Warning: Episode may contain strong language, violence and sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.

PREVIOUSLY…

• With her drinking problem spiralling out of control, Neha was arrested for slapping six-year-old Poppy.
• Feeling unable to help his wife overcome her addiction on his own, Ashwin decided to call upon Neha’s mother for help.
• Following a string of successful dates and growing feelings, Ben and Emma spent the night together.
• Judith discovered Natalie and James’ affair.
• Having earlier told Jack that he didn’t want to have children, Lee agreed to read the pamphlets his husband had collected about adoption and fostering.
• Tom was diagnosed with chlamydia and was warned by his doctor, Emma, that if he didn’t tell his wife, Kate, about his affair, then she would.
• Ed visited his secret family in London.
• As part of her plan to destroy Julia’s life in retribution, Natalie began blackmailing her for £100,000 and then tampered with her own contraceptives as her affair with Julia’s husband, James, intensified.

Village Green,
Glendale

On the eve of the village fete, Glendale buzzed with excitement as several residents hurried about, adding the final touches to decorations and preparations.

Julia Harrington-Jones cast an eye over things one final time. The oak trees that were randomly scattered throughout the village green were adorned with brightly coloured bunting, while the freshly painted bandstand in the centre of the green was festooned with garland and a large banner, hand-painted by Kate Spencer and Carol Kennedy, that read “GLENDALE VILLAGE FETE.” The final touches were being added to the carnival rides that had been hired, while in the far corner, the final marquee was being erected. Mother Nature had also come to the party with the numerous flowerbeds overflowing with fragrantly blooming dahlias, clematis, delphiniums, lavender, and chrysanthemums. With a deep intake of breath, Julia nodded in accomplishment.

In the distance, an unidentified man busied himself around Willow Cottage before taking a step back and admiring his handiwork. In the front garden of the cottage that Audrey Granger had called home for over seventy years was a correx board sign that simply stated:

FOR SALE

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Thyme Cottage,
Glendale

Having been granted bail following her arrest for assaulting six-year-old Poppy Granger, Neha Patel woke to the harsh glare of sunlight piercing through the bedroom curtains. For a moment, she enjoyed the peace and quiet. But that’s all it was, a moment, as the embarrassment and shame of her actions soon returned.

Rolling over in bed, Neha glanced at the clock on the bedside table. It was late, and Ashwin, her husband, was already at work. Her thoughts remained firmly focused on recent events, and she was left with no doubt that the news of her arrest would already have swept through the village like wildfire. How could she ever again face her neighbours and friends? The thought made her stomach churn with nausea.

Dragging herself out of bed, Neha made her way to the bathroom, avoiding the mirrored reflection of a person she no longer recognised. She splashed cold water on her face but couldn’t shift her thoughts. The laughter of the children playing football in the park, the poisonous remarks that had spewed from her lips, and “the slap” played on repeat.

Neha sank to the floor, tears welling up in her eyes as she grappled with the enormity of her actions. How could she have let herself stoop so low? How could she have lashed out at an innocent child? How could she have attacked Ashwin, the only person in the world who had her back no matter what? Tears began streaming down Neha’s cheeks, and she felt the familiar tug of temptation. Despite the deep shame and regret, there was a part of her that longed for the numbness that alcohol provided.

In her thin cotton pyjamas, Neha headed downstairs and into the kitchen. Deep down, she knew that she shouldn’t give into the urges that gripped her, but the pull of addiction was stronger than her willpower. She poured herself a drink of cheap Tesco gin and welcomed the familiar burn as it slid down her throat.

There was a sudden knock on the door. Neha froze, cautious not to let history repeat itself. Another knock reverberated around the silent house, this time more urgent and forceful. Slowly, Neha screwed the cap back onto the bottle of gin and returned it to the cabinet before cautiously making her way through the cottage to the front door. She slowly turned the door handle and peered through the slight crack.

“Mātā,” Neha said in Hindi, relief flooding through her body as she saw her mother standing before her.

“Chhotee bachchee,” Geeta Sharma replied with a warm smile, tilting her head to one side as she looked at the dishevelled mess her daughter had become. “Oh, my darling, Neha.”

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Honeysuckle Cottage,
Glendale

Emma Blake hummed softly to herself as she moved about the kitchen of Honeysuckle Cottage, preparing breakfast. She cracked eggs into a frying pan, turned the sausages, and buttered some toast.

