Original subtitles

You can't always choose in life.

He's your mother's brother, your only family.

He's a good man, you'll see.

Who's this young lady?

My niece. She's here because her mother died this week.

I was wondering

if she could live with me.

- Who's that? - Master Alberto, Don Rafael's son.

All the good designers are French. They work in Paris.

- So we'll have to live in Paris. - So it seems.

Things aren't that easy!

There are barriers you don't cross--

I don't care.

Tomorrow you're going to London.

Ana!

Ana, we'll be late again.

Coming.

Why didn't you tell me he'd arrived?

The farther away he is, the better for everyone.

What did you expect? That I'd greet you with a smile?

- That you'd be glad to see me. - Seven years waiting for you,

for a letter, anything.

I wrote every month, I swear.

Maybe my father or your uncle kept the letters,

but I swear I wrote, Ana.

Studying abroad agreed with you.

Being in Madrid agreed with you.

Yes?

Yes, speaking.

He had his check-up.

The doctor says he's worse.

I can't even be with him.

Because you're working.

- And that material? - From the workroom.

Are you crazy? Doña Blanca checks everything.

They're from last season. She won't know. We won't use them.

Luisa?

Doña Blanca, a telegram for you.

- Are you all right, Blanca? - I don't know how they found me.

If you take control of Velvet, it'll be over my dead body.

I've offered my help. You may not want it,

but you decide.

Sell Velvet or it disappears.

Competition is very tough this season.

I know, that's why we must do something different,

something new.

Young people don't like your clothes.

- You don't. - Our customers--

- My customers! - They're dying!

I've spent 30 years here.

Are you going to tell me what my customers like?

You don't want me here.

And I don't want to stay.

- Come with me to London, Ana. - You're crazy.

No, I'm tired of doing what I'm supposed to do

and not what I want to do.

We interrupt our programme to inform you of a terrible event

that has just occurred.

Don Rafael Márquez, owner of Velvet Fashion Stores,

was found dead tonight.

For Alberto

- How much longer? - Stop moaning.

Help! Help me, please!

Ana Rivera's family.

Here!

She had a severe blow to the head.

We won't know the damage until she regains consciousness.

All we can do for now is wait.

I came up to get him and...

...the window was open.

Who made the call?

Don Emilio.

You didn't find a note or anything significant?

No, nothing.

Now, if that's all,

I have a lot to do.

Of course.

If there's anything else, we'll let you know.

Very well.

"The Seamstress"

You were together a long time, Emilio.

How many?

25?

With Don Rafael, 30.

You're probably the one who knows our family best, aren't you?

I know my husband made mistakes.

Don't worry, ma'am.

For me, everything concerning Don Rafael

always remained between us,

and that will continue to be so.

Thank you.

There are certain things that shouldn't come to light.

I saw three police cars go past, and then we were shut in here.

Poor Don Rafael, just when the show had gone so well.

And his son had come back today.

Well, Doña Gloria can't find Don Alberto anywhere.

- He's probably with some slut. - Clara!

What? It's true.

He's handsome, rich. He'll make the most of it.

Why haven't they told us anything? It was even on the radio.

Want the official news?

I suppose you've all heard the terrible news.

Don Rafael Márquez,

founder and owner of this firm, died early this morning.

Please, a little respect.

It's a difficult time for everyone,

especially his family.

So I expect from you

an example of discretion

and loyalty.

Don Emilio, what will happen to the store?

We are in mourning,

our customers are not.

The store will open as it has done every day

for the last 30 years,

as would have been the wish

of Don Rafael.

So, what's keeping you?

There are a lot of orders to fill.

The orders will take longer, I'm one seamstress short.

And tell your niece that if she isn't here in five minutes,

there'll be two less. The rules apply to everyone,

and Don Rafael isn't here now to cover your back.

My work is enough to cover my back.

I hope yours says the same about you.

Speak to your niece, if you know where she is.

Don Emilio!

- I need to speak-- - Where is Ana?

That's what I wanted to say. She left with Don Alberto.

But I swear I don't know where they went.

She packed a few things and she left.

But she left this letter for you.

Dear Uncle,

I'm very sorry if I've hurt you. I didn't mean to,

but Alberto and I deserve an opportunity too

and we'd never have it here.

