Story of a Love Affair

In a Milan detective agency, Carloni studies photographs of Paola Molon Fontana provided by her husband, Enrico Fontana. Fontana, newly suspicious about Paola's past, hires Carloni to uncover what she did before their marriage. Carloni accepts and begins a discreet inquiry.

To trace Paola's past, Carloni travels to Ferrara, where Paola spent much of her youth. He seeks out places and people connected to her early life to learn who she really was before marriage. His initial discoveries hint at hidden loyalties and long-buried secrets.

Back in Ferrara, Carloni learns from Matilde's husband that Giovanna Carlini died in an elevator shaft accident days before her wedding to Guido Garroni. The incident is shrouded in silence, and Matilde remains uncooperative. The tragedy becomes a central clue tying Paola to a dangerous past.

After Carloni leaves Matilde's apartment, Matilde writes a letter to Guido alerting him that a suspicious man is investigating Paola's past. The letter raises the stakes and suggests that someone may be trying to extort the couple. Matilde's reluctance foreshadows the danger surrounding Paola.

Back in Milan, Paola exits the La Scala opera house wearing a white fur coat, with her husband and friends. She is startled to see Guido standing across the street, and later receives a phone call from him. They agree to meet again the following day.

At Idroscalo lake, Guido, now a struggling car dealer, shares Matilde's letter with Paola. The revelation that someone is digging into their past frightens Paola and makes her fear Matilde is trying to extort money. Their old attraction rekindles, and they decide to meet again.

Carloni's investigation intensifies as he uncovers more about the elevator accident, Paola's sudden disappearance, and Guido's involvement. He follows the threads to understand how the lovers and the tragedy are connected. The case edges closer to a dangerous truth.

From Giovanna's maid, Carloni learns that Paola and Guido were with Giovanna when she fell, and that they did not cry out or rush to help. He also discovers that Paola left Ferrara two days after the accident and met her future husband in Milan shortly after, never telling Fontana about Giovanna's death.

Paola and Guido's reunion grows into a full-blown affair, played out in rented rooms. To help Guido earn money, Paola arranges for him to act as middleman in a car sale that ultimately falls through. Their relationship becomes more dangerous as greed, passion, and guilt intertwine.

Facing a loveless marriage, Paola suggests that Fontana's death would benefit them both. Initially repulsed, Guido is swayed by her emotional manipulation and the prospect of a shared fortune. The plan marks a turning point toward a violent resolution.

On a desolate canal bridge, Guido waits for Fontana and plans to shoot him as he approaches. Paola pretends to have second thoughts, accusing Guido of causing Giovanna's death. Guido reminds her that she did nothing either, and they agree they will be responsible together.

Carloni rushes to complete the report as Fontana's car crashes on the canal road and bursts into flames. Fontana's body lies nearby as police arrive at the scene. The tragedy confirms the deadly consequences of the lovers' conspiracy.

Police inform Paola of the accident, and she runs from her home in shock. She later meets Guido, who tells her Fontana is dead and that he was not involved. The revelation leaves Paola torn between love and guilt.

Paola declares her love for Guido, and he agrees to meet her the following day. As Guido steps into a taxi, he asks to be taken to the train station, signaling a possible escape from the deadly past they share.