Chapter 1, 1941: July 6 Summary

Riding to work in his chauffeured limousine, Cruz reads the paper and glances up just in time to see two women enter a boutique. Afterwards, the two women go to a department store, where the mother buys expensive moisturizer. They dine at an elegant restaurant, although the mother doesn't eat because she's watching her figure. The daughter wonders aloud if her father will attend her wedding shower. Her mother replies that she has no idea. The two women window shop until lunchtime, then dine at an elegant restaurant.

Catalina's character is revealed as remote and pretentious. This is demonstrated when she refuses to shake the shop owner's hand and pretends to engage in a spirited conversation with her daughter while they wait. The two review all the shop's wedding dresses for the second time.

In his office, a North American businessman...