Elena laughed at something Julien said, the sound light and genuine in a way Marcus hadn’t heard in months. They were standing near the edge of the glowing infinity pool, the warm Caribbean breeze playing with the hem of her short sundress. Soft music drifted from hidden speakers while guests mingled with drinks in hand.
Julien, the charming French architect in his late thirties, had been talking to them for the past twenty minutes. He was tall, tanned, with an easy smile and sharp blue eyes that seemed to notice everything.
“You two have that newlywed glow still,” Julien said, glancing between them. “How long have you been married?”
“Eight years,” Marcus replied, forcing a smile as he sipped his rum punch.
“Eight wonderful years,” Elena added, leaning slightly into Marcus’s side. But
