‘Anyway, it took a lot of fitting in,’ Chloe continued. ‘Not that I ever really did. I felt far more at home in London, and curiously, more at home here. I might be different, with my heritage and city ways, but Porthmellow is a quirky place that draws in an eclectic bunch from all over. It’s not perfect, but by and large, people are accepting of difference in others. Or they’ll come right out and say what they think, rather than smiling on the surface while they’re planning how to ignore you.’

Hannah groaned. ‘I know it was hard for you. I hadn’t realised how hard.’

‘I could say the same about you and Jordan.’

‘Yeah … I can’t believe how controlling he became. He wanted me to cut off ties with my old friends and family, and somehow I got sucked in to that, especially when Ruby came along. She demanded most of my time and I hadn’t realised how much of it I was spending in the flat, looking after her – while he was off drinking in trendy bars or making trips back home, saying he wanted to sort out his trust fund so he could be “properly independent”. I was so stupid …’ She firmed up her voice. ‘But I don’t want to play a victim, Mum. I could have made the decision to come and see you and to leave him.’

‘But you did leave him.’

‘I was going to, I swear, but it took me a long while to screw up the courage. I planned to get away for weeks before I actually did but I didn’t know how to do it. I felt I’d gone so far down a road away from you and Dad that I didn’t know how to get back. I’ve hurt you so much.’

‘We’ve all done things we shouldn’t. Your father and I didn’t handle the divorce well and we’re both sorry for spying on you. That was wrong.’

‘I was angry that you didn’t trust me to make my own choices. Looks like you were right,’ she said, closing her eyes.

‘No, you have to make your own choices. Don’t let anyone persuade you otherwise. Not Jordan. Not your father – or me.’

Hannah gave Chloe a hug. ‘Oh, Mum.’

‘I won’t lie. I was hurt,’ said Chloe. ‘It’s been horrible, but you’re here now. You did find your way home – or to Porthmellow at least. Time to look to the future, when you’re ready.’

Hannah nodded. ‘Right now, I don’t know what to do next. I need a job. A home.’

‘Well, you can stay here as long as you like until you’re back on your feet.’

‘Thanks, Mum.’ Hannah looked brighter.

‘But let’s cross that bridge another time. Your dad will be here the day after tomorrow.’