The sound of heavy footsteps on the staircase caught her attention as Ben Granger descended, having stayed the night. The past few days had been a blur thanks to the drama surrounding his young daughter, Poppy, and the slap she had received from Neha. Ben hadn’t really had time to spend with Emma, but last night they made up for it, thanks mainly to his parents agreeing to look after the kids. Now, the delicious smell of breakfast was tempting him downstairs.

“Morning,” Emma smiled in Ben’s direction.

A nearly naked Ben, wearing nothing but a pair of tight black trunks, cosied up to Emma. He wrapped his strong arms around her waist and nuzzled kisses into the nape of her neck as he pressed himself against her. Her smell was intoxicating, and Ben felt his usual stirrings. “Morning,” he replied, his voice husky. “Sleepovers and breakfast! You really are making it hard for a man not to fall in love with you.”

The clanger hung in the air. Emma froze, processing Ben’s words as he stiffened, realising what had slipped out of his mouth. An awkward silence settled over them.

“Coffee?” Emma asked, changing subject and moving out of Ben’s embrace.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Thyme Cottage,
Glendale

Having showered, Neha sat cross-legged on the floor in the small living room of Thyme Cottage, her damp hair clinging in soft waves to her shoulders. Dressed in a clean black t-shirt and grey tracksuit bottoms, her shoulders sagged, and she picked at the nailbed of her thumb with her index finger. Geeta sat behind her on the couch, her touch tender as she brushed her daughter’s hair while softly humming “Lori Lori Lori Bhaiya,” a soothing lullaby in Hindi about a mother rocking her baby to sleep. The bristles of the brush glided effortlessly through Neha’s hair, and it reminded her of her childhood.

Geeta’s mind raced with unanswered questions. Since Ashwin’s call, she had been worried sick about Neha, and now, having seen the depths that her daughter had sunk too, she was concerned about what was to come. “Chhotee bachche, why are you drinking?” she asked, keeping her Indian-accented voice steady.

The question hung in the air. Neha’s eyes were downcast, fixed on the worn carpet. The silence between them felt so heavy that it was almost tangible.

“I… I don’t know how to explain without you thinking me foolish or selfish,” Neha said softly, her voice catching. “But, well, because I can’t have a baby. And I’ve made so many mistakes, Mātā.”

Geeta stopped and set the brush down beside her while her fingers lingered in Neha’s hair. “What mistakes, chhotee bachche?”

Neha’s shoulders tensed, and she shook her head, her lips pressing into a thin line as thoughts of her one-night stand and slapping Poppy polluted her mind. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Neha, you don’t have to go through this alone. You’ve always been my little girl, and your Tata and I want to help you, but I need to understand.”

The walls felt like they were closing in as Neha’s silence grew heavier. She took a deep breath. “I’ve done some things that have hurt people. I can’t undo them.”

Geeta joined her daughter on the floor. She sat cross-legged opposite Neha and reached out, placing a gentle hand on her daughter’s cheek. “You’re still my chhotee bachche. We can face this together. But you have to let me in.”

Neha’s eyes glistened with tears, and she nodded slowly. “I’ll try. But I don’t know where to start.”

Geeta took a deep breath. “There’s a place called Alcoholics Anonymous,” she said as if she were the first to discover it. “It’s a support group where people like you can share their struggles and find help. When Ashwin called, your Tata looked into it on the internet, and we think it might be a good place for you to start.”

“But will it really help?”

Geeta squeezed her daughter’s hand. “It’s a step towards healing, chhotee bachche. It won’t be easy, but it’s a way to start making things better. Please, just give it a chance. For me.”

Neha looked down at her mother’s hands, so worn and gentle. The thought of taking that first step was daunting, but the belief of her mother made her want to try.

“Okay,” Neha said quietly. “I’ll go.”

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Greystone Downs Farm,
Glendale

Tom Spencer descended the staircase of Greystone Downs with a sour expression. He grumbled something unintelligible under his breath and rubbed at his temples as if trying to dispel a brewing headache as he entered the kitchen.

Kate looked up from the sink where she had just finished washing the breakfast dishes and wiped her wet and sudsy hands on the tea towel. “Mornin’ handsome,” she greeted her husband cheerfully in her thick Welsh accent, although her smile faltered at Tom’s sour expression. She kissed him quickly on the lips as he passed by. “Sleep well?”

