Episode 12 of One Day kicks off with Dex stepping onto a train bound for Paris, a city that promises new beginnings. His phone conversation hints at a stormy personal life, revealing that he's now aware of his wife, Sylvie's, betrayal and is in the midst of a divisive divorce. To offer him a distraction from the heartache, Emma has meticulously planned a tour through the vibrant streets of Paris, hoping to infuse his life with joy.
Together, they wander into a cozy pub, its warm atmosphere inviting. Yet, Dex politely declines the offer of a drink, stating that he's been sober for months and is determined to stay on the path of abstinence. As they settle into their seats, Dex confesses that he's devoured Emma's latest book and counts himself as one of her staunchest supporters.
As the episode unfolds, the old friends exchange snippets of their lives, painting a vivid picture of their shared history. Dex shares that his former boss and confidante, Cal, has been trying to reach out, offering a drink as a gesture of reconciliation for past wrongs. Dex, however, feels adrift, uncertain of how to proceed. His daughter, Jasmine, now a toddler of two, remains a distant figure in his life, the complexities of his relationship with Sylvie preventing frequent visits.
Emma, on the other hand, opens up about her latest literary endeavor - a tale of a girl who falls deeply in love with a charming French man she meets during her holidays. Her eyes sparkle as she describes the plot, her passion for writing evident in every word.
Together, they navigate the challenges of their lives, finding solace in each other's presence and the allure of Paris, a city that never fails to offer a fresh perspective on life's complexities.
As they return to their hotel room, Dex, overcome by emotion, attempts to plant a kiss on Emma, expecting their paths to finally converge. But Emma abruptly pushes him away, revealing a shocking truth - she's been romantically involved with a Frenchman named Jean Piere. This revelation shatters Dex's heart into pieces, and he reproaches Emma for not disclosing this earlier, before their fateful meeting in Paris.
It also comes to light that their prior intimate encounter occurred at a vulnerable moment for Dex, when he discovered his wife's betrayal. This is what drove him to Emma, hoping they could find solace in each other's arms.
As the episode unfolds, Emma introduces Dex to Jean, her current lover. Despite their initial plans to enjoy a meal together, Dex's encounter with Jean prompts him to withdraw, asking the couple to continue their evening without him. But Emma soon returns, her emotions overriding her resolve, and she and Dex share a passionate embrace, their bodies entwined in a fierce dance of desire.
However, after the throes of passion have subsided, Emma issues a stark warning to Dex. She tells him that if he dares to lead her on only to abandon her halfway, she will not hesitate to take matters into her own hands. The air between them is charged with a mixture of love, lust, and the ominous threat of a potential fallout.
