"I love the new May !" Andy exclaims, clapping with a big smile.

Without wasting a minute, we set off for Raphael's manor. The gates are already open, suggesting that the notary had informed Raphael of our arrival. As we approach the manor, I hope deep down that I wouldn't have to come here anymore unless it was to finish things once and for all with Raphael.

Once the car is parked, we head towards the door, which I open without being invited. We enter the manor, and I immediately spot Raphael, surprised, coming down the stairs.

"Didn't anyone ever teach you to knock before entering ?"

"Yes, but only for people I respect."

Without waiting for more from him, I walk, dossier in hand, towards the living room. I cross paths with Yolanda, whose sincere smile warm my heart and calm its racing beats.

"Donna May, I present to you—"

"Forget it, Yolanda, she doesn't deserve your compassion," Raphael cut in sharply.

Despite the tension energizing my muscles, I don't let it bother me and gave a warm smile to the maid before taking a seat.

"Well, what a change in attitude since last time. Where's the sweet and kind May ?"

Without bothering to look at him, I respond by tossing the dossier onto the table.

"She died with Ezio."

He sits down and studies my face, then the documents. He looks up, puzzled.

"I already know all this. Why are you here ?"

"We're not all here yet. We're waiting for one last guest. You'll know soon enough."

He sinks into his seat, hands clasped in front of his mocking smile.

"So what ? Now that you're nothing, you're trying to make a name for yourself by being arrogant and playing a game that's too complicated for you ? You parade around with your two lapdogs as if you were someone important and feared ? You're even more pathetic than I could have imagined. If Ezio saw how pitiful you are, he'd turn in his grave."

Despite myself, his words have more impact than I want to admit. Like cannonballs against the wall I had started to build, they weaken my new identity. I try to mask the emotions welling up in the corners of my eyes. I know I will have to toughen up to protect myself from such words and not let them hurt me so much.

Saved by the arrival of the notary, who diverted Raphael's attention, I sigh and regain control.

He joins us, and we begin.

"Well, the reason I forced us to meet here is to settle the matter of the manor. I agree to your request to sell it, Raphael. I just need time, a week or two, to find a place and clear out the few remaining belongings."

A broad smile spread across Raphael's lips.

"Deal, I'll even give you a month."

"So generous, I didn't ask for that much," I replied, rolling my eyes.

We sign the necessary papers and then left.

It took me less than a week to find and acquire my new haven of peace. I had set my heart on a house isolated from all life, anchored on the sand by the sea. I left the city to settle several hundred kilometers away. The perfect cover to go off the radar and start my new life without any ties.

Andrea and Andy, having no ties themselves, of course followed me. They settled in a small loft about ten kilometers from my future home. Andrea would manage his men and continue his business from where he lived, traveling when necessary.

Meanwhile, I gave one last interview, announcing my indefinite withdrawal from music, citing my mourning as an excuse and my need to rebuild before making my grand return. The news divided my fans into two groups. The sympathetic ones expressed great sadness and, above all, a lot of moral support, while the others didn't understand why I was abandoning them when they needed me. Specifically, Gioele, who had expressed his despair with his erratic hand.

"May, I understand you need time to rebuild, but I can't imagine music without you. You are a source of inspiration and strength for so many people, including me. Please, don't leave us in the dark. You are our light in the darkness. Think of all those who love and support you. We need you, your music is our refuge. Come back to us soon. #MayComeBack #AlwaysWithYou"

The same shiver ran down my spine when I discovered this message, which I chose not to respond to. Apart from this minority, everyone expected this break, which made my task much easier.

I then packed all the belongings I wanted to take with me into my new life and donated the rest, which I knew were unnecessary or too rich in unbearable memories.

With my fingers playing with Ezio's ring hanging around my neck, I take one last look at the manor that had hosted so much love, hope, joy, and at the same time, suffering, despair, and mourning. With a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, I mount Ezio's motorcycle.

I start it with only two rings and a photo of Orfeo's ultrasound as reminders of my old life.

I let Andrea and Andy leave in their car with our belongings, and I make a detour to the cemetery.

One last time, I visit Ezio's grave and plac a white lily on it. Moved to tears, I straighten up to say goodbye.

"I'm leaving, my love, it's time for me to move on. Forgive me for what I am about to do and for the person I will become. I can already imagine you looking at me with your steel-blue eyes, cursing me for my ever-dangerous ideas. I will try to fight for us, I promise. I know that even if you don't agree, you will protect me and watch over me from up there. My time by your side hasn't come yet. I'm waiting for the bell to toll for me, but in the meantime, I will seek justice for our son. No matter where I go, you will live with me, just like a melody, your face never leaves my thoughts. My heart will always belong to you. I love you, my love, but I must leave you. I know we'll see each other again on the other side. Take good care of our son, the wonderful father that you are. I love you both more than anything in the world. See you soon, my loves."

With teary eyes, I put on my helmet and return to the motorcycle. Without waiting for the embrace of sorrow, I start the engine and speed away from Ezio, carrying only his memory and love with me. My new life as the horizon, I race at full speed on the winding roads of Sicily.