Tom grunted in response before plopping down onto a chair at the kitchen table. “What’s with all the noise?” He shot an accusatory glance at the accumulation of dishes.

Over the past few days, Kate had noticed a dramatic shift in her husband’s personality. Tom was now prone to mood swings, and, as hard as she tried, Kate couldn’t work out what was wrong. “The boys are just packing for their weekend stay at your mum’s” she explained, wiping down the bench with a dishcloth. “They’re excited to spend time with their granny Carol and poppy Tony.”

Tom grunted again and reached for the coffee pot. “Right.”

Kate watched Tom with a concerned narrowing of her eyes. Maybe leaving him alone for the weekend wasn’t such a good idea after all?

Ava, their fifteen-year-old daughter, walked into the kitchen. “Morning, dad,” she chirped, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to her father’s sour mood.

“Morning, Avie,” Tom greeted her with a feigned warmth. “Ready for your girls’ weekend in London?”

Ava practically vibrated with excitement. “Absolutely!” She showed Tom the dozens of handmade friendship bracelets that ran from her wrist up her forearm. “I can’t wait!”

Tom raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes despite his morose mood. “Sounds like fun,” he remarked, though his tone lacked enthusiasm.

“Right,” Kate said, tossing the dishcloth into the sink. “We should get going, young lady!”

After kissing Harry and Noah farewell and loading their overnight bags into the back of Kate’s black Land Rover, the mother and daughter were ready to get their Taylor Swift girls weekend underway. Tom followed them outside to the car.

“Have a great time, you two,” he said, managing a small smile. “And tell Taylor I said hello.”

From the passenger’s seat, Ava cringed and rolled her eyes.

Kate kissed Tom before rubbing the lipstick stain from his cheek. “We will,” she promised, looking intently into his eyes, searching for answers as to what troubled him. “I’ll call you when we get to the hotel. Take care of yourself while we’re gone, okay? I love you.” She kissed him again.

“Love you too.” Tom smiled with a final wave before watching them drive off down the gravel driveway. Once Kate and Ava were out of sight, he let out a long sigh, and his shoulders slumped with relief.

Turning on his heel, Tom made his way across the farmyard to the barn that was a short distance away. He opened the heavy door, retrieved his secret phone from the locked key box, and turned it on.

There were no messages, no missed calls, or voicemails. As disappointment gnawed at him, Tom composed a text message, his thumbs flying over the touchscreen at a rapid pace.

I miss you x

With a satisfied smile, Tom hit send, and the message disappeared into the digital ether. He moved to return the phone to the key box when it suddenly vibrated with a reply.

I miss you more xx

The message brought an instant smile to his face. His thumbs tapped away at the screen as a wicked grin licked at his lips.

Weekend to myself. Not sure what to do…

After a few moments, a reply arrived.

I can think of something 😉

A sense of excitement bubbled within Tom as he hardened in his boxers. Lowering the waistband a little, he took a quick photo and fired it off in reply. While the past few days had taken a serious toll on his mental health, Tom could feel his spirits brightening as he thought about the forbidden desire that he so desperately wanted and needed.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Pineview House,
Glendale

Natalie Sinclair stepped out of the steam-filled bathroom, her skin tingling from the warmth of the shower. It was her day off, a rarity when it came to working for James Harrington-Jones, and she was looking forward to spending the day eating snacks and watching Drew Barrymore films in the comfort of her own home while her father, Mark, and stepmother, Charlotte, were away in Portugal. Wrapped in a plush towel, she looked in the mirror. Her wet black bob was hidden underneath a twisted towel on her head, and her skin, free of makeup, was almost like porcelain.

On the vanity, Natalie’s phone illuminated as a chime echoed through the bathroom. Curious, she glanced at the screen as a sly smile tugged at her lips.

Da Boss Man
Can’t wait for tonight

Picking up the phone, Natalie quickly typed out her response, careful to keep it vague yet enticing. She couldn’t wait to feel James’ touch again and feel the passionate euphoria he so skilfully delivered. As she hit send, Natalie felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. She looked at herself in the mirror once more as an unspoken yet wicked thought settled in her mind.