Don't be angry.

Be happy for me, I've only done what you taught me:

to fight for what I want.

When you read this I'll be far away,

but I'll think of you and I'll call when we are settled.

Your loving niece, Ana.

- Don Emilio. - Yes, Pedro.

A call for you.

It's urgent.

Excuse me.

I'm inquiring about a patient, Ana Rivera.

- Are you a relative? - I'm her uncle.

- Just a minute. - Thank you.

You can't do this now, Ana. Open your eyes.

Ana, I want...

I want to have children with you. I want

to marry you, and see your face every morning.

I want to see you play with our children in the pool.

Ana, open your eyes. You can't do this to me now.

We have to go to Paris.

You have to work for all the designers you like.

Who was that one?

Phillipe Ray.

Doctor!

Which hospital?

They didn't say. Don Emilio ran off.

Don't say a word of this.

- Ana had an accident. - Pedro!

Be quiet, please!

Luisa!

Open the door!

- Luisa isn't here. - Where is she?

Looking for someone?

Where's Luisa? Is her husband all right?

That doesn't concern me.

She's on the street, where thieves belong.

I fired her.

I'm aware you and Miss Rivera knew what she was doing.

You're lucky I have no proof or you'd both be thrown out.

Did she leave any address?

No, but I'm sure you'll find her on some corner.

That's all she's good for.

Now, go back to the workroom.

You have your work and that of your two companions.

Unless you can help me find Ana.

I thought not.

- I thought I'd lost her too. - At least you knew where she was.

Well, Doctor?

She's stable. There seems to be no neural damage.

- She was lucky, but she must rest. - Thank you.

I'll take care of her. You've done enough.

- Go home. - I'm not leaving, Emilio.

Don't you know your father is dead?

Your family needs you.

We've been looking for you for six hours.

Where were you?

I had an accident.

- I was at the hospital with Ana. - With her?

- Yes, with her. - I can't believe it.

This is no time to argue, Gloria.

Where's my father?

Open the coffin.

Don Alberto, your mother said it was to remain like this.

I'm so sorry, Gloria.

I'm sure of it, Pilar.

I know Rafael and I didn't get on well recently,

but he was my brother.

A brother you tried to ruin.

You can count on me for anything. Don't forget that.

I know Velvet is going through a delicate moment.

Thank you, Pilar. Now, if you don't mind...

Can't I say goodbye to my father either?

- Why is the coffin closed? - For your own good.

You needn't pretend anymore that you care about me.

No, you mustn't...

- Listen to me. - Get out, please.

Your father fell from his office window.

Impossible! There's a rail, he couldn't have fallen.

He killed himself.

He didn't!

Did he leave a note?

- Anything? - No.

Why do you think he was so anxious to have you here,

to have you find a rich wife?

Why didn't he tell me?

I suppose, Alberto,

he hoped to have your help without the need to grovel.

Unfortunately, it wasn't so.

I argued with him.

Before I left with Ana I argued with him.

Alberto...

I told him he was ruining the business,

that his customers were dying.

And then I got in the car and went off with Ana.

- You didn't know he had problems. - I should have realized.

It isn't your fault.

Yes, it is. And now I want to die.

Who's there?

You scared me.

I was looking for an order that Mrs. Villanueva

left with Don Rafael.

Luisa, come in!

Rita?

Yes, Doña Blanca?

Why are you running around at this time?

I'm sorry, Doña Blanca.

I left my coat downstairs...

I called lights out an hour ago.

Go to your room immediately or I'll put you in there.

Yes, ma'am.

I'm sorry about all this. I didn't know what to do.

Don't be so silly.

If Doña Blanca catches us she'll throw you out too.

Don't worry about that.

What you have to do is get some sleep.

Come on, into bed.

I'll leave before anyone is up.

Thank you.

It'll all work out.

The cortege will leave the family home at 8:00 a.m.

and the burial will take place at 9:00 a.m.

in the Almudena Cemetery in Madrid.

The Bishop of Madrid,

His Excellency Leopoldo Eijo, will officiate.

Leading political figures will attend

along with members of the nobility.

Miss Rivera,

- you have a call. - Thank you.

