In the gilded halls of the Vázquez de Coronado mansion, where crystal chandeliers reflected the opulence of one of Mexico’s most powerful families in 1847, lived Jimena, a 24-year-old girl whose name stood in stark contrast to that of Shimena, which filled her days.
Her robust figure, round cheeks, and honey-colored eyes had been a source of family shame since she turned 15 and failed to find a suitor when she was introduced to society.
“Look how she stuffs herself with sweets again,” whispered her mother, Doña Guadalupe, as she watched Jimena from the marble balcony overlooking the main garden.
“A lady of your position should have more self-control.”
