Episode 4 of Season 1 of "The Gardner" kicks off with a haunting flashback to the fateful night when Xoan passed away. Violeta's loyal friend arrives to offer her solace, the weight of grief pressing heavily on both their shoulders. In a tender yet candid moment, the friend gently urges Violeta to break free from her pattern of attracting emotionally dependent men. Together, they hatch a plan, concocting an alibi to shield Violeta from further scrutiny. However, this revelation hints at a complexity to Violeta's character that was previously unnoticed.
In the present, Violeta finds herself contemplating a strategic distance from Elmer, her concerns growing as his clinginess begins to resonate with her friends' warnings. Their text exchanges reveal a shifting dynamic; she cites her obligations to the kids as a reason for her unavailability, while Elmer persists, requesting a meeting she politely declines, citing prior social engagements.
Elsewhere, China subtly sows seeds of doubt in Elmer's mind concerning Violeta's fidelity. She argues that lovers, especially in their nascent stages, rarely find time for friends, painting Violeta in a suspicious light. China's manipulations deepen Elmer's insecurity, prompting him to act even more desperately. He unexpectedly shows up at Violeta's family outing, trying to persuade her to forsake her friends for a meteor shower, only to be firmly but kindly rejected.
Meanwhile, Detectives Torres and Carrera seek expertise from a serial killer profiler, hoping for insights into their enigmatic suspect. The profiler's analysis disappointments them, concluding that their case does not match the modus operandi of a serial killer. Undeterred, the detectives delve deeper, with Carrera realizing they are up against a seasoned assassin.
At a girls' night out, tensions escalate between Violeta and Catuxa, with the conversation taking a sharp turn towards Elmer and the tragic loss of Xoan. The altercation culminates in Violeta storming out, returning home in a tumult of emotions. In a parallel scenario, China visits a physician, seeking clarity on Elmer's dwindling health. Haunted by the fear of losing him, she attempts to engage him in conversation, further embedding doubts about Violeta's intentions.
The next day, Torres and Carrera persist in their investigation, shifting their focus as they inform Anton's wife of their decision to halt the search efforts but redirect the inquiry. Anton's wife's subsequent, unconscious revelation leads the detectives straight to China's garden, the stage set for more revelations and twists in this intricate tale.
Meanwhile, Violeta pops in at Elmer's workplace unexpectedly. Elmer's face lights up with joy upon seeing her, eagerly anticipating a delightful morning together. However, their plans are soon foiled when Catuxa sends Violeta a text, requesting a meeting. With a slightly guilty conscience, Violeta apologizes to Elmer and hastens off to meet her friend. This sudden change of plans irritates Elmer deeply.
As Violeta makes her way to meet Catuxa, she passes by an inviting storefront, catching Sabella's eye. Intrigued, Sabella tails her to the park. Meanwhile, Catuxa and Violeta patch up their differences, unaware of the looming drama. During this heartfelt reunion, Sabella, opportunistically, makes off with Violeta's beloved dog. Once Violeta realizes her cherished pet is missing, her suspicions immediately fall on Sabella. She rushes to Sabella's residence, pleading for the return of her dog. Unperturbed by Violeta's distress, Sabella remains steadfast, prompting Violeta to offer a dark secret in exchange for her dog's safe return.
In a haunting flashback, the truth about Xoan's demise is unveiled. Xoan, desperate for Violeta's attention, threatened to take his own life. Mocking his resolve, Violeta provoked him further, leading to a heated verbal altercation. In a moment of rage, she pushed him, though she does not confess this to Sabella. Instead, she fabricates a story of Xoan accidentally falling while attempting to climb back onto the bridge.
Upon hearing this tale, Sabella dismisses Violeta and admits to taking the dog. Furious, Violeta slaps her, retrieves her dog, and storms out. She then contacts Catuxa, and they reconvene at Violeta's house. Catuxa soothes Violeta's frayed nerves and promises to stand as her alibi.
Elsewhere, Elmer is growing increasingly anxious as Violeta ignores his persistent calls. He decides to visit her, but she rejects him sternly, requesting some space. That night, Elmer finds solace at home with his mother, who shows him Violeta's social media activity. It reveals that Violeta deceived him about being ill, instead partying the night away. Determined to confront her, Elmer heads to Violeta's house, hoping to catch her returning from the club. To his disappointment and heartbreak, he finds her in a passionate embrace with a stranger she met at the club.
