Jason’s eyes are full of hurt as he looks at me. His jaw is tense, but other than that, he doesn’t react.

‘You’re responsible for your company going under. No one else.’ Guilt tugs at my conscience as I blurt the words out. But even knowing how much I’m hurting him, still I can’t subdue the monster inside me. ‘You wouldn’t have needed my father’s money if you’d managed your business properly. You could’ve sold it before you had to and done something different – or else swallowed your pride and taken the damn money!’

Jason holds my gaze. His eyes are thunderous, so dark they’re almost black. ‘I did swallow my pride, Karla,’ he says quietly. ‘If I’d taken the money, trust me, that really would have made me a failure. Now, if you wouldn’t very much mind, I’d like to get to my son.’

His gaze travels to the hallway beyond me, his line of vision lowering, and my blood freezes. Whirling around, I wish I could suck the words back. It’s too late. My little boy has heard it all, every foul thing that has spilled from my mouth.

‘Josh…’ I take a tentative step towards him, but Josh steps back, darting a glance at his father. ‘Josh, I’m so sorry baby,’ I say tremulously. ‘I’m not angry with you, sweetheart.’

Taking another step, I extend my hands, desperate to reassure him. To feel his small body close to mine.

Josh doesn’t move. His little face is bewildered; his fists are balled defensively at his sides. I look into his eyes – rich brown eyes that mirror his father’s, full of uncertainty and fear. He has tears streaming down his cheeks. I blink away a rush of shame-filled emotion as I realise it’s me he’s frightened of.

Jason steps sideways past me as I stand there, feeling impotent under the distrustful gaze of my innocent child. He places his hands on our son’s shoulders. Then, looking me over with a mixture of disappointment and remorse, he turns his gaze to the stairs.

My heart sinks to the pit of my stomach as I realise Holly is there, standing uncertainly halfway down. ‘You’re a horrible person,’ she whispers, fixing me with a defiant glare.

‘Holly…’ Jason says quietly.

Holly’s eyes flick to his.

Jason doesn’t say any more, simply shakes his head. It’s enough. Heeding his unspoken warning, Holly drags her disgusted gaze away from me and turns to flee up the stairs.

‘Come on, tiger.’ His voice strained, Jason turns his attention back to Josh. ‘Let’s go and get dressed, and then we can grab breakfast on the way, hey?’

Josh’s reproachful eyes stay on mine for a second, and then he permits his father to steer him away, guiding him up the stairs before him.