To everyone's surprise, it is two days later when we resume our respective places within the solemn courtroom.

"The hearing is now resumed for the conclusion of this case. Following the suspension for a thorough investigation, new and crucial information has come to light."

"Thank you, Your Honor. At the onset of the investigation, Agent Maglione, who was central to this case, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Evidence suggests he was murdered to silence him. Documents and testimonies confirm he was coerced into falsifying evidence."

"This significantly alters the dynamics of this case. Prosecutor, what are your recommendations ?"

"In light of these developments and the compromised nature of the initial evidence, we recommend the permanent dismissal of all charges against Madame Madini. It is clear she was the victim of a conspiracy orchestrated by unknown parties. We also request the opening of a new investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for the falsification and the murder of Agent Maglione."

"Your Honor, we support this recommendation and ask that Madame Madini's name be fully cleared. She has suffered a great injustice and deserves complete exoneration," asserts Maître Filecci.

"Madame Madini, all charges against you are officially and permanently dropped. You are free to leave, and your rights and reputation are fully restored. A new investigation will be launched to find the true culprits behind this conspiracy. Court is adjourned."

The gavel strikes the wood one last time as the clerk calls for the assembly to rise. All, bewildered and disarmed, watch the room empty after the judge announces the adjournment. My mind racing, I barely register the clerk's voice. The cold touch of my lawyer's hand on mine pulls me from my thoughts.

"May, you can move. Your complete freedom is restored," she smiles.

Without a word, I glance behind me. The carabinieri have left, leaving a clear path to the exit. With my mouth slightly open, I turn back to my lawyer, her smile still stretching across her lips. She nods, encouraging me to step out of the box. Hesitant, I slowly make my way out, turning back several times to reassure myself that I am indeed free.

After a few minutes, I find the comforting embrace of Andy, where the tension and fear I had accumulated release through my tears.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I would like to speak with my client, please. It won't take long."

My lawyer's voice shatters the serene bubble. I give a polite smile as I leave Andy, Andrea, and Amadeo, my support circle throughout the trial.

As I follow Filecci, I cast quick glances through the crowd but can only feel a pang of disappointment at the absence of those dark, familiar eyes. After a few steps, we enter a room lined with overfilled bookshelves and dominated by a heavy wooden desk.

"Was this your backup plan you didn't want to tell me about ?"

Her eyes widen, and her mouth opens, but no sound escapes. Finding her voice, she finally responds:

"You're not serious, are you ? Maglione's death is a tragedy ! Yes, I told you we'd prove your innocence, but not by committing murder !"

"S...Sorry. I'm still in shock from regaining my freedom thanks to his unexpected death."

"Once again, we had nothing to do with his murder."

"Neither did Callegrio ?"

"Neither did Callegrio, May !"

I sigh, not entirely convinced of their innocence in Maglione's fate.

"There are no charges left against you. This means you can leave the country as well as be free. We made it, May—your innocence has been restored," she says, her smile broadening.

I take her offered hand, returning the smile, though suspicion still lingers in my mind.

Are she and Callegrio truly innocent ?

"In an unexpected turn of events, May Madini has been officially cleared of first-degree murder charges regarding the five servants found dead last May. This decision follows the dismissal of charges due to the unexpected death of Agent Pietro Maglione, a key witness in this case.

The Madini case, which has captured public attention for months, took a dramatic twist when Agent Maglione was found dead under suspicious circumstances. He was expected to provide crucial evidence that could have either bolstered the accusations against Madini or potentially proved her innocence.

The prosecutor announced that without Maglione's testimony, the remaining evidence was insufficient to maintain the murder charges against Madini. 'We have no choice but to drop the charges. Justice must be based on solid evidence, and without Maglione's testimony, such evidence is lacking.'

'My client has always maintained her innocence, and the truth is finally coming to light,' said defense lawyer Maître Filecci. 'The tragic death of Inspector Esposito highlights the shortcomings of the initial investigation. We hope that the true culprits will one day be brought to justice.'

The prosecutor also announced the launch of a new investigation to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Inspector Esposito's death. 'We must understand what happened and ensure such events do not occur again,' he stated.

