Alistair (also known as Nick/Jonathan) arrives at the empty car park at Bangate Cove under a pale winter sun. He frames the setting as a symbolic new start and declares internally that he will no longer run or pursue other women, claiming he has learned his lesson and will devote himself to making Martha happy.

As he builds a fantasy, Alistair envisions achieving local celebrity with Martha and their daughter through an iconic beachfront café and flower shop. He imagines admiration and recognition, with people remarking, "It’s Alistair himself," and pictures of their family in lifestyle books. His thoughts fuse personal reform with ambition and public validation.

The reverie turns vindictive as Alistair curses the Swann family, insisting they can keep their wealth and status. He reveals he sent a final "parting gift" to them: a letter posted the previous day to Aisling (Ash), intended to wound or disrupt the family.

Returning to the present, Alistair exits the car, helps Martha from the passenger seat, and takes her hand. Martha smiles and accepts, and together they walk through the dunes toward the beach, maintaining the affectionate front that has brought them to this rendezvous.