Downstairs, there came a sudden and urgent knocking at the front door. The booming and unrelenting bashing startled Natalie as she hurried downstairs, firmly holding her towel in place to protect her modesty.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming, fucking hell!” She yelled as she pulled open the door roughly in irritation. “What do you wan…”

Judith Bancroft stood at the threshold with a face like thunder glaring at Natalie as the nineteen-year-old woman’s voice trailed off to silence. Judith looked her up and down, the disgust barely concealed behind her cold eyes. “We need to talk,” she said, pushing past and entering Pineview House without hesitation.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Patel’s Garage,
Glendale

Geeta’s footsteps were cautious as she entered Ashwin’s garage. Her eyes scanned the building, looking for her son-in-law, and it wasn’t long until they found him bent over the open bonnet of a car. She cleared her throat to announce her arrival.

Straightening, Ashwin turned and looked at his mother-in-law. He wiped his hands on a rag and smiled a soft smile that made him wince. His right eye was swollen and discoloured – a visible reminder of Neha’s troubles.

Geeta’s heart sank at the sight. “Hello, Ashwin.” She moved further into the garage and hugged her son-in-law.

The show of kindness and emotion almost made Ashwin choke up. They parted, and Ashwin allowed himself to be held at arm’s length while his mother-in-law looked him over. “Geeta. I’m so grateful you came.”

“It is me who should be grateful. I’m glad that you called and told Samir and me what was happening.” Geeta cupped her son-in-law’s cheek in her hand as she inspected his battered eye. “I’m so sorry, Ashwin.”

Ashwin looked away, his hands clutching the rag tightly. “How is she?”

“Asleep.”

Ashwin nodded, relieved to have someone on his side who understood Neha just as well as he did. “I don’t know how to get through to her,” he admitted quietly. “I just hope that she’ll listen to you.”

“She’s agreed to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting,” Geeta said, her accented voice filled with a firm determination to get her daughter on the path to sobriety. “I think it’s a good first step.”

“That’s good. She needs help.”

Geeta took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “I’m sorry about what Neha did to you.”

“It’s nothing. It’s just… It’s been rough.”

Geeta pursed her lips. “It’s not just ‘nothing,’ Ashwin. I know you’re going through a lot too. Neha’s struggles have affected both of you. But together, we can help her find her way.”

Ashwin nodded. “I just want what’s best for her. I love her, Geeta, and I want her to be better. But sometimes it feels like I’m not enough.”

Geeta squeezed his arm reassuringly. “Love isn’t always enough, Ashwin, but it’s a start. Supporting Neha, understanding her, and seeking help, these are the things that will make a difference. And you don’t have to do it alone. Samir and I are here for both of you.”

Ashwin’s eyes met hers for a moment. “Thank you, Geeta. I appreciate that. I know it hasn’t been easy for you either.”

Geeta smiled, although it seemed to be tinged with sadness. “We’re all in this together. Let’s make sure Neha knows that she’s not alone and that there’s a path forward. I believe in her, and I believe in both of you.”

Ashwin nodded slowly, the weight of the conversation sinking in. “I’m sorry to make you come all the way down here from Bradford. Please, at least let me drive you back.”

Geeta brushed away the suggestion as if it were a bad smell. “No, no. Samir is meeting me at the train station.” She patted her son-in-law’s arm one last time, kissed him softly on the cheek, and flashed him one final smile. “We’ll be back next week. We’ll get through this, Ashwin. Together.”

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Pineview House,
Glendale

“You can’t just come barging in here!” Natalie yelled, slamming the front door closed as she hurried after Judith, who had disappeared into the living room. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”

“You have some nerve!” Judith seethed, her voice sharp with accusation. The tension in the room was palpable as she turned to face Natalie, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Anger radiated from her every pore, fuelled by the betrayal she had witnessed the night before. “How could you do this to Julia? James is your boss! He’s practically your uncle, for Christ’s sake!”

Natalie’s expression wavered before it became obvious to her that Judith had somehow discovered her affair with James. “Don’t you dare try to blame me for your daughter’s failed marriage,” she shot back, her voice heavy with indignation as she clutched the towel tightly around her body. “James is the one who chose to cheat, not me.”

Judith’s eyes blazed with fury as she took a step closer. “You think you can just waltz in here with your youth and your beauty and steal another woman’s husband? You’re nothing but a cheap home-wrecking little slut!”

Natalie recoiled as if she had been struck. “How dare you!”

