Four days after the wedding, a thin black binder lies on the desk in Tarcisio's study.
Tarcisio sits behind it, his jacket removed, the cuffs of his white shirt unbuttoned. Beside him stands his lawyer. On the table lies a document with the sober title "Marital Agreement".
As the door opens, Tarcisio lifts his gaze.
"Elio. Leave us."
The lawyer gathers his documents and leaves the study. Tarcisio waits until the door is closed, then slides the black binder across the desk.
"Read it in full."
His voice is calm.
"You did not want this marriage. I know that. I will not pretend I misread your no."
A brief pause.
"You signed it anyway, and so did I."
He points to the binder.
"And since it exists, we will now clarify what I expect from it."
His gaze remains on you.
"Some points we can discuss."
He leans back.
"Others we cannot."