Dwayne and Itzel were a legendary couple in Seamar City. Their love was the stuff of envy.
The Houston family had deep ties to the military, often tangled in shady dealings. Decades ago, they were a powerful military clan. Dwayne was a force no one dared cross.
When Itzel got pregnant, he stepped away from the dark side.
Marion was born adorable, so cute the nurse mistook him for a girl.
Itzel, Seamar City's top socialite, had always wanted a daughter to inherit her beauty and grace. She dreamed of raising a refined lady.
But Marion was a boy, though a handsome one.
Itzel sighed, "You're so pretty, honey. If only you were a girl."
Marion was mature for his age. Unlike other kids, he rarely smiled, inheriting Dwayne's stoic demeanor.
Itzel was crushed. She'd married a poker face. She didn't want her son to be another.
"Sweetie, let's make a deal," she said eagerly.
Her enthusiasm made him tremble.
Dwayne came home to find Marion in a pink princess dress, a wig, and a silver tiara.
Itzel beamed. "Doesn't he look cute? He likes it. Don't you, honey?"
"Yep."
"Then I want one."
The father and son doted on Itzel during her pregnancy. Dwayne often told Marion, "As a man, you protect your mom, your sister, and your future wife."
He nodded seriously.
But tragedy struck.
His parents both died in a car crash, along with the unborn child. A steel pipe had pierced them, Dwayne shielding Itzel to the end.

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