The Flower of My Secret

Leocadia 'Leo' Macías is feeling an overwhelming sense of loneliness due to her husband Paco's absence. He is currently in Brussels working as a NATO official, participating in the tumultuous events of the Bosnian War, which leaves Leo yearning for his presence.

In an attempt to feel closer to Paco, Leo puts on a pair of gifts from him. Unfortunately, the boots are too tight, and she struggles to remove them, leading to a call for help from her best friend Betty.

Encouraged by Betty, Leo decides to pursue writing as a distraction from her worries. She contacts Ángel, an editor at El País, for a potential publication opportunity which sparks an exciting exchange about her work.

During their meeting, Ángel asks Leo to review a new anthology from the famous romance novelist Amanda Gris, but Leo instinctively declines and leaves the office in frustration. This reaction demonstrates her struggle with the expectations placed upon her.

Leo shares the news of Ángel wanting to publish one of her essays in a call to Paco, but the conversation goes awry. Paco misinterprets the situation, accusing her of being intoxicated and failing to grasp the significance of her news.

During a pivotal meeting with her publishers, Leo is confronted about her latest manuscript, which they judge as too dark compared to the expected light-hearted content from Amanda Gris. The publishers insist she adhere to her contract to deliver happiness-driven novels.

Faced with pressure from her publishers regarding her contractual obligations, Leo firmly stands her ground, refusing to compromise her writing style. In an act of defiance, she writes a scathing review of Amanda Gris and submits it, which Ángel publishes, causing a stir.

Paco returns home for a short leave, but his emotional detachment leads to a heated argument between the couple. During this confrontation, unresolved issues bubble to the surface, culminating in Leo seeking a glimmer of hope for their relationship, which Paco dismisses.

In a moment of despair after the argument with Paco, Leo takes half a bottle of tranquilizers. This act reflects her emotional turmoil and desperation for relief from her overwhelming feelings.

The next morning, after regurgitating the pills, Leo runs into Ángel, who takes her to his apartment. It is there she drunkenly reveals her identity as Amanda Gris, and Ángel agrees to keep her secret, urging her to avoid further self-destructive behavior.

Returning home, Leo learns from Betty that she and Paco had a brief affair following their earlier argument. This revelation deepens Leo's feelings of betrayal and further complicates her emotional state.

Feeling lost, Leo decides to return to her old village with the support of her family. This trip allows her to reconnect with her roots and find a sense of solace amidst her struggles.

While in the village, one of Leo's publishers shows excitement over her recent Amanda Gris novels. She learns that Ángel has taken the initiative to submit her works for publication and even offers to help complete her contractual obligations.

After returning to Madrid, Leo watches a dance performance featuring Antonio, her housekeeper's son. Following the show, Antonio confesses to stealing some of her possessions to fund his own work, providing Leo with a moment of clarity about her own artistic journey.

With renewed inspiration, Leo visits Ángel, culminating in a kiss that symbolizes a fresh start for both of them. The moment mirrors the celebrations of New Year’s Eve, representing hope and new beginnings in their relationship.