And I told them how happy Harvey and I had been when we’d first moved to London. How much fun we’d had setting up home together. And then, as time went by, how his love had turned from affection to possession and he’d started to become suspicious of everyone I spoke to, jealous of anyone I spent time with other than him, and that he’d tried to persuade me not to see my family. In fact, all he wanted was to keep me for himself, preferably in the flat 24/7. I didn’t tell them his negative views on Evie’s decision to become a foster mum, that wouldn’t achieve anything. Besides I could see from their faces, they’d already heard enough to change their opinions of him.

When I ran out of words there was a moment’s stunned silence around the table. Finally, Evie reached across and hugged me tight.

‘You poor lamb,’ she said in a low voice. ‘I’m so sorry you’ve been through that on your own.’

I smiled sadly. ‘You’ve had enough to deal with without me adding to your problems.’

‘I’ll be fine.’ She pressed her lips together and began to pleat her napkin. ‘And anyway, I’d never be too busy to talk to you.’

Dad looked at us both and an expression of worry flashed across his face. Poor Dad. Two daughters in their thirties, both with man troubles, and him about to leave the country.

‘Well, he had me fooled; I thought you’d found yourself a gentleman and that you were having a great time in London.’ Dad sat back in his upholstered chair, frowning. ‘I feel a right idiot for not noticing anything.’

‘Me too,’ I said, my voice shaky with relief that they’d believed me without question.

‘He was lovely when you first met him,’ said Evie. ‘Even Darren said so, and he doesn’t give praise lightly. We were all taken in.’

I noticed how naturally she dropped Darren’s name into conversation. I hoped with all my heart that the spark between them was still alive. I had no intention of interfering, but now I was back, I was going to monitor that spark and if I did see an opportunity to fan the flames, I would do so.

Dad patted Evie’s hand and sighed. He was very fond of Darren; I knew it must be hard for him to stand by and witness their break-up.

‘You’re well rid,’ Evie added in disgust.

‘I read up about narcissists on the train. Apparently that’s their MO. They love-bomb you to start with, and once you trust them they gradually start wearing you down, undermining your confidence until you’re so unsure of yourself that they can swoop in and control you.’

Evie shivered. ‘Sounds horrific.’