“Says the woman who has been making me get up at five in the morning to run.” Milly took the tissue from her. “You, on the other hand, look stunning as always. Why didn’t you at least wear a wig or something?”

“It didn’t cross my mind. I was thinking of you and Connie. Don’t worry about it. The place is pretty empty, and everyone is too worried about their ailments or their relatives to notice me.”

The doctor appeared again. “We’ve transferred your mother to the ward, so you can see her now. She’ll be able to go home later today or tomorrow.” He gave them directions to the ward and then hurried back to the department.

There was no sign that he’d recognized Nicole, so Milly wondered if maybe she was right and that people here were too focused on other things.

Joel appeared next to them, having parked the car. “What news?”

They gave him an update as they headed to the stairs.

“I think you should take Nicole home,” Milly said as they took the stairs two floors.

Nicole shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Think about this.” Milly caught her arm. “Eventually someone is going to recognize you. Call the press.”

“And if they do, we’ll figure it out. I’ll stay in the room, which will make it less likely.” Nicole pushed open the door that led to the ward, and they were directed to a side room.

“Connie doesn’t need a room full of visitors. I’ll go and find you both some coffee,” Joel said and strode away down the corridor leaving the two of them to go into the room together.

Connie lay in the bed, the bruise on her face darker than it had been when Milly had seen her earlier.

“Mum!” She flew across the room and then stopped next to the bed. “I want to hug you, but you have broken ribs. Are you feeling terrible?”

“I feel foolish.” Connie tried to sit up. “Brian wanted to take me to the hospital yesterday right after it happened, and I refused. And instead I gave you a scare. You poor thing.”

Scare didn’t cover it. It had been the single most terrifying moment of her life.

“Don’t worry about that.” The only thing she cared about now was that her mother was going to be okay. The relief was indescribable.

It was funny to think that only yesterday she’d been so wrapped up in the drama and distress of learning the truth about Nicole. It had dominated her world, and then her mother had collapsed, and suddenly all her other worries had shrunk to nothing. The horror she’d felt in that moment had put everything into perspective.

As long as my family are well, she thought, that’s all that really matters.