Once a carefree youth with a promising future, this up-and-coming entrepreneur has had to shoulder the burdens of the man of his family, even as he's been betrayed by the one person he thought he could count on - his fiancé, Hayley.

In 1995, Mateo saved Hayley Vaughan, who was being hassled on the beach by some thugs.

Mateo and Hayley became engaged in 1996.

After the death of Mateo's father, Hector Santos, he assumed the responsibilities of the man of the family.

Upon learning that his bride, Hayley, slept with his best man, Tanner Jordan, Mateo called off his wedding.

Mateo married Hayley in Virginia during the Summer of 1997.

Mateo was shocked when hos first wife Raquel showed up in Pine Valley in 1998 and Mateo learned he had a son, Max!

Mateo's heart still belonged to Hayley and they worked hard to hang on to what they had together.

Mateo was thrilled when Hayley got the good news she could have children, but their plans had to be put on hold.

Mateo was shocked when Hayley said she had to move out in 1999 in order to save her sobriety.

1n 1999, Mateo refused to forgive Hayley's "betrayal" after she kissed Ryan on the beach!