Ben shook his head, looking into his lap. ‘Nothing. I’m fine. Sorry.’

Charlotte rubbed his hand. The hand that had been so familiar to her for all those years. ‘Ben, is Bella … um, does she ever hurt you? Physically, I mean?’

Immediately, Ben tensed but he didn’t reply. He wouldn’t meet Charlotte’s eye and he had reddened slightly.

‘Remember that I’ve seen it before, Ben. At work. I’ve done stories on it in the past and you remind me of a man I once interviewed, who was in that situation. You don’t seem right, Ben. You seem unhappy. Worse, you seem scared.’

The fact that Ben didn’t immediately respond told Charlotte everything she needed to know. ‘I’m OK,’ he muttered.

Charlotte took a deep breath. ‘You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Ben. This is not your fault. But you don’t have to stay in this situation, either. You can leave.’

Ben gave a sad smile. ‘No, actually. I can’t. And that’s the reason why.’ He motioned towards Elodie, who was finally beginning to tire. She drew to a stop and slid off the horse, before running to Ben, who scooped her up onto his lap, where she snuggled into him, her thumb sliding into her mouth.

Charlotte nodded her understanding. Leaving wasn’t an easy option, if it meant being parted from his child. And Bella was definitely the type to use the child as a weapon ‘OK,’ she sighed, once more standing up. ‘But Ben, will you promise to call me anytime you feel unsafe? I’m only ten minutes away and I will be there for you whenever you need me.’

Ben nodded but Charlotte noticed that he didn’t promise anything. ‘And could you try to visit your mum one day? Even if it was just while Bella was at work – maybe she doesn’t even have to know? It would mean the world to Jo. And I think it would mean the world to you, too, wouldn’t it?’

Ben kissed the top of Elodie’s head and looked up at Charlotte with a tired smile. ‘I’ll try.’

Charlotte knew he wouldn’t do it but at least she had given it her best shot. ‘Well, as I said, call me anytime, day or night.’

‘Thanks.’ Ben leaned in and whispered something into Elodie’s ear. ‘’Bye ’bye!’ Elodie shouted, waving frantically at Charlotte.

Charlotte waved back, as she walked away, wishing she could scoop the two of them up and take them home with her. ‘’Bye ’bye, Elodie. Goodbye, Ben.’

Chapter Thirty-Three

I picked up my bag from under my desk and walked out of my office, just as Marcus was emerging from his. ‘You off home?’ he said, gesturing towards my bag.

I nodded. ‘Yes. Promised I’d be home in time to put the little one to bed.’

Marcus smiled. ‘I always make sure mine are fast asleep by the time I get home, so I don’t have to do any of that.’

I raised my eyebrows. ‘Why doesn’t that surprise me? Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow.’