“How dare I? Julia told me about your little attempt at blackmail. I see right through you, Natalie. The blackmail, tempting James. I can see exactly what you’re doing, and it isn’t going to work. I won’t stand by and let you destroy my daughter’s life.”

Natalie’s expression darkened as her eyes narrowed to slits. “Your daughter deserves everything that’s coming her way, Judith. She deserves to pay for what she did, and I won’t rest until I have destroyed her.”

Judith frowned. “What she did?”

“She killed my mother.”

Judith felt herself unconsciously take a step backward as her heart began to thunder in her chest. Blood swished in her ears, and she knew she had to try and keep her blood pressure in check. “What?” she scoffed with a bitter laugh. “You’re delusional. Julia didn’t kill your mother. She had an accident.”

Ghosts of 2007 whispered in Judith’s ears. It was evident Mark had never told his daughter the truth about what really happened to Jennifer Sinclair on the day she died.

The room crackled with tension, and, sensing victory, Natalie’s mouth snarled. “Yes, she did. I have the proof. Julia killed my mother, and now it’s time for revenge.” She stepped closer. “For one hundred grand, I’ll keep the secret about Nick, but don’t be getting things twisted, Judith; I will destroy Julia, even if it kills me.”

–  G L E N D A L E  –

The Oak & Vine,
Glendale

As Tom’s silver Land Rover pulled up in front of The Oak & Vine, he glanced at the clock on the dashboard and pressed a hand to his forehead as a wave of dizziness crashed over him. In the backseat, his two sons, Harry and Noah, hurried to unbuckle themselves, excited to get their sleepover underway. The back doors flew open as the energetic duo jumped out and raced inside the pub, leaving their dad to attend to their backpacks.

“Boys!” Tom yelled to no one as Harry and Noah disappeared inside, the heavy wooden door closing behind them. He let out an irritated sigh as an unjustified flare of abnormal anger flared through him. Tom had been irritable for a few days now, but the prospect of seeing his lover on the weekend gave him a much-needed boost.

Tom exited the car, collected Harry and Noah’s overnight bags, and made his way towards the pub. As he opened the door and stepped inside, the familiar scent of beer and fried food greeted him, as did the immediate feeling of home.

“Tom!” Tony Kennedy, his stepfather, greeted him with a warm smile from behind the wooden bar. “They’re upstairs.”

With a backpack slung over each shoulder, Tom nodded a smile in Tony’s direction before making his way into the back of the pub and up the stairs to the living quarters above.

“There you are,” Carol said with her usual friendly warmth as she greeted her son at the top of the landing. “I wondered where you were. Noah said you were sulking in the car.”

Tom fired off a frown in the direction of his youngest and forced a chuckle.

Carol’s face grew concerned. “You okay, sweets?” she asked, pressing the back of her hand against his forehead. “You look flushed. Are you getting sick?”

Tom managed a weak smile. “I’m fine,” he lied. “It’s just been a busy week.”

“Well, you let us take care of these ratbags for the weekend,” Carol said, looking over her shoulder at her two grandsons, who were already sitting in front of the television and setting up their first game of Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch. “You deserve a break, sweets. Go home, get some rest, and enjoy the peace and quiet.”

Tom forced a smile. “Thanks, mum. I appreciate it.”

Carol squeezed his hand gently. “Of course, sweets. Now go on, go and enjoy yourself. We’ll see you at the fete tomorrow anyway.”

Tom’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of enjoying himself; if only Carol knew how true her words were. “Thanks again, mum. Bye boys!”

As a distracted Harry and Noah mumbled a few words of uninspired farewells, Carol watched her son descend the stairs, unable to shake a gnawing feeling deep within that something wasn’t right.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Village Green,
Glendale

On the village green, children – who were supposed to be helping their parents set up for tomorrow’s village fete – played on the well-manicured grass, their laughter and carryon ringing through the air. On a weathered wooden bench underneath the sprawling branches of an oak tree, Jack Campbell sat slouched as he watched the world go by. His usually upright, broad frame now bent under an invisible weight, and his eyes, which usually sparkled with life, were dull.

“Mornin’, Lovie’,” Queenie Baxter said in her usual Estuary accent as she hobbled along the paved path, ably assisted by her walking stick.

Jack managed a weak smile in response. “Hey, Queenie.”

