It's been a week now since the image of Paola lying on the ground has haunted me. A week of nightmare after nightmare. Waking up in a sweat, panicked that Fabio might kill me. Despite my satisfied revenge, I don't feel better, neither physically nor emotionally. 

The hits and injuries that marked my body are still painful. Upon our return, Ezio insisted that I see a doctor and an obstetrician immediately. After the doctor treated me, we conducted a control ultrasound to check the health of the baby. Following the examination, the practitioner reassured us about its condition. It is strong and clinging well, but he also saw without hesitation that we were expecting a little boy. Ezio was overjoyed. Even though I know he had no preferences, having a firstborn son to carry on the legacy is a great pride. 

However, the obstetrician recommended that I stay in bed for a good month to avoid the risk of miscarriage and to give my body the necessary rest to recover. I can't take anything effective for pain relief because of the pregnancy. But that suits me because I feel the need to endure the pain to punish myself for not being able to save Paola. It's my fault she got involved in all this and my fault that she died. I will never manage to erase this guilt that gnaws at me and forgive myself for letting her down. Thus, I inflict this punishment upon myself, much to the dismay of Ezio, who does everything to comfort me and ease my sorrow. 

Only Ezio keeps me company, Andy and Andrea have tried to come, but I push them away each time, wanting to stay alone and silent. My thoughts are consumed by Paola's last words, a thousand questions swirling in my head. Feeling a bit better today, I decide to take a shower and join Ezio in his office.

"Good morning, Ezio." I salute weakly.

He looks at me, surprised.

"May ? What are you doing up ?!"

"I feel better today and wanted some fresh air."

He steps away from his desk and comes over to me.

"Whether you feel better or not, you need to stay in bed. That's the doctor's orders, for the baby's health, May."

"I know, but just a few hours won't hurt it, I'd like to visit Paola's father."

"You want to do what ?!"

Ezio's eyes cloud with anger.

"I couldn't attend her funeral or that of Salva. Let me at least go offer my condolences to her father."

"May, you are in no way responsible for Paola's death. She helped us knowingly and was aware of the risks involved. Don't feel obliged to visit her father because you feel guilty."

"I don't want to see her father out of obligation but because I need to. I need to see him to move on."

He looks at me skeptically, not believing for a second in my explanation or that a visit to her father will help me move forward. On that last point, I don't believe myself that a simple visit will help me move on, but I want to hope.

"Come with me if it makes you feel better, but I'm going regardless."

He sighs and thinks for a few seconds, then walks past me and opens the door.

"Let's go, but afterwards, I want you to rest as planned, okay ?"

"Yes, anyway I won't have another reason to go out. I admit, smiling and pleased that he agreed."

We drive towards the Bartoni mansion. We arrive quickly at our destination.

Seeing the manor again takes me back to the first time we came here which makes me nostalgic and increases my guilt . Once parked, we knock on the front door. The same maid as last time opens the door with a sad and vacant expression. As soon as she sees us, her cheeks flush with fury and her eyes shoot daggers.

"You, how dare you show up here ?!"  she spits, staring at me.

"I... I came to offer my condolences to Don Bartoni." I say, moved to tears.

I feel Ezio stiffen beside me and place his hand on the small of my back as a sign of support.

"You've got some nerve coming here to..."

She doesn't finish her sentence as a harsh and cold voice calls out.

"Regina, who is it ?"

As she hesitates to respond, we see Sergio appear in the doorway. He remains impassive at our sight and immediately closes off.

"Don Bartoni, I know that my presence is hardly tolerated within these walls, and that's completely understandable, but I wanted..."

"You wanted to what ? Offer me condolences that wouldn't have been necessary if you hadn't been involved ? You think you're justified in seeking revenge because you're sleeping with a Madini son ? You feel untouchable ? Fearless ? You are so insignificant and weak that you came asking for help from my poor little girl who, being too generous, followed you. I don't need condolences from someone who is worth nothing and should be avoided like the plague. Without you, the world would be better. We were all happy before you showed up with your grand airs and your revenge ambition that you couldn't even handle."

Ezio doesn't let him continue.

"Sir, your daughter was far from happy under your roof. Perhaps you didn't know, but she hid her true life from you. A life where she was happy, joyful, where she didn't have your pressure on her shoulders, and where she didn't need to hide. Your daughter was fulfilled in the arms of women, and even if you had guessed it, you would never have accepted her for who she was. So before giving lessons to others, think carefully about your own life and your own choices. Paola made her life choices and stood by them to the end, just not with you. You will never know the real Paola, and given your nastiness, I think that was for the best. It was Paola's choice to help us. Yes, we asked her, but we never forced her. She knew why she was doing it and what she could lose. Your daughter was brave and daring. If you want to vent your anger and point fingers at people not responsible for your daughter's death, go ahead, but I forbid you to speak as you did to my wife or to hold her responsible for things she is not. Reflect on yourself before barking at people with honorable intentions. If I remember correctly, you have been so cold, distant, and vicious in recent years that many have turned their backs on you, whereas my family, including May, never judged you and has helped you. Since Paola's death, I believe no one has come to visit you or offer condolences except my wife despite her guilt and shame. She managed to humble herself and put her feelings aside to come to you when you deserve nothing but your misery."

With that, Ezio takes my hand, and we head back to the car. Once inside, I take Ezio into my arms and hug him tightly.

"Thank you so much for defending me in front of Sergio. I'm not sure I deserved it, but thank you."

We pull away from each other, and he cups my cheek in his hand.

"No one has the right to disrespect you or question the legitimacy of your choices or your presence. He's just a bitter old asshole."

"He's sad and angry, I understand. It's always easier to blame the survivors rather than the deceased. I can't hold it against him for what he said even if his words were harsh."

"He doesn't deserve your wisdom anyway."