Marianne and Axel travel to the Greek island of Hydra, but their relationship is on the verge of falling apart. Leonard leaves Montreal in search of fortune on the same island.

Leonard Cohen receives news of his grandmother's passing, plunging him into melancholy; pregnant with Axel's child, Marianne faces turmoil in her relationship due to Axel's infidelity.

Axel leaves Marianne and her son on Hydra to go on a sailing trip with his mistress; Marianne finds comfort in Leonard, who stands by her side, and as they become close, he confesses his love for her.

Leonard accompanies Marianne to Norway, and the two embark on a road trip through Europe. The trip brings them closer together, but in Oslo, Leonard quickly becomes restless and they experience their first tensions.

Marianne is reunited with Leonard in Montreal, but she struggles to adapt to the city; Leonard becomes evasive when Marianne delivers big news.

Leonard collapses after an intense period of writing. To save his career, he must go to Montreal to promote the book, with or without Marianne.