She fell into Callie’s arms as she sobbed and clung on to her for dear life. Ella couldn’t believe he’d planned the whole thing, she couldn’t believe anyone could be so cruel. She thought they’d been in love. He’d kissed her like she’d never been kissed before, he’d made her laugh and feel beautiful in her own skin. They were going to be together forever. He’d said so and she’d believed him.

‘What the hell am I going to do? I’ve lost everything!’

Ella’s Johnson’s whole life had just fallen apart… again.

Chapter One

Six months later

With her stomach rumbling, Ella emptied the contents of her purse and stared at the ten-pound note and a handful of coppers as they rolled on to the kitchen table. She was absolutely broke and this was all the money she had to her name. Next to the shrapnel lay the pile of credit card statements that had accumulated over the last six months. Alex had certainly gone to town spending without her knowledge, and she was liable for all the debt. The last six months had taken their toll on Ella. She’d sold every scrap of furniture in her home and her business to try and make ends meet, but she was still struggling to keep on top of her finances.

And now, with all of her belongings packed inside a suitcase, her emotions were all over the place. One second she was angry, then embarrassed, the next, heartbroken. And unless the police managed to track Alex down, it was unlikely she was ever going to get her money back. She’d lost everything and the police had no new leads at all.

Another wave of emotion hit her, and she blinked back the tears and looked at the clock. Callie had arrived a couple of days ago. She’d been a tower of strength for the last six months and had helped Ella to sell as much as she could from the house.

‘I’m not going to ask you how you slept.’ Callie walked into the kitchen. ‘You look shattered.’

‘I am shattered.’ Ella pushed the loose change towards Callie across the table. ‘This is it – all I have to my name.’

Callie sat down opposite Ella. ‘I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to worry about that right now. These things have a way of working themselves out, and you need to start thinking about you. I’ve booked the train tickets. We’re on the 12.15pm train to Inverness.’

Ella went to open her mouth but was shut down by Callie. ‘No arguing, and don’t worry about the cost. What you need is good, decent people around you, and Heartcross is the place for that. Trust me.’