The morning flies by, and we soon find ourselves backstage at the newspaper, being briefed by the team.

"Alright, we'll start with you alone, May, and then call Ezio when the time comes."

We nod in agreement, me completely stressed and Ezio standing back with his arms crossed, a wary look in his eyes. His presence visibly unsettles the team, who don't know how to act around him, fearing any misstep might end with a gun to their heads. This contrast between Ezio in private and in public makes me laugh internally. I feel proud and lucky to know him in a different light and to have managed to tame him. Fully aware that only I and probably Raphaël aren't afraid of him. I feel even more special when he winks at me with a smile. Then he looks at me with eyes full of love, saying, "It's going to be alright. I'm with you," as they sit me down in a chair opposite the journalist. I hear the countdown, then the jingle, and the journalist begins the introductions, followed by the questions.

"So, May, first of all, congratulations on your wonderful news. Well done !"

"Thank you, Alma," I reply with a smile, trying to control my heart, which is pounding intensely.

"I must say you've managed to surprise everyone with this news; no one saw it coming. Last we heard, you were single and working on your upcoming album, and now it's a baby on the way," she asserts with a hypocritical laugh, typical of journalists.

"Well, it was just as much a surprise for me, to be honest."

"Oh, are you saying that this baby is an accident ?"

"I prefer to say surprise rather than accident; it's much less negative. Although unexpected, this event remains a joyful and fulfilling adventure for us. We eagerly await the birth."

"So you were surprised when you found out you were pregnant ?" 

"Absolutely, I found out when I was already two months along."

You say "I" and not "we." Does that mean you were alone when you discovered it ?"

I sense she's maneuvering to uncover all the details, even the most sordid and intrusive ones. Is it to tarnish Ezio's reputation and/or mine or simply to satisfy her unhealthy curiosity? In any case, for our sake, I decide to lie. Giving this interview is already enough; the complete truth isn't necessary, especially in front of such sharks.

"Rare are the men who are beside you when you pee on the test," I deflect with a laugh to lighten the mood.

I then notice a hint of disappointment in Alma's eyes, which delights me even more, having thwarted her plan to tarnish us.

"Were you both happy with the result ?"

I sense she will try by all means to trap me and find a flaw to exploit. Nevertheless, I stay focused and careful with my words.

"Surprised is more accurate. Despite the symptoms, we didn't expect it to be positive. Once the surprise passed, yes, we can say we were happy."

"Let's talk a bit about the lucky one. You've been very discreet about your relationship. Before you were spotted in that store, there were no suspicions about your love life. How did you manage that ?"

"At the outset, you'll notice I like to keep my private life as private as possible. I've managed to develop a few techniques, which I'll keep secret, to maintain that discretion."

"It seems there was a flaw in your techniques," she jabs with a smug smile.

"Nothing is foolproof, much to your delight," I retort with a hypocritical smile.

Alma returns my smile and then, looking at the camera, announces bitterly:

"It's high time we unveil this great mystery and welcome the overjoyed father-to-be."

Applause is heard, and upon seeing Ezio, the audience is divided between joyful hysteria and rage. He kisses my forehead before sitting in the chair to my right. I sense his tension and irritation with the interview's beginning. Despite his façade of a smile, he is closed off and cold. We exchange a warm, loving glance before hearing Alma's irritating voice again.

"Well, well, what a surprise ! The mysterious man is none other than the indomitable Ezio Madini. Who would have thought ?"

Ezio shifts irritably in his chair, clearly uncomfortable with this reputation.

"No one is indomitable; you just have to find the one meant for you, he reveals, looking at me with a genuine smile and taking my hand."

"You hadn't shown us such stability before. Flitting from nest to nest like the predator you were—or still are ?

I begin to boil at Alma's pompous and openly flirtatious behavior. I keep my cool, not wanting to show my destabilization.

"All that is part of my past. I am a different man now, thanks to May. I'm no longer a free agent. She has made me more than just a future dad, as we recently got married."

His revelation causes surprise, enthusiasm, and fury in the audience. Alma tenses up, and her complexion starts to turn green with jealousy.

"This evening is full of revelations, I must say. You've made many women unhappy, May. Shows how having a beautiful voice can change everything."

I start to open my mouth to retort, but Ezio squeezes my hand and speaks up.

"It has nothing to do with that. Singer or not, May is the one meant for me. A few years ago, when she wasn't yet known, she saved me one summer night, and I could never forget her. When we found each other again a few months ago, it was clear—I didn't want to lose her a second time and wanted her by my side to grow old together. I don't love May for her fame, her voice, or her talent. I love her for who she is, for her generosity, her empathy, her determination, her strength. And I'll stop there because if I list all the reasons I love her, we'll be here all night. May is unique, and only her heart and soul have understood who I truly am."

