Episode 5 of "My Brilliant Friend" kicks off with a poignant scene between Elena and her mother, Immacolata, where Immacolata repeats her wish for Elena's brothers to work under Lila's wing. However, since Lila has already declined, Elena resorts to a delicate lie, gently steering the conversation away from the subject. As she ventures out to meet Lila, Elena's path crosses with one of her brothers, immersed in his murky dealings. She confronts him, yet her efforts are futile; his earnings are crucial for their parents' well-being.
Upon reaching Lila's office, Elena discovers Michele awaiting her company along with Alfonso. Her mind is set on confronting Marcello for the ruinous impact he's had on her brothers, but Lila, sensing the tension, urges her to soothe Immacolata with fabricated tales instead. Intrigued and slightly uneasy, Elena inquiries if Lila ever deceives her, prompting a cryptic response from Lila: "None are more deaf than those who refuse to listen."
Returning home, amidst the ongoing civil restoration efforts following the earthquake, Elena seeks clarity from Nino about his son with Silvia. He dismisses her concerns, even mocking her for taking Lila's words to heart. Hurt and frustrated, Elena informs Nino that she wishes to sleep alone, and he respects her wish, leaving the room.
That night, Elena is haunted by a vivid dream of a catastrophic earthquake demolishing her home. She awakens to the realization that her water has broken, signaling the imminent arrival of her baby. With determination, she drives herself to the hospital and delivers the baby solo, while Nino arrives only the following morning.
Later, they formalize the baby's birth, and Elena names her Immacolata, in honor of her mother. As she ponders over Nino's role in her life, she notes the countless significant moments he's missed.
One day, Lila brings baby Immacolata to visit Elena while Nino is present. Despite the apparent harmony, Elena feels a lingering discomfort upon witnessing Lila and Nino together. This unease escalates when her mother suddenly experiences bleeding, prompting Nino and Lila to rush her to the hospital together. This scenario deeply unsettles Elena, her mind racing with images of Lila and Nino, exacerbating her emotional turmoil. Desperate for comfort, she reaches out to Elisa, asking her to head to the hospital, while the haunting visions of Lila and Nino continue to gnaw at her heart.
Tensions escalate as Marcello and Elisa dig their heels in, insisting on the transfer of Immacolata to a private clinic. Amidst a flurry of heated discussions, Elena reluctantly summons Nino back home, placing Lila at the helm to manage the situation. Lila, feigning an exit with Marcello, slyly slips back into the hospital room to offer solace to Immacolata, who is gripped by the haunting fear of passing away all alone.
The following morning, Lila fills Elena in on the developments, and their conversation is interrupted by Nino's arrival, eager to speak with Lila. However, Elena abruptly halts their exchange. The mood darkens further when Nino nonchalantly inquires, "How is Lila doing?" Elena's pointed response, "What does Lila have to do with this?", hangs in the air, thick with underlying tensions.
