‘So you decided to paint me without even considering you should have asked my permission, first? And you hung it on the wall and showed it to someone else.’ I’m finding it hard to suppress my annoyance, not least because what I’m feeling should be disgust for his betrayal, not love. Instead, I want to throw my arms around him and bury my head on his chest. I want to hear the beat of his heart and feel the warmth of his body next to mine. And now he’s telling me he has moved on.

‘I’m sorry. I never meant to offend you,’ he looks at me, dismayed by my reaction. ‘Your presence in my life opened my eyes to so many things. It was tough knowing that you had a loving family to go back to and I had nothing to remind me of you. My intention was never to alienate, or use you, Fern, please believe that.’

‘But you said in your letter that you loved me. But I think you’re confused, because you don’t love someone simply because they inspire you. And what about Isabel?’

He shakes his head and I hear a sigh escape from his lips.

‘Can I speak freely? Or have you simply come to vent that obvious anger. Anger I don’t think I deserve, by the way.’

I stare at him, unblinking.

‘I came here to confront you. You were my mentor and I trusted you. All I want is the truth.’

‘And that’s what you’ll get.’ Now I’ve angered him. ‘I never hid the fact that I was close with Isabel, but she knows I can’t return her love. You didn’t want to believe that because it eased your conscience when you walked away. But you and I, we hadn’t done anything wrong, Fern. It’s not a crime to fall in love with someone.

‘Isabel and I have history stretching way back; we argue and we do business together, but that’s it and I’ve always been honest with her. There’s a side to Isabel with which I simply can’t connect. And now I know what true love means, I could never settle for less. You saved me from being talked into something for all the wrong reasons, Fern.’

Is he right? When I left, was I running away from my own emotional turmoil? Were there feelings I didn’t want to acknowledge because that would have meant I was giving up on my marriage. And now it’s too late, the moment has passed.

‘It’s irrelevant, Nico. The damage has been done and I just want to see the painting you dared to share with Isabel, without my knowledge, or consent.’ I’m tired and confused and I just want this to be over before I say something I’ll regret.

‘It’s hanging in the attic.’