...stressed the great work by his father

over so many years.

Don't get up.

He expressed his thanks for the condolences they had received.

I'm sorry if I made you get up. I had to talk to you.

Don't worry.

My uncle brought the phone to my room.

I didn't know there were such long cables.

- How are you? - Fine.

And you?

Fine.

If only I could take back all I said to him.

Where are you?

At home.

I'd love to be there with you.

I know, but you have to rest. I'm fine, I promise.

- No, you're not. - I am. I need to rest a bit.

That's all.

Tomorrow, after the funeral, I'll go and get you.

If your uncle lets me in!

- Ana. - What?

I love you.

I love you more.

Alberto, we're leaving.

Gerardo, thank you for everything. Gloria told me how much you helped.

You'd have done the same for Cristina if I weren't here.

If you need anything, you know where I am.

Thank you.

I asked them to bring you some food.

Thank you.

Do you want me to stay?

No, thank you, Cristina, really.

I'm fine.

Good night.

You can check for yourself, Don Alberto,

but as I said on the phone the store is bankrupt.

Wait, that's impossible.

My father wouldn't allow that.

How could he let this happen?

Don Rafael, God rest him,

- expected bigger profits. - How was he going to pay the debts?

With the profits from the last collection.

A very risky plan, if I may say so.

What do you advise?

The same as I advised your father:

find a new investor

or sell.

Hello?

- Rita, a call for you. - For me?

Yes?

Rita!

Hey!

I thought I'd never see you again.

The hospital rang and your uncle ran out.

I imagined the worst.

I'm sorry it went wrong. I never make plans.

Now what will you do?

Check if anyone's coming. Did you bring my coat?

This isn't a good idea.

I'm fine. I have to see Alberto.

I know he needs me.

I didn't think you'd come.

As I haven't seen you since yesterday...

Or your niece.

Ana has leave of absence for a few days.

Leave from whom?

From Don Alberto Márquez.

Ask him if you like, but I fear it's not the best moment.

I'll go now, Don Emilio is coming.

Why are you here?

He's the man I love, and his father's dead.

You should be in the hospital. The doctor said you have to rest.

These are his people, Ana.

His father is dead, but he's still one of them.

Don't keep deceiving yourself.

I'm very sorry.

My deepest sympathy.

Ana!

- Ana! - Ana!

- What's he doing? - That's what I'd like to know.

It must be exhaustion.

Are you sure, doctor?

It's normal.

She should have been resting.

I'll make sure she does.

You're staying here.

No, I'm going back.

- I'm not arguing. - Alberto, may I have a word?

In private.

How much longer are you going to embarrass us?

Wasn't the cemetery enough?

I don't care what people think.

- I just want Ana to get well. - I won't allow it.

This is my house too. I'm not asking for permission.

Ana is staying.

Is this how you respect your father's memory?

That has nothing to do with respect.

It's love, you don't know what that is.

- And you do? - Yes.

This is a disgrace.

Thank you, Emilio, you can go now.

And don't worry about your niece.

She'll stay here tonight.

You know I disapprove of this as much as you do.

That's why I hope you'll help me resolve it.

Emilio, I appreciate you, and your niece too.

- This isn't the way to do things. - No.

Especially now.

But I fear neither you nor I will be able to do anything.

We'll see about that.

Love is very nice when things are going well,

but when they go wrong it's not so easy.

- Good day, Doña Gloria. - Good bye.

Ana is very smart.

No, she and Don Alberto are in love.

It's true love.

True and timely. Just when he inherited the business.

Well, good for her. I'd marry someone rich if I could.

I'm rich in love. That's much more important.

- You're easily pleased. - No.

No, but unless we win the lottery we won't be like the Márquez.

If you had more aspirations...

What aspirations?

I don't know, something. To get ahead.

- Aren't you tired carrying parcels? - No.

You see? How can we get ahead?

You're happy to die as a common messenger with a lousy wage.

- Clara! - What? What?

You taking his side for a change?

You're right. I'm a messenger and proud of it.

A lot of people would like to be in my place.

May I know why you three are in here gossiping?

I'm sorry, Don Emilio. How is Ana?

Resting, which she should have done instead of going to the cemetery.

