In this part, Daniel’s search into Julián Carax’s life unearths many parallels between their lives. Daniel falls in love with Bea and stands up for his relationship to Tomás, losing Tomás’ friendship forever. Daniel’s investigations reveal the secret love affair between Penélope Aldaya and Julián Carax. Penélope, also from a rich, aristocratic family, is forbidden to see Julián. Their plans to run away together are thwarted; Julián flees Barcelona for Paris, fearing for his life from both Fumero and Penélope’s father. Pregnant and alone, Penélope is imprisoned in her bedroom by her father. 

October in Barcelona, Daniel remarks, is his favorite time of year. He delivers an order to Professor Velazquez and discovers that the student with whom the Professor is speaking is Beatriz Aguilar, his arch nemesis and Tomás’ sister. They talk, and Bea attempts to create a truce, but out of jealousy and pride, Daniel insults her fiancé, creating friction between them again. To apologize once more, Daniel promises to show her a side to Barcelona that she has never seen. Daniel is keen to keep her from marrying her doltish fiancé and wants to spend time with Bea.