Cristian Vega

In prison, Cristian longed for Natalie. Carlo became a fellow prisoner and Cristian began to suspect that he was the person responsible for his brainwashing. Seeing a possibility to get hard evidence via Carlo, and thus allowing him to be cleared of any crimes and be with Natalie, Cristian hired Evangeline Williamson as his lawyer. John learned Evangeline was working to get Cristian out of prison and agreed to help her, acknowledging that he'd have to tell his now girlfriend Natalie the truth. Soon after, John and Cristian were caught in a prison riot engineered by Carlo. The two worked together to survive and gained evidence to clear Cristian. Natalie discovered the truth that Cristian was really alive and lied to her, as well as that John knew the truth the entire time. Furious, Natalie told Cristian and John she never wanted to see either of them again. Cristian was released from prison and returned to Llanview, determined to win Natalie back.

Settling back into civilian life proved difficult, as Cristian's ex-con record prevented him from getting a job. Interest in his art declined, so he began boxing as a means to earn money and help win back Natalie. Natalie was against Cristian's boxing, and led to many fights between the two. Eventually they realized they did not have a future together and amicably divorced. Cristian began to develop romantic feelings as he supported Evangeline during her blindness. The two became a couple. Evangeline recovered her sight, and she and Cristian declared their love.

Cristian continued boxing. His contract was bought by Vincent Jones, who became his manager. Unbeknownst to Cristian, Vince was planning on rigging the fight so Cristian would take a fall (and Vincent would earn money off bets placed against him). Vincent changed his mind at the last minute, but the die was cast: Cristian was drugged and lost the fight. He was accused of taking a fall, and found guilty, never allowed to professionally box again. Cristian believed Vincent set him up. Vincent denied, but eventually (prompted by Natalie) confessed. Cristian was at loose ends, unable to box and no longer able to paint (due to damage his hand sustained while boxing).

Cristian grew increasingly frustrated with the amount of time Evangeline was spending with Todd Manning. When he found out the two had kissed, he angrily broke up with Evangeline, despite his very obvious love for her. Vega&longBio=true Cristian Vega Abc.com

Evangeline Williamson