Laura wants to draw boundaries between her and Paolo and labels everything in the house to emphasize their separation. Her friends also encourage the writer's strategy of tension, while Paolo becomes angry. Adriano undergoes a true transformation after Monica's declaration of love, flaunting his physical abilities. Cristina becomes furious when Paolo asks her to end her relationship with Raoul. Laura is worried and tries to understand with her friends the nature of her partner's distress, so she visits Valeria. The gardener admits she has feelings for Paolo, but hasn't seen him since.