Flynn was quick to appear and address the room. ‘Firstly, thank you all for coming and braving the weather just to help us out this evening. We really do appreciate it. The weather warnings are severe for the next hour, so if there are any problems with the electricity, can we ask you all to stay in your seats? Hopefully that will not be the case and the weather will calm down, but we will be bringing candles out to every table, so don’t panic. Our waiters and waitresses will be filling up your glasses and your first course will be out very soon. In the meantime try and relax.’

As Ella began to walk away, Alex grabbed her wrist. ‘What’s happened was unfortunate, but I can provide proof from the centre I’ve been staying at. I was ill, Ella. I know this is all a shock but it’s the truth. I still love you. We can make this work. I know we can.’

For a split second Ella actually wondered if he was telling her the truth. He seemed sincere, and if he could provide proof? But immediately her head batted those feelings away. She’d been in love with who she thought he was. He wasn’t even a doctor, the police had said so, he didn’t even work at the hospital. And surely, he could have been in touch to let her know he was okay, at least. Why was he back? Had he thought she’d landed on her feet again, mixing with the rich and famous, and wanted a part of it? Ella just had no clue who he really was. All she knew was that she no longer felt in love with this man; she was in fear of what he was capable of and she needed to take control.

‘Let me just use the bathroom and we can talk.’ Ella was thankful she sounded calm, as all she really wanted to do was get out of there and let the police investigate the situation.

Her whole body was beginning to shake as she walked towards the bathroom, and the second the door closed behind her she slumped against the wall and tried to control her breathing. Almost immediately the door was flung open and Ella brought her hands up to her chest and gasped.

‘You frightened the life out of me.’

Isla was standing in front of her. ‘They’ve sent me, as it may look odd if all of us pile in here. Are you okay? What’s going on?’