Diego sat at his desk, staring into space. Why had his life been turned upside down? It had only taken a month.

To regain a friend and lose him again within a fortnight was painful. Diego felt responsible for the Francisco's widow and family. Isabella was so vulnerable and alone. Her beauty and eligibility were already being noted by the people of the pueblo. People had noticed his interest, suggesting marriage even at this early stage.

How to explain to his father that he had no interest in marrying Isabella and becoming the father of the children he doted on already was a mystery.

A month earlier...

It had all started on a sunny morning a month before. Diego had sat on his normal bar stool, drinking his lemonade, when he turned to gauge the busy tavern. Various classes of people frequented the tavern as usual. Vaqueros and traveling men in one corner, the dons in their corner. Soldiers caroused in the centre of the room.

Victoria paused and smiled at him.

"How is the newspaper?"

"Busy as usual, Victoria. There is no peace at all these days – Zorro and the bandits around here never rest."

Victoria sighed a little. "Zorro…"

"Are you alright, Victoria?"

"It's just that he hasn't visited me for about a week," she murmured. "I do worry about him. It reassures me when he does visit."

"He lives a dangerous life," Diego agreed. "I'm sure he is alright. The alcalde would be celebrating in style if something had happened to him. You know that."

Victoria nodded thoughtfully.

"Yes…well, I can't have everything I dream of, can I?"

Diego smiled a little. He scanned the tavern again out of curiosity.

"I can't believe it…Francisco Azarola!" Victoria was a little startled by the sudden surprise in the man's voice. Diego stood and made his way to the door, and grasped the newcomer's hand with enthusiasm.

"Diego de la Vega! I knew you lived in California somewhere, but I had no idea it was Los Angeles," Francisco Azarola exclaimed, returning the handshake with equal delight.

"Who is this lovely woman?"

"This lovely lady is my beautiful wife, Diego. Isabella, meet the best friend a man could ever have, Diego de la Vega."

"You exaggerate Francisco," Diego said with a slight blush. He guided the little family towards the bar. "I would like you to meet my friend. Victoria Escalante, meet Francisco Azarola, and his wife Isabella."

A small girl tugged at Diego's trousers until he turned and knelt to her eye level.

"And who might you be, little one?"

"I am Raquel, and this is my brother, Miguel."

"So pleased to meet you, Senorita Azarola," Diego said, taking her little hand and kissing it gently. She giggled.

"You've made a conquest, de la Vega. Do I need to ask you your intentions with my daughter?"

Diego laughed and shook his head. "My heart is already lost, Francisco, I'm afraid."

Victoria glanced at him with sudden interest, but he did not notice.

Francisco glanced at him. "I look forward to meeting the lady, Diego. I didn't realise you were engaged."

Diego shook his head, sobering up quickly. "Nothing so romantic, my friend. I am completely unrequited."

Francisco frowned a little, and Diego smiled. "It's of no consequence."

"A broken heart is always of consequence."