Queenie slowed to a stop in front of the police sergeant, and her lips pursed. When Jack moved to Glendale seven years ago, the elderly shopkeeper had taken him under her wing. Queenie had always felt an affinity with the gay community – her only brother, Charles, had been gay – and she also felt it was her neighbourly duty to look after the man who seemingly had a strained relationship with his family.

Queenie lowered her tired old bones onto the wooden bench. “Wots got you lookin’ so glum, eh?”

Jack sighed deeply, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. “It’s Lee. We’re having…problems.”

Queenie knew. She would have put money on it. If anyone asked her opinion, not that they ever did, she had always felt that Jack and Lee weren’t suited. Jack was serious, kind, and traditional, whereas Lee was flighty, impulsive, and, if Queenie was being honest, repulsively smug. “Tell me about it, Lovie,” she said with a light pat of her wrinkled hand against Jack’s denim-clad thigh. “Sometimes it ‘elps to just get it all out.”

“We’ve been arguing constantly,” Jack said, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he fidgeted with his fingers. “About everything and nothing. It’s like we can’t see eye to eye on anything anymore.”

Jack lifted his head, and his eyes drifted to the kids playing a few feet away. Queenie noticed.

“I want kids, but…”

“He doesn’t?”

Jack nodded. It was rare for him to get emotional, but he could feel the unfamiliar sting of tears welling in his eyes. “I love him, Queenie, but it feels like we’re drifting apart.”

“Relationships ain’t easy, Lovie. They take work, sometimes more than we think we ‘ave to give. But if you still love each other, that’s a good start.”

Jack chewed at his cheek, trying to push away the emotions that were beginning to churn inside him. “I don’t know if love is enough,” he replied almost in defeat as he looked back at Queenie. “We’ve been together for eight years, and it feels like we’ve just forgotten how to be happy together.”

Queenie reached over and patted his hand, her touch light but full of reassurance. “Listen, Lovie. Every couple hits rough patches. That’s life. That’s love. The key is not to give up. ‘ave you tried talkin’ to ‘im?”

“Every time we try it just… well, it feels forced or ends up in an argument.” Jack sniffed and brushed away an unwelcome tear before it had the chance to break free. “I just don’t know where we go from here, Queenie. It feels like the beginning of the end.”

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Hamleys Toy Store,
Regent Street, London

Ed Atkins weaved through the bustling aisles of Hamleys, his attention divided between the colourful array of toys and the young girl skipping beside him. Her laughter filled the air of the iconic toy store as she darted from one display to another, her hand clasped tightly in his as he was willingly dragged along.

Ed’s phone buzzed insistently in his pocket, but he paid it no attention. He was too engrossed in the special day out with six-year-old Gracie.

“Look, pops!” Gracie exclaimed, pointing excitedly at a shelf lined with plush animals.

As they moved deeper into the store, Ed withdrew his phone from his pocket as it vibrated with another call.

Marion

The sight of his wife’s name filled Ed with guilt, and he silenced the call with a quick press.

Gracie tugged at his hand, her bright eyes pleading for his attention. Ed obliged, pushing aside his concerns that the truth, once exposed, would bring his life crashing down like a house of cards and instead immersing himself in the moment.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Village Green,
Glendale

As Emma jogged through the village green, avoiding the villagers assisting in the set-up of the fete, her breaths came in steady rhythms as she tried to process Ben’s slip of the tongue from earlier in the day.

Across the square, Tom emerged from CuriosiTEAS and spotted Emma. Checking both directions, he quickly crossed Queen Victoria Street and headed towards her. “Emma!” he called out before noticing the AirPods in her ears. He waved to get her attention. “Emma!”

Emma slowed to a stop, her brow furrowing with concern. “Tom,” she greeted him rather coldly as she removed the buds. “What’s wrong?”

Tom’s eyes darted around nervously before he settled his serious gaze back on the local doctor. “I just want you to know it is over with,” he lied, shifting uncomfortably on the spot. “The affair. I’ve stopped it so you don’t have to tell Kate.”

Emma’s gaze sharpened.

“I’ve also been taking the medication you gave me, and it seems to be working, so there’s no need to tell Kate about anything. It can just be between you and me. Kate never needs to know. Promise me you won’t tell her about this, Emma. Please. Promise me.”

Emma’s jaw tightened. There was an anxiousness to Tom that she found unsettling. “I’m sorry, Tom,” she replied firmly. “But that’s a promise I can’t make.”

