Episode 7 of "My Brilliant Friend" unfolds with Elena finding herself alone at home, her solitude abruptly shattered by the arrival of Antonio. He unveils the full tapestry of Nino's infidelities during his time with Elena, confessing that Lila had warned him against disclosing these truths, anticipating that Elena's love would forgive Nino regardless. Antonio further admits that he kept secret from Lila Nino's longing to reunite with her years prior, fearing that Nino would only disrupt Lila's life further. Seeking solace, Elena later turns to Antonio physically, engaging in intimacy as a means to cope with her tumultuous emotions.
Months drift by, and Lila reaches out to Elena, whispering about a budget-friendly apartment situated beneath her own, hinting at the possibility of their lives intertwining once more in proximity. Yet, Elena hesitates, torn between hope and uncertainty. Concurrently, her publisher beckons for her manuscript, prompting Elena to submit an older work, one penned during her Florence days that had previously garnered little favor.
Nino reappears in Elena's life, persisting in his assertion that Lila has been weaving a web of deceit around her. He anticipates Elena's capitulation, justifying his affairs with the words, "I am powerless to resist." However, Elena stands her ground, finally shutting the door on him, realizing that her heart harbors no remnants of affection for him anymore.
Elena returns to her cherished old neighborhood, settling into the apartment directly beneath Lila's. With a renewed sense of self, she declares that she has rediscovered her voice. The manuscript she submitted underwent a complete transformation from scratch, inspired by the publisher's initial intrigue. Her book garnered accolades from critics, underwent translation, and was even quoted by an influential Italian politician on television, marking the dawn of Elena's burgeoning fame.
Years slip by, witnessing Imma's blossoming into adulthood while Dede transitions into the tumultuous realm of teenage life. Elena's admiration for Lila's entrepreneurial prowess begins to waver, however. During Elisa's wedding festivities, Alfonso arrives donned in an ensemble eerily reminiscent of Lila's, clearly meant for Michele's eyes only. However, Marcello swiftly介入 to escort Alfonso from the premises. The scene escalates when Michele's furious scolding of Lila for disciplining their children echoes through the hall.
Soon after, Alfonso seeks refuge at the Solara's bar but is brutally attacked by Michele, revealing a shift in Michele's once unwavering devotion to Lila. Now, Lila's fear of him resurges.
Elena's world is also undergoing a transformation. A photographer descends upon her for a magazine profile, and her book is reprinted due to overwhelming demand. On her journey back from a triumphant book signing, Elena is confronted by Michele and Marcello, with Michele raging about how she has smeared their reputation. Elena pours her heart out to Lila, insisting that her book is merely a work of fiction, disconnected from reality. Lila, however, counters that numerous real-life scenarios are discernible within her narratives. She urges Elena to brush off the Solaras' accusations. The episode concludes on a poignant note, with Imma declining to acknowledge her father on television, feeling a profound sense of isolation.
