Chapter 1 I Surrender

• Los Angeles, California
• Hacienda Parrow
• Sebastian Parrow feels a sense of guilt and unhappiness every day of his life.
• It was a hot Saturday, and he and his father had planned an event for the launch of his exquisite, high-quality wine. That day was special for him, as he was going to surprise his mother—he wanted her to be even prouder of him than she already was because of everything he had accomplished.
• What Sebastian had never imagined was that the day would become the most heartbreaking of his existence—the day he lost his parents in the most terrifying way.
• A drunk driver cost his parents their lives, causing them to lose control of their car, which was completely wrecked. And he, despite his condemnation, survived. The injuries and bruises he suffered did not matter much to him; the worst part was that he lost his sight—he was completely blind.
• This news shattered him, leading him into a life of darkness, where his only company was his girlfriend, Maria, with whom he was already engaged. She became his guide and his only hope for moving forward.
• In the early hours of the morning, as Sebastian sits in the dining area of his garden, his other senses gradually sharpen. He remains attentive to everything happening around him, even when someone approaches.
• "Mr. Parrow, your breakfast," said the maid with great respect. He waved his right hand for her to continue serving him.
• "Anything else, sir?" she asked without looking him in the eyes.
• "Out!" he ordered, and the maid nodded before leaving.
• Sebastian picked up his coffee cup. Even though he was now blind, he had not lost his sense of glamour and elegance when eating.
• He brought the cup to his lips, savoring the bitter taste he craved, but a strange noise suddenly caught his attention.
• A rolling suitcase. He placed his coffee cup on the tray.
• "Sebastian," his girlfriend Maria's nervous voice made him furrow his brow.
• "What's going on?" he asked, trying to be as gentle as possible. He didn’t want his arrogance to push her away.
• "I'm leaving, Sebastian," Maria replied firmly.
• "Are you traveling? Why didn’t you tell me?" he asked, his voice laced with frustration—she knew he needed her.
• "No, I’m leaving you." She swallowed heavily, without even bothering to show compassion.
• "What!?" He stood up. She couldn’t leave him—he wouldn’t accept it.
• "I’m sorry. I thought I could handle it, but I can’t stay by your side," Maria said, holding the engagement ring in her left hand.
• "What have I done?" he asked. Maria remained silent.
• "Speak, damn it!" he demanded, losing control.
• "Do you want to know?" she scoffed. "Fine, I’ll tell you. You’re blind! You may have a lot of money, you may be the most manly, the most gentlemanly, the most handsome, but I can’t have a blind boyfriend. I can’t be with a blind man, so I’m not going to marry you."
• Maria’s cruel words finally shattered Sebastian’s heart.
• "You said my blindness wouldn’t matter!" he yelled furiously.
• "As if I care! Everyone talks about it. I am the laughingstock of my friends and society. I am the shame of my family. I can’t be with you. I’m sorry, Sebastian..."
• Maria turned to leave, but he didn’t give up. He tried to walk without the support of his cane, a bad decision—he stumbled and fell to the ground.
• "Maria, don’t leave me!" he pleaded. "I will give you everything you ask for, everything you want. I will put the world at your feet! We are just days away from getting married—you will be Mrs. Parrow. You have always wanted me to make you my wife. You will have the wedding of your dreams!"
• Maria stopped, turned around, and looked at him incredulously.
• "No, Sebastian!" she exclaimed. "We can’t turn back time. I can’t let my life—my youth—pass by next to a man who doesn’t even know which way to walk."
• Saying this, she turned on her heels and walked away without looking back.
• "Maria!" he called out with an exhausted cry, but she didn’t hesitate—she kept walking.
• Sebastian’s childhood friend, Leandro, quickly approached, finding him on the ground.
• The expression on Sebastian’s face was filled with pain, disappointment, sadness, and disgust. There was nothing left of the man he once was—not even the slightest feeling of love or pity.
• "Let me help you," Leandro said, stepping closer, but Sebastian pushed him away.
• "Leave me alone!" he shouted in frustration.
• "What happened?"
• "She left me! Maria left me!" he said bitterly.
• "She doesn’t deserve you, buddy. Let me help you."
• "Damn the moment I lost my sight!" Leandro heard him scream. He pitied his friend. Sebastian had been so attached to Maria—now that she was gone, what would become of him?
• Sebastian managed to stand, gripping the table for support, then unleashed his fury, knocking everything off of it.
• "She’s not worth it, buddy. You’re only hurting yourself," Leandro said, trying to calm him down.
• "No woman is worth it! I swear I will never have feelings for any woman again. They are all the same!"
• As the days passed, Sebastian’s life became routine. He turned into a cold, expressionless, and ruthless man. Despite his blindness, he remained aware of his vineyard business, thanks to Leandro, who never left his side.
• Back at the Parrow estate...
• "Sebastian, I have to stop for a moment," Leandro informed him.
• "What’s wrong?" Sebastian asked, his expression unreadable.
• "I need to repay a debt. I promise it won’t take long. I’ll park the car here—it’s a safe place."
• "Don’t take too long, Leandro. I hate waiting."
• "I know, I know. Just give me five minutes."
• "The clock is already ticking."
• Sebastian heard Leandro open and close the car door. A minute later, he was startled when the back door of the car suddenly opened.
• "What are you doing, Leandro?" he asked coldly. "I don’t want any pathetic surprises for my birthday," he added, irritated.
• But something strange happened. A sweet, floral scent filled his senses—a delicate rose perfume.
• He immediately tensed as the door shut and he sensed someone’s distress.
• "Who are you?" he demanded, gripping his cane, ready to defend himself.
• "Help me…!"
• A delicate, weak, and trembling woman’s voice put him on high alert.