- Is she back in hospital? - Can we call?

Clara, I'm sure you have better things to do

than waste your time here.

Yes, Don Emilio.

Clara...

I'm sorry, Don Emilio.

Who is she?

Your mother?

- It's the only photo I have of her. - She's beautiful.

This is a decent house,

so this door will remain open.

I don't know how Ana was reared,

but this family still believes in respect.

I'm not going to argue. Please leave, and close the door.

Don Enrique called.

He's expecting us at the store to hear the will.

I have to go.

You can call me.

And Elvira is here.

OK?

Ciao.

Good morning.

The lawyer is waiting for you.

Thank you.

Good morning, Nieves.

Good morning, Don Alberto.

I need to speak to you.

I should have done it earlier, but it wasn't the right time.

I have to tell you something.

Yes?

I'm leaving.

I can't sit there

waiting for that door to open and your father to come out.

- All these years--. - Alberto, they're waiting.

My father thought very highly of you, Nieves.

With the approval of the notary Don Gonzalo Valverde,

whose office is in Madrid and with licence no. 3225,

I will now read the will of Don Rafael Márquez.

"I, Rafael Márquez Encinas, being of sound mind

and with the necessary legal capacity,

state my wish to bequeath to my children Alberto and Patricia

the family home, in usufruct for my wife Doña Gloria Campos.

I also bequeath the summer house to my wife, Doña Gloria Campos.

With regard to the family business, Velvet Fashion Store,

60% of the shares in Velvet Fashion Store

will pass to

Don Alberto Márquez, my son,

while the remaining 40%

will be divided between my wife and my daughter.

- The remaining--" - I don't believe it!

I did everything I should have done.

I stayed here

while Alberto was in London, doing as he pleased.

And for what?

It didn't matter.

It never mattered.

- When he arrived, I disappeared. - Your father was a good man,

but he just wanted you to marry and have children.

That was all.

And he comes here with no respect for us,

to get the inheritance and look down on us.

You think we're going to let him do as he pleases? No.

Not Alberto, and certainly not her.

Come.

Ma'am, do you need anything?

No, no. I was looking for the kitchen, to get some water.

Don Alberto said you needed to rest.

- I'll bring you a glass of water. - That isn't necessary.

Don't worry, it's my job.

When you were a seamstress

- you weren't ashamed of it. - No, no.

- Nor I. I'll bring the water. - Thank you.

So you made yourself at home.

You have a lovely home.

I'm going to change for lunch.

I know about losing a parent.

My mother died when I was nine, and I came to live with...

We aren't friends.

I just wanted...

Thank you.

If you thought we were all like Alberto, we're not,

and you're not like us.

Well, that's obvious.

He must have realized too

if he decided to run away in the middle of the night.

Thank you, Elvira.

Only my mother and I are eating.

Alberto isn't coming?

No. He's working. He's got his business now.

Regrettably, after my father's death

there'll be a lot of changes here, and you two should be informed.

Informed of what, Don Alberto?

I'll be running the company now. That's why I called you.

I want to see exactly how things are.

You know that, like your father, you have all our support.

That's why you're here.

How many orders from the last show?

Between 80 and 100.

Some customers are still undecided.

I want the workroom operating full time.

Those orders must be filled as soon as possible.

Our customers must see that nothing has changed.

We can't lose them now.

We are short of two seamstresses in the workroom.

I fired one a few days ago, and...

Miss Ana.

They'll have to make an effort.

Later, we'll see about getting more staff.

Meanwhile, they must manage.

Thank you, you may leave.

So you're not going to Paris.

No.

I'm going to run the company,

as my father wanted.

I'm glad.

I wanted to apologize, Emilio.

I may not have behaved correctly with your niece...

You certainly haven't.

If I did anything in public that annoyed you, I'm sorry.

But now I want to give Ana all she deserves.

Seven years of tears are many years

and many tears.

Things will change, I promise.

Start by doing things well with your father's legacy.

Good day.

You're going to be director.

Something good has come of all this.

You see?

Your father believed in you.

You'll be my right hand man.

I want you with me.

But if he'd known you'd say that...

No one else would join a bankrupt business

- just for a friend. - Excuse me?

