Please respond to my text messages about the insurance money. I understand it has been paid entirely to you. Apart from the fact that half of it belongs to me, it proves that you at least have the funds necessary to support our daughter.

As you have not cooperated in any way to financially support your family since we lost everything in the fire – house, car, belongings, etc. – and as you have control of the finances, I have found it necessary to take what employment has been offered to me, in order to support myself and our daughter.

I have accepted a position that requires me to spend some time in Bali, Indonesia. My mother is caring for our daughter, using her own finances, until I can make arrangements for Daisy to join me in Bali, where I will be working for the next couple of months.

You have no home, no belongings and are travelling overseas. I feel Daisy will have a more stable and secure life with me in Indonesia in a comfortable home and she can attend school in the expatriate community. She is old enough to value the experience and learn from it. I have attached details regarding Daisy’s accommodation and schooling while we are in Bali. My mother will also be with us. I’m sure we can agree that Daisy will be well looked after. I don’t want to prevent Daisy from seeing you – you are her father. If you let me know when you will be back from India, we can work something out, I’m sure.

I want our marital and financial situation settled as soon as practicable. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.

Grace

After carefully re-reading the email, Grace hit ‘send’ and sent up a silent prayer that Lawrence wouldn’t cause problems. She knew she’d done the right thing in informing him. Then she turned her mind to the next important issue: explaining what was happening to Daisy.

She held her daughter on her lap and told her that Mummy had to go away for a little while for work, but that very soon Daisy and Nana would come and join her for a while in a magic place. ‘It’ll be like a special holiday.’

‘But I want to go with you now, Mumma.’

‘I know, sweetheart. But I need to go and get things ready for you and Nana. Then when you get there, you’ll get such a lovely surprise. You know how you have to wait for big surprises . . . like your birthday, holidays, Christmas? Well, it won’t be fun if you come and nothing is ready. It’s going to be so amazing, you won’t believe it.’

Daisy’s lip trembled but her interest was clearly piqued. ‘Like what sort of surprise?’

‘If I tell you it won’t be a surprise.’ Grace tickled Daisy and she squirmed, giggling.

‘Gimme a clue.’