“Is this about your husband? The man you thought he was?” Emily nodded silently. She didn’t know how to put everything into words. How could she explain the overwhelming feeling that had consumed her? How could she explain that her heart was telling her this man was Luke, but her mind was screaming that it couldn’t be?
George, still looking at her, sighed deeply. “I’m really sorry for what you’re going through. I can’t imagine how this must feel. But… if you want, we could exchange contact details? Maybe talk more about this when you’re feeling better?” Emily didn’t know what to say. She looked at Peter, who gave her a subtle nod, as if to say, This is the only way forward.
“Yeah. I’d appreciate that,” Emily said quietly. “Thank you, George.” George smiled gently. “Of course. Take care, Emily. And again, I’m really sorry.” They exchanged their details, and after a few more polite words, George and the woman stood to leave. Emily watched them walk away, her thoughts still racing.
As she turned to Peter, her eyes filled with tears again. “I don’t know what’s going on, Peter. I just… I need to know the truth.” Peter placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “We’ll figure this out, Emily. You’re not alone in this.” The cruise continued its journey, but Emily felt as though the ship had become a prison.