They're working flat out

to finish the orders from my father's last show.

That'll pay part of next month's costs

and I'll ask for a personal loan to start on the next show.

Are you sure?

My father built this store from nothing.

- I know. - Listen to me, please.

He came from Cuba with the few savings he had

and turned a little tailor shop into this.

I owe it to him, and I'm going to do it.

I'll make all the changes necessary.

We'll draw young people back and Velvet will be what it was:

the best. Miss!

Put on this dress, please.

In his house?

Yes, I tried to say no, but--

Idiot, why say no? What's the house like?

Amazing, right? I bet they treat you like royalty.

Yes, but I miss you.

- Tell me, how are things there? - Same as ever.

- Did the fabrics come from London? - No, not yet.

Tomorrow at 10:00. We have to start on the stoles.

And 20 other things.

I don't miss that.

All the rush...

Lucifer! Lucifer!

I have to go, Lucifer's coming.

I don't want excuses,

complaints or whining.

I just want work, work, and work.

You'll stay here as long as necessary.

No radio, no mid-morning coffee, no talking in the corridor.

The only sound I want to hear

is that of sewing machines and scissors.

Understood?

Doña Blanca, excuse me.

A telegram for you.

Is anything wrong, Doña Blanca?

- When did it arrive? - This morning.

- Has anyone been asking for me? - Not as far as I know.

You're welcome.

Is anything wrong?

- Who sent the telegram? - It's a customer's order.

How odd! She ordered a dress by telegram?

She's travelling abroad. I don't think it's odd.

What are you doing?

- Nothing. I was-- - You were snooping!

I was looking for aspirin. My head---

I don't have any, and leave my things alone.

What's going on? Who sent the telegrams?

They have to do work.

Go and get some aspirin, or I'll give you a headache.

Don't worry, I'm going. I won't bother you anymore.

- Good evening, Elvira. - Good evening, Don Alberto.

Cristina!

What a surprise.

I'm sorry to have come without calling.

I didn't think you'd be at work.

I'll leave you alone.

No, don't worry, you can stay.

We were just talking until you came, but you're here now.

I wanted to talk to you after the funeral,

but with the problem with your friend...

I hope she's well.

Yes, she just fainted.

- Thank heavens. - I'm glad.

I'll go now, I don't want to bother you.

I just came to tell you

that if you need anything,

a business advisor, someone to talk to...

If there's anything you need, my family is there.

Anything.

I'm a good shoulder to cry on.

Don't see me out, I know the way.

Cristina...

Thank you.

How long have you been there?

Not long.

Alberto, if Rita saw all these magazines, she'd have a heart attack.

We save up to buy a few and see the new collections.

They were my father's,

but even he didn't look at them with such enthusiasm.

How was it?

Fine.

As fine as the reading of a will can be.

It was strange going into his office.

How are you?

How was it with Gloria and my sister?

Fine.

- No. - Fine?

- I don't fit in their world. - Neither do I.

Where do we fit?

Come on.

This is for you.

Put it on and come right down.

Where are we going?

You'll see, but you'll have to close your eyes.

One,

two, three...

Can I take this off?

Wait, not yet. Five, six. Stop, stop.

We can't get past here.

Can you see anything?

- No. - Really?

- No. - At three, lift your feet.

- OK. - One, two and three.

- You really can't see? - No.

Now,

tell me the truth. Tell me, it's important.

Where am I?

- You can see. - I can't.

- Tell the truth. - Really.

You can't see.

Where are you?

I'm here.

Here.

It isn't the roof, but I hope you like it.

It's beautiful, Alberto.

Thank you.

These have been very difficult days.

With my father's death, I've realized a lot of things.

Life is very short, and it's up to us how we live it.

We've always been running away.

I don't want to do it anymore. I'm tired of hiding.

If we go to London, Paris, New York, wherever you like,

it will because we want to, not because we're hiding.

My father proposed to my mother with this ring.

It's the most special thing I have of her.

- What are you doing? - Wait, please.

- Ana... - Yes?

No, wait, I want to say it properly.

I want to spend every second of my life with you.

I want to go to Paris, have five children,

or six, as many as you want.

Will you marry me, Ana?

