For the remaining days of their honeymoon, Alexander and Emma tried to recapture the peace they'd had before Voss's email. They went through the motions—romantic dinners, swimming in the infinity pool, exploring hidden beaches—but the shadow of that message hung over everything.
Emma caught Alexander checking his phone obsessively, though he tried to hide it. She'd wake in the night to find him on the balcony, staring out at the dark sea, lost in thoughts he wouldn't share.
On their last night in Santorini, Emma couldn't take it anymore.
"Talk to me," she said over dinner at their villa. They'd ordered in, not wanting to face crowds. "You've been somewhere else for days. Ever since that email."
Alexander set down his wine glass. "I'm sorry. I'm trying not to let it consume me."
"Trying and failing." Emma reached across the table for his hand. "Alexander, whatever Voss wants, we'll handle it together. But I can't help if you shut me out."
"I'm not shutting you out—"
