At her book presentation in Milan, Elena unexpectedly meets Nino. At dinner she realises her infatuation for him has never abandoned her and begins to have doubts on her fiancé Pietro.

Pietro meets his future in-laws. They all get on well, though they try to make him change his mind about the civil marriage. Lila sends for Elena: she's in bad health and becoming sicker by the day.

Lila's health is getting worse; her job at the Soccavo plant is burning her out. Elena asks her in-laws to help out; they encourage her to write an exposé to the papers, which ends up stirring up tensions in the unions.

Elena and Lila face difficulties obtaining prescriptions for the contraceptive pill. Adele surprises Elena with an unexpected reception on her wedding day.

Elena embraces the feminist cause and quarrels with Pietro on the subject. Pasquale and Nadia irrupt into Elena's house, bringing chaos and angering Pietro with their behaviour.

On holiday, Gennaro makes trouble with Dede. Elena finds out from Lila that her sister Elisa is seeing Marcello Solara. She travels to Naples to discuss it with Elisa face to face.

Elena's marriage is hitting the rocks. Pietro is detached and treats her like a servant. The domestic situation is further complicated by the presence of Nino, a frequent guest at the Airota household.

Elena meets Nino's family. He shows a great interest for Elena's new book, whereas Pietro has shown none whatsoever. Nino is obliging with him and only covertly attacks him.