Episode 2 of Season 1 of "The Gardner" resumes with Elmer and Violeta embarking on an unplanned date, where they plant a tree together, engaging in lighthearted conversation. As the evening progresses, Violeta extends an invitation to Elmer for coffee, hinting at the potential for further connection. However, their promising date takes a sudden turn when Mon, the closest friend of Violeta’s deceased lover Xoan, interrupts them. Like Isabela before him, Mon harbors the conviction that Violeta is responsible for Xoan’s death, despite her steadfast claim that he took his own life.
For the very first time, Elmer experiences a surge of anger, fueling his defense of Violeta. He sharply rebukes Mon, leading Violeta to cut the date short. Overwhelmed by his newfound emotions, Elmer seeks out Mon once more. In a moment of impulse, devoid of forethought, he confronts and kills Mon. When China discovers her son returning with a male corpse instead of the deceased Violeta, she is left astounded.
Elmer finally confesses to China that he is beginning to grapple with emotions he has never felt before. Though shocked, China strives to be empathetic, allowing Elmer to deal with the body while reassuring him that his emotional displays will never frighten her. The next morning, she reprimands him for his impulsiveness, fearing that he might have inadvertently left evidence at the crime scene. Indeed, he had, although Detective Carrera is yet to uncover it, preoccupied as she is with establishing boundaries with Torres after his rejection.
As China attempts to tutor Elmer on the importance of regulating his emotions, she finds herself losing her composure upon realizing the motive behind Mon’s murder. Their argument over Violeta reaches a crescendo, causing Elmer to faint and be rushed to the hospital. While awaiting the diagnosis, China's mind drifts back to the fateful night she and Elmer were involved in an accident.
Once an actress, China’s life took a dark turn when she became entangled with Tony, her manager and lover. On the night of the accident, their dispute at a party culminated in her fleeing with Elmer. The memory serves as a stark reminder of the turbulent past that has shaped their present.
Regrettably, as fate would have it, Elmer was stubbornly resistant to wearing his seatbelt when disaster struck. The consequences were dire: Elmer suffered brain damage, while China lost a foot in the harrowing accident. Now, doctors have delivered a devastating diagnosis—Elmer harbors a benign tumour that necessitates surgery. Our suspicions were confirmed; this growth is the culprit behind his personality transformation. China, desperate for a swift resolution, urges Elmer to undergo treatment without delay. However, Elmer, newly awakened to the depths of his emotions, fears losing his newfound sensations and begs China to abandon their mission. She reluctantly agrees, contingent on his commitment to treatment and a permanent estrangement from Violeta.
China seeks solace in visiting Isabela, confiding in her about the mission's complications. Isabela, blinded by grief and convinced her son's death was no suicide, is intent on assigning blame. She doubles her offer, yet China finds herself unable to rescind their agreement.
Concurrently, Violeta finds herself in the crosshairs of police scrutiny over Mon's disappearance. She relates her last encounter with Mon to the authorities, implicating Elmer as a potential witness. Days later, she serenades Elmer with an invitation to a party in the serene garden setting. Elmer, steadfast in keeping his promise to his mother, politely declines.
Later, mother and son visit the police station to discuss Mon, with China providing Elmer an alibi that secures their release. Nevertheless, Detective Carrera remains skeptical about Anton's drowning, his investigation into the matter far from concluded.
Returning home, Elmer experiences a change of heart regarding Violeta and refuses his medication. He confides in China his desire to embrace love and foregoes treatment. Elmer embarks on a jubilant evening at the party, immersing himself in Violeta's company. Meanwhile, China remains at home, her heart a tapestry of prayers for guidance from her late mother. In this tense climax, China harbors an unyielding desire for Violeta's downfall, her feelings of betrayal and resentment running deep.
