The story revolves around the life of Vincenzo Casagrande, a respected Roman judge, and his wife Annamaria, a classy woman who seemingly leads a perfect life. The tale opens with Vincenzo returning home earlier than expected due to a flight cancellation caused by fog. There, he finds Annamaria asleep and notices a suspicious movement inside the wardrobe. Convinced that it's his wife's lover hiding, Vincenzo chooses not to confront the situation directly and instead suggests a seaside vacation.
During the holiday, Vincenzo meets three of Annamaria’s friends: Roberto, Gianni, and Massimo. Their affectionate behavior toward his wife fuels Vincenzo’s suspicions and jealousy, making him believe that each of them could have been her lover. Despite his growing doubts, Vincenzo avoids any direct confrontation, choosing instead to brood in silence.
Upon their return to Rome, Vincenzo finally decides to face the wardrobe—only to discover that the man hiding inside was not his wife’s lover but a burglar who had taken refuge there after a failed break-in. Relieved but bewildered, Vincenzo leaves for a conference in Milan with his own lover, Elena, yet he continues to obsess over Annamaria’s imagined infidelities.
Meanwhile, Annamaria takes advantage of her husband’s absence to visit a private club, where she gives herself to three men in a night of passion. This chapter unveils Annamaria’s hidden side, sharply contrasting her public image as a devoted wife with her secret life. When Vincenzo returns, the couple resumes their everyday life, but each harbors secrets unknown to the other. The story ends with a reflection on the fragility of appearances and the shadows each person carries within, leaving open the question of who, between the two, is the true betrayer.