Yes, of course.

Of course I will.

Of course.

I love you.

I love you.

I'm going to go crazy with you.

What are you...!

I'm going to go crazy!

I love you!

Don't look like that, I slept in the other room.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

I'm going to work.

I've got a meeting.

I'll see you later in the store. I want to tell my uncle.

Good luck.

Bye.

Good morning, Doña Gloria.

- Did you rest well? - Very well, thank you.

Good, because I don't know if you'll be relaxed for long.

VELVET FASHION STORE BANKRUPT

I knew there were debts, but bankruptcy?

Alberto didn't tell you?

I suppose he said it was "business" so as not to worry you.

A typical man!

The fact is, we've tried to be discreet about all this.

I don't know who could have told them.

But when the suppliers see that

they'll start cancelling contracts, and then we will be in trouble.

Isn't life strange? One day you're at the top,

the next day your lifelong reputation is destroyed.

How did they find out?

Don't worry.

Look where we are.

Don Andrés owes my father 1,000 favours.

Yesterday he said there'd be no problem.

Yesterday we weren't in the headlines.

Without the loan, we're finished.

In 30 minutes we'll be celebrating the loan and your coming wedding.

I thought you disapproved of that.

You thought I was crazy.

I still do, but I never miss a party.

Don Alberto Márquez?

Don Andrés, how are you?

A pleasure. Felipe Murillo.

Don Andrés is very busy right now,

but he has entrusted me with this matter.

I see.

Don Alberto, we've studied the documentation you sent,

- but-- - We know the press

was speculating about Velvet's finances.

We have resources. This is just a bad patch.

We're very ambitious about the future.

We have a very good project.

We're certain it'll be a success. We shouldn't say it--

It'll be a success.

All we need is a little help to launch it.

That's all.

I'm sorry, but we can't help you.

What can you say about Velvet's situation?

- No comment. - Can it pay its debts?

Yes, it's a serious company.

Some say your father didn't have an accident.

What are you insinuating?

Maybe, with all the debts, he decided...

My father was an outstanding businessman.

Please respect his memory.

Good day.

Yes.

Yes, I understand.

You know very well we are a serious company.

We've been working with you for over 20 years

and never had a single problem.

Any delay in paying the invoice was due to something unforeseen.

Yes.

I'll speak to Don Alberto.

Good day.

How are you?

Very well, uncle.

I read the papers.

- You're not the only one. - Is it serious?

Some suppliers have started to cancel contracts.

Without merchandise, we have nothing to sell,

and with nothing to sell...

I'm going to marry Alberto.

He proposed yesterday.

Have you nothing to say?

I'm happy for you.

Thank you.

Don Alberto, Miss Rivera is here.

Send her in, Nieves. Thank you.

- Hello. - Have you heard?

Yes, like everyone else.

Why didn't you say it was so bad?

Because it wasn't. It wasn't.

Until someone told the papers, and now it's hard to get credit.

- Call another bank. - You think it's so easy?

I don't want to be informed by your mother or the papers.

If you want a wife waiting at home, find someone else. I won't do that.

I thought the day I proposed would be different, and look.

We were never a normal couple.

Why start now?

I'm sorry.

I'm leaving! Bye.

I don't care, don't go.

- Bye. - Bye.

"The debts total over 10 million pesetas.

It is feared even the workers' wages will be withheld."

- On the street without a cent. - No, they'd have told us.

Why would they? The bosses decide everything.

We'll have to move back home, we've nowhere to live here.

I'm not moving back to a dead village.

Oh, no? And what'll you do here?

Find a job before everyone else here starts looking.

Ana would have told us.

Are you sure?

It seemed that all that worried her was showing off her ring.

There are things that worry me more than a ring, Carmen.

Allow me to doubt that. What a rock.

Santa never left me a lump of coal that big.

Carmen, go take a walk.

Don't worry, I'll leave you alone with Her Majesty.

Alberto gave it to me before all this.

So they're closing?

No.

- The papers always exaggerate. - Ana, are there debts or not?

Sales aren't what they were, but we knew that, didn't we?

Alberto's looking for a solution and I'm sure he'll find it.

Someone forgot to bring down these samples, as usual.

