‘It’ll mean sorting you out a studio, of course. I was thinking about one of those smart log cabins in the garden. Your own space, what do you think?’

I stare at Aiden in total disbelief, then turn back around to look at Owen, who shrugs his shoulders, uncomfortably.

‘I think it’s time I made a swift exit and left you guys to it,’ he says, rather sheepishly, and within seconds he’s gone. Aiden, hasn’t moved a muscle.

‘Well, I thought I knew you as well as I know myself, Fern. You think after knowing someone for, what, thirteen years that you’ve seen it all. But you proved me wrong, my very own artist. Keep those surprises coming, babe, life was boring without you and that’s the truth. Welcome home, Fern.’

We’re staring at each other like strangers, but seconds later our arms are wrapped around each other. Aiden’s hug is so tight, I can barely breathe through my tears. It’s several minutes before either of us can talk and when I look up at him, his confusion is heart-wrenching.

‘What made you come back early?’ he whispers, his voice hoarse.

‘I needed to reassure myself this life still existed,’ I admit.

He groans and suddenly he pulls back a little. What I see is a momentary look of fear in his eyes. A cold feeling runs down my spine like a trickle of icy water.

‘And what are you doing here?’ I question him, frowning. I thought he was heading for Bangkok.

I can see how troubled he is – I was right to be scared because something is wrong here.

‘I’ve been back for six weeks, now. Work is busy, and they were struggling.’ He pauses, nervously. ‘The truth is that it wasn’t the same without you by my side, Fern. I wasn’t the same person.’

Aiden releases his hold and his hands seek out mine, grabbing them both tightly as he leans back to gaze at me. It’s a look of such intensity that it’s as if he’s trying to see into my very core, but his anxiety is tangible.

‘Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t anyone talk to me about what was happening here?’

‘Because I arrived back when everything was kicking off and none of us wanted you to come back until you were ready. I went along with it because I needed some time to get my head together.’ His look is earnest, regretful – pained.

‘But… but it was you who wanted this year of discovery, this time to find yourself. It wasn’t about me, Aiden, it never was.’