With tears in my eyes, I look at Ezio, proud of him and his words. I have only one desire—to jump on him and kiss him, but I restrain myself and smile tenderly at him instead.

"It is on this magnificent declaration of love that we end our interview. I hope you enjoyed your time with us. Thank you, Ezio and May, for your participation. As for me, I'll see you soon for another exclusive interview. Have a wonderful evening, lots of kisses, and take care of yourselves. CiCiao !" Alma concludes, masking her disgust as best as she can.

The final clap is heard, and we rise from our chairs, relieved that it's finally over.

Alma says goodbye with cheek kisses, taking the opportunity to grope Ezio's muscles, which irritates me even more. When it's my turn, she whispers in my ear:

"A marriage is just a ring on the finger, a crinkle of paper; it can collapse with a wiggle of the hips. Don't think you've managed to change Ezio. If I couldn't, you won't either. He's just still caught up in the passion of the first emotions, but all that will fade quickly. He probably feels trapped because of your bastard, but he'll wake up soon and make the right decision. By coming here, May, and revealing your marriage to Ezio, you've made a terrible mistake. You've become the number one target of all the fanatics of this living God. And believe me, we're crazy and capable of anything to get what we want."

Then, stepping back, she gives me her hypocritical thank-you speech, and after wishing us a good evening, she leaves, obviously sashaying her padded hips.

Still in shock from Alma's words, I follow Ezio as he guides me by the hand out of this hellish studio. Once outside, Andrea joins us. Protected by Ezio and Andrea on either side, I don't get hit by any of the objects thrown by the heartbroken lunatics, but I hear very well all the insults and foul names they hurl at me.

We quickly get into the car, and Salva speeds off, allowing us to escape the crazy scene in a hurry.

"Did you sleep with Alma ?!" I exclaim angrily, glaring at him.

He clears his throat, visibly embarrassed.

"Indeed, she's one of my past flings, but it wasn't serious, at least not on my part."

"I don't care, it's not out of jealousy that I'm asking, but because she clearly threatened me in my ear earlier ! I reveal to him, eyes blazing with rage at being a target because of his past conquests. — I don't care who you slept with before me ! What I do care about is that they're so insane they become dangerous. You should have thought twice before sleeping with them—oh, but wait, I forgot, you guys only think with your damn dicks !" I shout furiously.

Ezio grits his teeth and tenses, trying to control his anger.

"May, I'm enduring this situation as much as you are. Yes, I made mistakes, and you know what ? I'm far from perfect. Yes, I have a scandalous past, and we're paying the consequences today and probably tomorrow. Yes, it will be like this our whole lives. You know why ? Because I'm part of the mafia, and I have a bunch of enemies who want me dead ! Like an idiot, I told the whole world that I love you, which immediately put a target on your head. Yes, we got caught; yes, we messed up, but blaming each other won't help since we're both suffering this damn situation! So now, either we fight together, or we sink separately, but once you decide, I don't want to have this kind of discussion again ! We're a damn team, and by marrying me, you knew you were marrying my past, my vices, my flaws, and my enemies. So don't play that card with me !"

Eyes filled with tears and fury, I stare at him.

"You can't blame me for being angry and scared after what we just experienced! I'm not questioning our marriage. I know what I did by marrying you and why I did it, but that doesn't mean I have to accept everything without saying anything and bowing my head! Those were damn threats she made, damn it! Maybe that's part of your everyday life, but not mine! I'm scared, and seeing them furious as we left made me realize how dangerous they could be. So yes, I'm taking it out on you because you are the cause of it whether you like it or not !" I retort, unable to hold back the tears now streaming down my cheeks.

Ezio remains silent but tense, his anger palpable. We stay mute for the rest of the ride, each of us stubbornly holding our ground, too proud to admit our faults.

Arriving in front of the building, we see a horde of angry groupies waiting at the entrance.

"Damn it, they even know where you live ? What kind of psychopaths are these ?" I exclaim.

"Salva, take us to Andy's place, please." Ezio orders.

Salva complies immediately.

"I don't understand how they found out where I lived. I've moved multiple times because of this, and I chose this apartment because I was guaranteed absolute discretion. I'll take you to Andy's for now until things calm down a bit. In the meantime, I'll find a house far from prying eyes where we can settle and welcome the baby peacefully."

"How long are you planning to leave me there ?" I ask coldly.

"Not long. I'd rather we're apart and know you're safe than be together and have your life in danger because of me."

"It's too late for that; it's already the case," I hiss as I get out of the car, having arrived at Andy's, slamming the door in fury.