In the first part, Laura, the main protagonist, decides to take a job with the municipality of Milan after graduating and before starting her new position as a journalist, in order to improve her Italian and take a break. She is staying in a simple hotel right in the center of Milan, near the Piazza del Duomo. Most of the story unfolds there and in the surrounding area. The hotel is located on a side street off the Piazza. Here, Laura comes into direct contact with Italian life. She quickly realizes that time works differently in Italy. In her free time, she explores the city on her own, spending her evenings bored and alone in the hotel because she feels uncomfortable in the large Italian metropolis at night. One evening, there is a knock at her door, and suddenly everything unfolds differently than expected. It is the hotel concierge, Marcello, who is determined to win her over with his Italian charm. He is incredibly handsome, flirts with her, invites her to dinner, and they eventually go out together. She is immediately fascinated by him but also suspicious. They go out together, but Laura initially behaves somewhat distantly, fearing complications, as she knows that Marcello is not just taking her out of boredom but wants something from her. Having had previous experiences during her study abroad in Italy, she knows that relationships with Italian men can often become complicated due to their completely different views on relationships. Despite her concerns, Laura finds it difficult to resist his charm. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes, and sparks begin to fly between them.