You always find something on your rounds.

We're going to toast your niece's wedding, will you join us?

Toast with what?

Well...

Come on, Uncle.

Don't make me beg. Stay with us.

I'm going to close.

And I'll come back.

The '51 show. What a collection.

One of your father's favourites.

What do you want?

You're not the only one missing your father.

This isn't easy for anyone, so please don't make it harder.

I was talking to your aunt.

She wants to invest in the business.

No.

We're in no position to reject a good offer.

If it's from her, yes.

My father would never have accepted it.

- She just wants to help us. - She does nothing for free.

I know that. She wants a large part of the shares.

But she'll cover the whole debt.

Believe me, it's a good plan.

Yes, she'll be a shareholder,

but your sister, you, and I,

will still run Velvet.

Think of saving the business.

It's just her money.

We'll still make the decisions.

Pilar? It's done.

Alberto has agreed to sell his part of the shares

so you'll soon have a seat at the shareholders' meeting.

Now you just have to keep your part of the deal.

Wait, Emilio!

Are you leaving?

Yes, I'm finished here.

Well...

- Everything OK? - I don't know.

I was hoping you'd tell me.

Your father always gave any important news to the workers,

especially the bad news.

I'm trying to avoid giving bad news.

I'm glad to hear that.

I'm sure the others would be glad too.

Although I suppose that's why you sent my niece.

Good night, Emilio.

Good night.

Well, well...

And when we shut Doña Blanca in her room

and went to the cinema, remember?

Yes, and we spent a week picking up threads.

But it was worth it.

You were in the back row, I don't think you even saw the film.

Sorry.

And when we tried the dresses the night before the show?

- Doña Blanca would have killed us. - All of us.

When you come to order clothes, will you ask for me?

Don't be silly. Even if I marry Alberto, you'll still be my friend.

Clarita, let's dance!

- No, Pedro. - Come on.

Come on, come on.

- To us. - To you.

To you.

Hello.

No, don't stop, please. I don't want to interrupt.

Rita, right?

Yes, Don Alberto.

How are you?

We're celebrating our engagement.

You know my roommate.

Clara, her sister.

A pleasure, Don Alberto.

- Josemi. - Pleased to meet you.

And you know Pedro.

Yes. How are you, Pedro?

- Some cider, Don Alberto? - Of course.

Don Alberto, shall we dance?

- No. - Yes.

- I'm an expert. - No.

- Come with me. - Yes, yes.

- I'll teach you. - I can't dance.

Yes!

One, two, three and...

We're very close.

- May I borrow him, Rita? - Yes.

I can't dance.

What did you do in London?

I want you to know I'm very happy with this sale,

and it is an honour to take over your father's legacy.

Nieves, please.

As you see, all the terms are in the contract,

along with the amount due to each partner

for the sale of shares.

A very generous amount given the circumstances.

Yes.

Your father and I always disagreed, Alberto,

but that needn't prejudice my nephew and niece.

The payment will be made in the following way:

a first payment

when the contract is signed, that is, today.

A second payment the month after formalization,

the said amount serving not only as payment to the sellers.

Doña Nieves, has Alberto left?

No, he's still in a meeting.

Thank you. I'll wait.

If you read in the appendix about the distribution of votes,

in managerial meetings Alberto and Patricia

will have the same number of votes.

Excuse me, Don Alberto.

I need you to sign the delivery to the Cortés-Basques.

- Yes. - It has to be sent right away.

Excuse me.

- Thank you. - Thank you, Pedro.

Any questions?

Then we just have to sign.

Your aunt can't wait all day for a simple signature.

Yes. One last question, aunt Pilar.

Yes, my dear.

What happens to the workers?

They've been loyal to us for years. I want them to keep their jobs.

It's what my father would have wanted.

Isn't it?

I thought you wanted to do things better.

Your father mixed his heart and his head in business

and look where it got us.

I'm sure your aunt

wants the best professionals to refloat the business.

- Good night, Nieves. - Good night.

- Did you sign? - No.

You did the right thing.

Yes, but it's no use. We're still in debt.

If I sign, I save the business but not the workers.

If I don't sign, the business fails and they're out of work.

No one will lose their job, you'll find a solution.

