The Sweetest Oblivion

Elena meets up with Christian on the terrace. When he tells her about himself, she insists his stories are lies. He’s amused, and they agree to have drinks together. Elena goes to the bathroom while he goes to the bar. Inside, Elena runs into Nico. He warns her about Christian, pushing her against the wall. Elena fears that if she doesn’t show interest in Christian, Salvatore will officially set her up with Oscar. She doesn’t share this with Nico and instead promises him not to do anything with Christian.

Determined not to marry Oscar, Elena breaks her promise to Nico and spends the rest of the night flirting with Christian. Furious, Nico intercedes and shoves her into the pool.

The women rush to Elena’s side as she climbs out of the pool. In the spare room, Gianna helps her dry off, warning her about Nico. For the rest of the night, Elena contemplates her situation, convinced her feelings for Nico aren’t reciprocated.

Elena heads to another family meeting at one of their restaurants. On the way in, Nico sees her and demands she get inside before anyone else sees how attractive she looks. Over lunch, Elena tries to play her usual part but the atmosphere is tense. Suddenly, a car drives by and shoots up the restaurant. Everyone ducks. In the immediate aftermath, Adriana stands up and announces that she’s pregnant.

Back at home, Celia retreats to her room with painkillers and wine while Elena and Adriana watch television in silence. At two in the morning, the Russos gather at the Abellis’ to discuss the drive-by and Adriana’s announcement. The men demand that Adriana reveal her lover’s name. Elena begs her not to because they’ll kill him. Salvatore insists that Elena leave.

“Nico”

Nico meets with Salvatore about his arranged marriage. Salvatore insists he can’t marry Elena instead of Adriana because she’s already engaged to Oscar. However he promises to find and punish Adriana’s lover. Nico is more upset about Elena’s engagement than Adriana’s lover.

“Elena”

The next morning, Elena sees a headline about Oscar’s murder on the news. Shortly thereafter, Salvatore calls a meeting with Nico and Elena. Salvatore announces that he and Nico have signed a marriage contract, solidifying Nico and Elena’s engagement. He says she will stay with Nico until the wedding because she’s not a virgin. Elena leaves to go pack, unsure if she’ll survive Nico.

Elena’s family says nothing as she leaves home with Nico. After their silent car ride to the Bronx, Nico immediately lifts Elena onto the counter and incites a sexual encounter. He demands she remove her clothes and that she do so whenever he tells her to now that she’s living with him. She promises to agree if he promises not to kill Ryan; he agrees. Then she removes her clothes and he performs oral sex on her. She is aroused but doesn’t let herself kiss him. She tells herself they can be intimate but can’t be romantic. She orgasms, realizing she’s “in over [her] head” (193).

Nico goes outside to the garage to work on his cars. Elena pours herself a drink and discovers Nico’s bank account information in plain view. She copies the numbers and hides them in her bag. She knows it’s wrong but this might be her only chance to atone for her mistake six months prior.

Elena tours the house and finds a snack. Nico resurfaces, finding her in the kitchen. They get into an argument about their marriage. Elena still doesn’t understand why he’d want to marry her instead of Adriana. Noticing her confusion, he reminds her he needs a wife and will never hurt her.

Elena talks to Celia on the phone. Celia is upset about the new marriage arrangement but Elena assures her everything will be fine. Afterwards, Elena and Nico heat up some prepared food his cook Isabel made. Then Nico retreats to his office, leaving Elena under his cousin Luca’s watchful eye.

“Nico”

Nico tries to focus on work but can’t stop thinking about his sexual encounter with Elena. He reminds himself that she belongs to him now even if she wants nothing to do with him. He knows she tried running away six months ago and her family killed the man she was with. He wonders if that’s the person she’s in love with or if they killed the wrong person. Either way, he vows not to dig deeper.

The next day, Elena and Nico talk about the wedding and discuss breakfast plans. Nico can cook basic things but Elena can’t cook at all. However she’s horrified that he doesn’t own a coffeemaker. Then she announces she’s going dress shopping with Celia. Nico insists she take a burner phone and Benito with her, because, based on her past, she might try running away. Elena feels aroused but knows she can’t give him her heart.

Back at home later, Elena tells Nico about the dress she found. When she notices he got her a coffeemaker, she’s overcome by desire. He informs her she’s coming to work with him tonight because Luca can’t stay home to watch her.