Chapter 28

Fourteen months before the present, Charly reflects on her pragmatic expectations about marriage and her focus on dermatology over dating. Now newly married, she arrives in the Bahamas with Clark, still amazed by his charisma and their sudden union.

At check-in, the concierge Pierre confirms a three-week reservation. Charly corrects him, but Clark reveals he changed it, planning to stay alone for an extra week. When pressed about work, Clark admits he quit his job a month earlier, asking to delay the discussion.

In their room, after awkward small talk with a bellboy who compliments Charly’s eyes, the confrontation resumes. Clark appears in a Speedo and proposes the beach, but Charly demands answers about quitting without telling her. Clark claims he hated the firm and wants to start his own practice.

As Charly probes the plan—no office yet, no clients—she voices concern that he relied on her income and savings. Clark winces, and Charly softens, asking for joint decision-making going forward. He apologizes and promises they will decide big things together.

They kiss, but Charly privately questions whether their chemistry is genuine or if Clark is simply a very good kisser, signaling growing doubts about trust, finances, and compatibility beneath their honeymoon veneer.