Episode 3 of "The Mess You Leave Behind" kicks off with Raquel trudging home, her mind a tempestuous sky where the truth about her illicit affair and looming blackmail threaten to unleash a storm. The revelation that Simon, a close confidant of German, is the protagonist in the compromising video, leaves her at a loss for words. Just as she grapples with how to navigate this new revelation, another text message, originating from the same mysterious number that once beckoned Viruca, taunts her with the specter of public exposure unless she takes action.
Returning to her classroom, Raquel's frustration boils over, lashing out at her students with an abrupt "No" scrawled on the board and a stark announcement of their impending exam in mere days. This abrupt shift in demeanor paints a jarring contrast to the usual calm facade she wears.
Meanwhile, in a parallel narrative, Viruca and Iago's bond deepens as the latter, a personal trainer at the gym, offers his assistance while his gaze lingers on her with a subtle yet undeniable intensity, stirring unease within Viruca. Their encounter ends on a disconcerting note as they part ways, Viruca's eyes locking with Iago's father's in the car park, each embarking on separate paths fraught with unspoken tensions.
Enter Raquel's friend Tere, who arrives in town like a breath of fresh air. Together, they venture into the woods, where Raquel finally unburdens herself, pouring out the sordid tale of blackmail and the three-month-long affair that has haunted her conscience. The confession, long held captive within the confines of her guilt, exposes the depths of her shame and the reason behind her initial silence—the fear of confronting the truth head-on.
Raquel's resolve to uncover the mastermind behind the ominous blackmail threats intensifies, yet as she delves into the students' academic records, one name consistently towers above the rest in computer science: Roi. Just prior to confronting him, fate seems to intervene, presenting Raquel with a trove of documents that hint at Viruca's struggles—financial woes that might have pushed her to the brink, reigniting her addiction and ultimately leading to her tragic "suicide."
The encounter with Roi unfolds over the phone, Raquel's voice quivering with emotion as she implores him to leave no stone unturned in his quest to identify the culprit. If it's not Roi, Iago, or Nerea, then who else could be weaving this web of deceit?
Back at her tumultuous abode, Raquel's search for solace amidst her books turns into a chaotic scramble, her composure slipping away. German arrives, a beacon of calm, gently guiding her to the soothing hot springs for a desperately needed respite. Under the stars, he confides in her of his plans to invest in the restaurant, a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
But their serene moment is abruptly shattered by the arrival of Gabriel, German's mischievous friend, intent on crashing their retreat. In a twist of events, Gabriel extends an invitation to his abode, where revelry reigns supreme, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and laughter, a stark contrast to the turmoil Raquel has left behind.
Intriguingly, Raquel's gaze falls upon a photograph of Viruca, prominently displayed on the wall amidst a sea of faces, piquing her curiosity. When she confronts Gabriel about the image's presence, he becomes evasive, his words cryptic, revealing little about his connection to the enigmatic figure. Raquel's instincts begin to tingle with suspicion.
Later, as Raquel and German pedal their way home, a weighty decision settles in her heart. She decides to let go of her mother's cherished house, believing that the proceeds will be the financial lifeline German needs to buy out their share in the restaurant.
Yet, in the stillness of the night, Raquel's dreams turn nightmarish, gripping her in a paralysis of fear that leaves her helpless. German, sensing her distress, administers a calming pill, easing her troubled mind.
The following evening, German's phone buzzes with a cryptic message from an unknown source, a tawdry proposition to view a pornographic film. He dismisses it as inconsequential, but Raquel recognizes it as another sinister thread in the web of blackmail. This new development forces her hand, compelling her to alter the exam questions under duress.
Desperate for direction, Raquel seeks out Mauro, her confidant. She pours out her heart, inquiring if Viruca's life had mirrored her own turmoil, particularly the specter of blackmail. Mauro's conviction hardens as he posits that Iago, the cunning student, stands at the helm of this sordid affair, even suggesting that he might have imposed himself upon Viruca against her will.
A fleeting flashback illuminates the truth, revealing that Viruca's life was entangled in a clandestine affair with Tomas, Iago's own father, a revelation that adds another layer of complexity to this already tangled narrative.