This case raises critical questions about the protection of key witnesses in high-profile cases. Security experts suggest strengthening protection measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The release of May Madini and the dismissal of the murder charges underscore the complexities and challenges of the justice system. As the community seeks to move on, the case continues to raise questions about the integrity of the investigation and the protection of witnesses."

"May, what are you doing standing in front of the TV ? You're still half-naked, and the guests are about to arrive !"

"Shut up, I just want to listen to what they're saying for two minutes."

"For two days since your release, you've done nothing but listen for 'two minutes' to what they have to say," Andy teases, adding air quotes with her fingers.

The journalist's image suddenly turns black. I sigh, glancing at Andy, who seems pleased with herself for putting an end to my viewing.

"Don't you think it's curious, though, that he died at just the right moment ?"

"May, enough with that! You've bugged Callegrio so much that he almost didn't want to come tonight. How many times do I have to say it? They had NOTHING to do with it. Nothing. Nada. Niente!"

"And what if it was Gioele ?"

"The psychopath ? Why him ?"

"I got a letter from him before the trial. He was explicit about doing whatever it took to set me free, even if it meant going above the law."

"Do you still have the letter ?!"

"No, I was so scared at the time that I burned it in the barrel on the terrace."

She sighs, closing her eyes, her lips pressed tightly together.

"Seriously, May ? When were you going to tell me ?"

"I didn't find the right moment...or the point."

"Are you serious ?! This guy is getting more dangerous by the day ! One day it won't just be words but actions ! Is there anything else you're hiding about him ?"

"No, that's it. I'm sorry, I didn't think the trial would end like this," I sob.

Andy's arms wrap around me, their warmth offering comfort.

"Shh, it's not your fault. The investigation will prove his guilt if that's the case. In the meantime, we'll be careful, okay ?"

I nod in agreement.

"Now, go get ready !"

I sigh as I drag myself towards my room.

"You should be more grateful! Your independence party would've been a disaster if I'd let you organize it."

"There wouldn't have been one. That's all I ever wanted !" I shout as I head to my room.

"Wrong! You'll thank me later !"

I close the door behind me, cutting off the conversation and Andy's booming voice. Leaning against the door, I glance at the dress lying on my bed, waiting to be worn.

Despite my relief and joy at being exonerated, the fact that it wasn't done legitimately weighs heavily on my mind. I wonder what people think. With my name stained in their memories with mafia blood, does my innocence seem obvious or dubious to them ? Do they see Maglione's death as a convenient setup or an unfortunate coincidence ? Without this tragedy, would I truly be free today ?

These questions keep circling in my mind, preventing me from enjoying the moment and my life since the verdict. No matter how much I try to silence them, they resurface. More than just thoughts, they dictate my actions. I've become suspicious of everyone. Without meaning to, I'm distancing myself from my allies, who claim their innocence.

With fingers absentmindedly playing with Ezio's wedding band around my neck, I move to my bed and sit. I open the drawer of my nightstand and take out the small box hidden there. I remove the lid and struggle to hold back my tears at the sight of the only photo that has ever captured my only child.

Trembling, I brush the picture with my fingertips as my other hand unconsciously rests on my empty belly. The memory of his heartbeat pounds in my mind as I close my eyes. Tears rolling down my cheeks, I grant myself this final moment of solace.

After a few minutes, I open my eyes, heavy with grief. I remove the chain from my neck, kiss the ring, and place it on the photograph. Closing the box, the secret garden of my heart, I make myself a promise to finish what I started.

No matter my innocence in the eyes of others, I remain guilty of my vengeance.

Clad in the long golden crochet dress, I join the already sizable crowd of guests. The gentle sea breeze cools this warm spring night, brushing against my back, exposed for all to see.

"May !" Armando exclaims, happier than ever.

"Armando, it's been a while !" I reply, ignoring the shiver that runs through me as I recall our last evening together.

He takes my arm and leads me towards the beach.

"What have you been up to ?" I ask, curious.

"Well, I've given up music to focus on a more lucrative business," he says, taking a sip of his beer.

"You're piquing my curiosity—do I get to know more ?" I nudge him playfully.

"Hmm, if you're good, maybe, but it's not something I can discuss openly," he whispers.

"Come on, you can tell me, we're alone."

"Not quite."

I glance around and jump when I spot a familiar figure a few meters away.

"I'll see you later," he says, kissing my cheek before walking away.