The light of darkness

Struggling to deal with the diagnosis of early on-set Alzheimer’s disease at the young age of 48, charming Harry’s very controlled life falls to pieces, forcing him slowly to confront the major problem he now has in his life. Initially he feels relieved that at least his wife Laura is a constant figure who will provide him with the strength he needs at such a difficult moment. However, she seems to be avoiding him and preoccupied with her own problems.

Laura’s unplanned, risky pregnancy and their nine-year-old son’s suspension from school are additional problems that Harry has to cope with. He responds by flying to Chicago, away from issues he feels he cannot cope with. Once in the US, Harry and his colleague Miles meet Serena, a mysterious and very rich new client who wishes to park a great deal of money in their hedge fund. Harry feels an instant attraction to Serena but knows he needs to stay away from her. He returns to London, determined to make his marriage work. Meanwhile, Laura terminates her pregnancy and seeks help from Dr Stephan Raza, a psychiatrist. Heartbroken by his wife’s choices and her distant behaviour, Harry is devastated when Laura asks for a divorce.

Elizabeth, Harry’s mother, insists on a family holiday for Harry and his boys. She also invites Eric, her ex-husband. Harry tells his parents about his Alzheimer’s and bumps into Serena. Watching Serena play around with a slick, handsome playboy infuriates him. He confronts them and discovers the relationship probably has no long-term future. He confides in Serena and tells her about his major problem. She is shocked to find that the charming, handsome man she remembered from Chicago has now become an insecure, nervous wreck.

Harry thinks it best to try and forget Serena. Convinced he will lose his memory and become a burden he rejects the idea of romance. Now divorced and learning to cope with life as a single man, he greatly reduces his workload and relies heavily on the support of his psychiatrist.

Serena turns up at Harry’s flat in London on his birthday. He is delighted to see her; they fall in love and attempt to live a normal life. Serena supports him through his dark moments and establishes a good relationship with his children. However, she wants to have her own children, something Harry struggles with.

He investigates Serena’s real source of wealth and is devastated to discover that Serena appears to be the daughter of a terrorist, responsible for the death of many people. Heartbroken and once again feeling betrayed, Harry’s aggression and cruel accusations crush Serena, sending her back to Mathias, her Parisian lover. She is determined to discover the truth about her father, his death, and her childhood in the remote Azeri village she grew up in. Relieved to discover her father’s innocence, she gives Harry one last chance to be with her, on condition he moves to the US. Determined not to lose her and terrified of his illness consuming his life, Harry agrees to all of Serena’s demands.