In the opening of Episode 3 of Vladimir's tale, we find Sid, inebriated, pushing M into the pool, mistaking her for one of John's romantic interests. It seems that Sid's girlfriend, Alexis, has ended their relationship, and she's been involved in a compromising encounter on the train ride home. Meanwhile, John returns home, placing the blame on M for allowing him to go on his date and subsequently getting caught. Lynn has brought forward the hearing, which is imminent.
At college, Edwina seeks a letter of recommendation from M but is constantly gushing about Cynthia's class. M observes Cynthia and Vlad, conjuring up images of them engaging in intimate acts. Determined to move past her fascination with Vlad, M decides to befriend Cynthia, who continually avoids her advances. In the end, M insists on hosting a pool party with Cynthia and Phee. Later, M runs into Vlad and they discuss gothic romances. She once again indulges in fantasies about him and decides to put an end to it by urging him to invite Cynthia to her pool party.
That evening, M's family prepares dinner. John and Sid are more of a hindrance than a help. Sid desires to be John's lawyer, but he refuses to go through the case report that M has obtained and M doesn't want Sid involved in the case. M mentions the pool party, and Sid breaks down while talking about children. John is aware of what's going on with Sid but chooses not to tell M, believing that Sid should reveal it to her himself.
As M prepares for the pool party, she fretfully examines her body in a swimming costume. John questions why she is so determined to befriend Cynthia. He also casually suggests that she should get a Brazilian wax, which only fuels her anxiety. In class, M teaches 'Rebecca.' The students disapprove, finding the protagonist's all-consuming obsession with her husband's ex-wife to be misogynistic. After class, she meets with Sid and finally learns that she cheated on Alexis by sleeping with their intern. Now, she's quit her job. M is flustered as Sid continues to inquire if she knows any of John's hook-ups. M insists that she doesn't, but she did know Lila.
Determined to make amends, M meets with Lila and apologizes for avoiding her. Lila explains that she wants to repair their relationship, and M is curious about her motives. They catch up but ruin it when M comments that she's relieved that Lila took partial responsibility for the affair. Lila is upset and it appears that she wanted M to apologize for failing her.
During the waxing appointment, Vlad texts that Cynthia has backed out due to Phee's cold. M flicks through Cynthia's mail to find her home address and doubles her efforts by gifting her with towels and honey. Cynthia feels awkward but claims it's because she's overwhelmed by everything going on. M tries again, inviting Cynthia to another pool party. Sid hightails out of there, revealing that she's going to work on John's case, much to M's chagrin.
This time, Vlad shows up with Phee as Cynthia has a migraine. M shrugs at the camera and claims she tried. And then it's open season as she ogles Vlad who runs in the sun and plays in the pool with Phee. John keeps riling him up but he doesn't take the bait. It seems that Vlad is flirting with M, but she insistently tells us that he's just being nice.
Once Phee falls asleep, M and Vlad drink wine. He confesses that Cynthia didn't come because they had a fight. He also shares that Cynthia is having a hard time, as she tried to commit suicide last year and Phee was without a mother for six months. He shares that marriage and divorce are hard. Of course, the word 'hard' triggers another wave of fantasies for M. While leaving, she "accidentally" caresses his arm. John mockingly asks if she's in love and she has sex with him.
To rephrase this in a more expressive and vivid manner:
During the waxing appointment, Vlad texts that Cynthia has unexpectedly withdrawn due to Phee's cold. M dives into Cynthia's mail to discover her home address and goes above and beyond by gifting her with soothing towels and honey. Cynthia feels awkward but insists it's because she's overwhelmed by everything going on around her. M persists, inviting her to another pool party with renewed enthusiasm. Sid rushes out of there, revealing that she's headed to work on John's case, much to M's disappointment.
This time, Vlad arrives with Phee as Cynthia struggles with a migraine. M rolls her shoulders and claims she tried her best. And then the stage is set for a lively scene as she ogles Vlad who dashes through the sun and frolics in the pool with Phee. John keeps trying to provoke him but Vlad remains unfazed. It seems like Vlad is flirting with M, but she insists it's just him being polite.
Once Phee falls asleep, M and Vlad sit down to enjoy some wine. He reveals that Cynthia didn't come because they had a fight and shares that Cynthia is struggling, having attempted suicide last year and leaving Phee without a mother for six months. He muses about how hard marriage and divorce can be. Of course, the word 'hard' ignites another wave of fantasies in M's mind. As they leave, she "accidentally" brushes against his arm. John mockingly asks if she's in love and they end up having sex together.
