When "La Malquerida" started shooting, there were rumors that Jose Alberto Castro had his eye on young star Ariadne Diaz.

Diaz eventually refuted the rumors and said she wasn't dating anyone. Now, the actress who portrays Acacia has opened up to Sal Y Pimienta about what kind of relationship she does have with Castro.

"It really caught me off guard," she said about first hearing the rumors. "I have a very nice work relationship with El Güero, but nothing else."

She and Castro ended up laughing off the rumors, which she said was the best way to handle what was said.

She said the rumors were also different with Castro because she can understand why people would believe she was dating a co-star. After all, they are trying to show off chemistry, and the audience becomes invested in the relationships.

That's what ended up happening between her and Jose Ron in "La Mujer del Vendaval." The two ended up dating in real life, and Diaz explained that the two would work long hours together.

Diaz also opened up about landing the lead role in "La Malquerida."

She said that she asked Castro for the role. She said that if he was still missing a leading lady, he should consider her.

She watched the movie, read the book and did anything she could to prepare herself for the role. When Victoria Ruffo was cast as the mom, Diaz dyed her hair black.

She's also seen all the different ways that audiences have responded to the character.

"It's funny. I've never had the opportunity to play a character like this one," she said. "Everything happens to me. At the same time, she's a protagonist, an antagonist. I've received all kinds of reactions. People who tell me how can you do that to your mom, or I understand it because Christian [Meier] is so handsome."