the windows. "They're back from their little trip. It looks like they're getting closer," said Maria.

"Indeed they are," said Anselmo.

Etka walked away from the window and looked at the couple. "I have a feeling that you two are plotting something." 

"You should mind your business, Etka. This doesn't concern you," snapped the patriarch as he inhaled from his cigar.

"Laureana's well-being is my business." That's when the elder realized their plan. "So that's it! If Laureana marries Luke, you all get to stay here! You're using her!"

The matriarch sat on one of the lavish sofas as she began sowing. "So what if we are? We have raised and given her things few young ladies are fortunate to have. Tomas' death will not be in vain." She glared at the older woman. "You will not judge our actions; if you speak of it with Laureana, we will not hesitate to throw you out. Now go on with your duties."

Ekta scoffed as she walked toward her room. Anger filled her at the thought of Laureana being used for something cruel. Luke wasn't a cruel man; he had feelings for Laureana. She didn't want them to get hurt. "I have to do something."