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Bluebell Cottage,
Glendale

Stepping out into the warm afternoon, Jack carried a garbage bag full of rubbish and made his way to the bin to the side of the driveway. With a flick of his wrist, he opened the lid and went to toss the bag inside when something caught his eye – a cluster of pamphlets scattered at the bottom. He frowned, recognising them instantly. As he reached in and retrieved the discarded papers, Jack’s heart sank. In his grasp were the pamphlets on adoption and fostering that Lee had promised to read yet evidently discarded.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Leicester Square,
London

London’s Leicester Square was a hive of activity as Rebecca Williams navigated through the crowds of people. Preoccupied with checking off a mental checklist of things that she needed to get before heading back to Glendale tomorrow, she didn’t see the trio exiting the M&M’s store and collided with them heavily.

“Shit, I’m so sorry!” She said as she was ripped from her thoughts and looked to see who she had bumped into.

To her surprise, standing before her was Ed. His eyes widened in shock while his face drained of colour. “Rebecca?” he stammered, clearly taken aback by the unexpected encounter.

“Ed! Fancy running into you here. Literally.”

An awkwardness settled over the new business partners as Rebecca’s eyes moved to the little girl holding his hand and the beautiful, yet much younger, woman at his side.

“We were just going,” Ed replied with a forced chuckle as he tried to movie Gracie on. “Come on.”

“Hello!” Gracie said, looking up at Rebecca with wide eyes and clutching a bag of M&M’s. “I’m Gracie. Are you a friend of my pops?”

The younger woman and Ed shared an awkward glance that Rebecca caught.

She crouched down to the girl’s level. “Hello Gracie, that’s a beautiful name. I’m Rebecca. And yes, I’m a friend of your pops.”

Gracie smiled shyly, nodded with satisfaction at the answer, and then popped an M&M in her mouth.

“And who might you be?” Rebecca asked as she straightened and extended her hand in greeting to the woman at Ed’s side.

The woman, with long black wavy hair that cascaded over her black tank top, hesitated for a moment before shaking Rebecca’s hand nervously. “I’m Samantha,” she replied, her tone polite but guarded. “Samantha Carter.”

Rebecca’s eyes narrowed slightly as she picked up on Ed’s nervous energy and Samantha’s awkwardness. “Nice to meet you, Samantha.”

“Sam is family,” Ed stammered quickly.

Rebecca sensed there was more to the story than Ed and Samantha were letting on. She forced a tight-lipped smile. “Will I see you at the village fete tomorrow?” She asked, looking to Ed.

“What’s this?” Samantha asked, genuinely intrigued.

“There’s a fete in our village tomorrow. You should bring Gracie. I’m sure she would love it,” Rebecca said, firing a wink in the young girl’s direction.

Gracie’s eyes lit up at the suggestion.

Samantha knew exactly what Rebecca was doing. She pursed her lips tightly as her eyes narrowed. “We’ll see,” she said in a tone that clearly indicated that would not be happening.

“Well, I should be going.” Rebecca said as a fleeting moment of understanding passed between her and Ed. “I’ve got a lot to do before I head back to Glendale. It was nice to meet you, Gracie and Samantha.” She nodded at them in turn before she looked to her business partner, whose eyes were wide as if Rebecca had just said something she shouldn’t have. “Ed.”

As they went their separate ways, Rebecca knew there was much more to the story than Ed wanted to share. She glanced back over her shoulder. Ed and Samantha seemed deep in a tense conversation while Gracie watched her walk away and waved. Rebecca smiled and tinkled her fingers back at the little girl before disappearing into the crowd.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Pineview House,
Glendale

James looked into Natalie’s dark eyes as he moved rhythmically on top of her. Their naked bodies, pressed together, were perfectly synchronised as they surrendered to the urges that consumed them. Natalie ran her nails roughly down James’ back as he let out a cry that was part whimper, part primal grunt, and intensified his powerful thrusts.

On a shelf on the opposite side of the bedroom, obscured by books about Coco Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Vivienne Westwood, was a small camera, its lens capturing every gasp and moan, every touch and caress.

NEXT TIME…

• It is the day of the village fete.
• Julia’s blackmail deadline arrives.
• Neha confronts her one night stand.
• Judith drops a bombshell on Pamela.
• Emma makes a discovery.