Mariel, the illegitimate daughter of Shirley, has been the center of contention since her birth when Shirley's husband Ben sells Mariel to child trafficker Adul. Because of an immigration impediment, Adul consigns Mariel to the care of her cousin Jaime and nursemaid Dolor, the midwife at Mariel's birth. However, Jaime's wife, Laila, doesn't want to keep the baby because the sight of an infant reminds her of her stillborn child, and Dolor's boyfriend, Ramir, is jealous of the love and attention Dolor gives the baby. When Laila has accepted Mariel, Adul returns to claim her adopted now-grown daughter, but Dolor inadvertently learns of Adul's wicked plan to sell Mariel for a large amount.