"Lauren, tell me you're joking... You're just saying all that to calm her down, right? You never loved her mother, did you? She only seduced you, isn't it?" Astrid asked, her voice filled with hope.

"Astrid... I... I..." Lauren stuttered, unable to form a coherent response.

"Dad, so you love Mara's mother and made me believe that her mother seduced you?" Maya asked in shock.

"Maya, please leave here with Mara. I have something to tell your mother," Lauren requested, trying to divert attention.

"No, Lauren, everything must be settled here and now... I want to know who my mother is... I'm tired of being called illegitimate... This old woman...