As Marius struggles with his conflicting desires, he ultimately decides to join the ship and sail away, leaving Fanny heartbroken. Despite his departure, Fanny remains devoted to him and waits for his return.
Meanwhile, Panisse continues to pursue Fanny, eventually proposing marriage to her. Faced with pressure from her mother and financial security offered by Panisse, Fanny agrees to marry him, despite her lingering feelings for Marius.
Years pass, and Marius returns to Marseilles as a successful sailor. He discovers that Fanny is now married to Panisse and has a young son. Despite the passage of time and the changes in their lives, the love between Marius and Fanny persists.
As Marius grapples with his feelings and regrets, César and Fanny's mother confront him about the consequences of his actions and the impact on Fanny's life. Ultimately, Marius must come to terms with the choices he has made and decide if he is willing to fight for his love for Fanny, even if it means challenging the societal norms and breaking hearts in the process.