How?

I don't know,

but if you persuaded me to elope to Paris, you can do anything.

They were unexpected debts, a small liquidity problem.

But you know that Velvet is a solid business

and we'll repay you quickly and at the interest you set.

Don't offend me talking of interest.

I've known your family since before you were born.

Thank you, Don Gerardo. My father appreciated you.

I don't want to profit from your problems.

I'm more interested in people.

I think that's excellent,

but I wouldn't feel comfortable if we don't set terms.

It's a considerable amount.

I have different terms.

Tell me.

Ten million is a commitment for me. I want you to commit too.

My daughter and you are the same age, and very similar,

and I know you met in London.

Her heart is set on you.

We are part of your project and you, of ours.

A family, understand?

No.

I'm not sure I do.

If you want the money, you know what to do.

I'm sorry, Don Gerardo, Cristina is a wonderful girl, but I---

I'm not the first person you've come to, am I?

If you're here,

it's because you don't want Velvet turned in an apartment building.

So, in a way, my proposal isn't so crazy.

Sweetheart!

- How was the theatre? - Very good.

Alberto.

All the boxes were full. All of Madrid was there.

Father.

You would have loved it.

What did you see?

Her First Kiss.

- What will you have? - A San Francisco.

Waiter, a San Francisco, please.

- I'm sorry! - Pedro! What's going on?

I'm not looking!

I have to tell you something important.

The waiter said Don Alberto left with a very strange expression.

That means he didn't get the money.

It has to be that.

Get ready to pack your case.

- Have you spoken to my sister? - Yes.

She wants to stay in Madrid.

So either I stay and we start a new life

- or we split up. - What will you do?

Stay.

Why don't you stay too?

You can't keep following someone.

I think that

if you love someone, you have to act.

Waiting around is no use.

No, no.

You know?

I've always thought

if you love someone, you'll do anything to be with them.

Look at Don Alberto and Ana.

- Yes. - Right?

If I don't do it

I'll always regret it.

I'll really miss you.

Same here.

Sorry.

It must have gone well.

He'll let me have the money to pay the debt.

- But that's great. - If I marry his daughter.

He must think I'm an asshole to accept a deal like that.

Well, then?

I can't pay the debts. I'll have to sell.

You can't do that.

I don't want to, but I don't know what to do.

Everyone there is my family.

What will become of them?

- My uncle's been there 30 years. - Don't worry about him.

And Pedro and Rita.

What about them?

Forgive me for what I'm about to do,

and for telling you in a letter,

but if I look in your eyes, I won't be able to leave you.

And I have to do it.

You've done all you could to save Velvet Fashion Store

but I still haven't.

I can't marry you.

I can't do it.

For what your father wanted, for what you wanted.

Ana!

And for my uncle

and the other workers.

They're the only family I have.

I couldn't bear to be the cause of their misfortune.

I can't put my dreams before those of the workers in Velvet,

or my uncle's.

I love you

and that won't change.

But my uncle was right.

I'm a seamstress

and perhaps I should never have stopped being one.

Give it to her and save Velvet.

- Where are you going? - To get your things.

- Don't make it harder. - I won't marry Cristina

so people can keep their jobs.

Then you wouldn't be the man I loved.

Maybe you don't love me that much.

It's true. I don't love you that much.

Carmen said that Don Alberto

took one of the most expensive engagement rings.

- What's up? - Don Alberto is having dinner

with Miss Cristina at that restaurant in Capitán Blasco.

My wife and I were very happy with her,

but it seems she's been fired.

- And you want...? - I want you to reinstate her.

We'll call you one by one to interview you.

Doña Blanca, excuse me.

This new employee is here about his uniform.

You know what she's done to my boyfriend?

- Me? No. - Exactly.

- Nothing happened. - No.

- What is it, Rita? - I did something awful.

I wanted to inform Alberto of my interest in the job of secretary.

We'll see if interest is sufficient.

The world of appearances will make Velvet what it was.

Excuse me, miss.

I'm thinking of moving to Barcelona

and he told me

you might need a cutter for your workroom.

In these last years I haven't been very attentive

or been what you hoped.

But that's going to change.

Cristina,

would you do me the honour of being my wife?