The story begins at the beginning of the 20th century on a cotton farm in Peru. Leandra, a beautiful peasant, becomes pregnant by her employer, Andrés Linares, whose wife, Rosario, cannot have children. Months later, Leandra gives birth to twin girls whom Andrés's mother, Doña Gertrudis de Linares, tries to steal. The maid manages to run away with one of them and finds refuge in the house of the distinguished Riveau family, who adopt the little girl and call her Clara and employ Leandra as a housekeeper. The other girl is adopted by Andrés and Rosario and receives the name of Isabella.
