Bernardo Briceño’s early life in a cold, echoing orphanage was marked by isolation, neglect, and the harsh discipline of strict nuns. As a toddler, he shivered in a creaking cot, surrounded by fear, hunger, and the distant sound of voices debating his existence. The nuns’ apathy and a woman’s cruel cries of “get rid of that brat” taught him he was unwanted, searing pain into his frail heart. Despite the orphanage’s dim hallways, rigid routines, and cold meals, Bernardo clung to hope for a better future, yearning for love.
Whispers of a fiduciary fund from his wealthy birth parents, who abandoned him, fueled both hope and resentment. Named after an unknown relative, Bernardo’s identity reflected the contradiction of a promised legacy amid rejection. Books and fantasies became his refuge, nurturing a quiet resolve to overcome neglect. As he neared puberty, rumors of his inheritance grew, strengthening his determination to create designs celebrating human connection. This legacy would eventually help heal his wounds and those of others, leading to a reunion that challenged his beliefs about forgiveness, love, and family.
