It was her second husband, Brad, who had helped lift her spirits.

Brad's family didn't hold a candle to the influence of Noemi's family.

He was also younger than Noemi by two years. Despite these differences, he'd pursued her relentlessly after they were introduced by a relative.

Eventually, his unflagging devotion won her over, and she chose to remarry. Her sole condition for Brad was loyalty.

And for years, Brian had seen signs that Brad had been sticking to his promise.