Diana chopped the onions while she pondered, and then paused as her phone beeped. Michael. Her heart skipped a beat. He was always reliable, punctually phoning or messaging her when he said he would. With the distance between them, the occasions they could be together were rare, but cherished and more special because of it. There would have been no distance between them, if only… Quashing that thought, Diana downed her knife. She had no time for regrets. The past was the past. Her focus now had to be on her daughter’s future, whatever the emotional cost to herself.

Picking up her phone, she checked the text.

Still on for next week?

Desperate to meet, Diana replied.

Naturally, he sent back. Not conceitedly. Diana knew he wasn’t an arrogant man.

Obviously, she said.

Shall I call you? he asked.

Not a good idea. Karla is still here.

Ah, no problem. How is she? he enquired, aware of why she was there.

Hurting, Diana answered honestly.

You need to talk to her.

Diana took a breath. I know. I just have to be sure.

You know where I am if you need me.

Diana wished he was there. Ireland suddenly seemed so very far away. It will keep until we meet.

I look forward to it, Michael assured her. Whatever the outcome, I’ll be there, Diana. I should always have been.

But he couldn’t have been, could he? Diana had loved him with her whole being, but as a married man with a small income and a two-year-old child, Michael had struggled with his conscience. Diana had eventually made his decision for him. She’d chosen Robert, fancying that a comfortable life where her child would be abundantly provided for might soften the pain of her loss. Perhaps living this life of purgatory had been her just deserts? Diana had pondered that often, but there was nothing to be done about it now, other than what she had to.

See you soon. She signed off with a kiss, and then, cursing the onions, wiped a tear from her eye and went back to her recipe. She was chopping the courgettes when her phone pinged in another text. Diana had been expecting this one too.

Are you still sure you want me to go to the press? Julie had sent.

Positive. Diana replied.

But I thought the payments were to ensure I didn’t. Julie was obviously concerned. Are you positive he won’t try to sue me?

Absolutely. He’ll be in no position to, trust me. And it’s high time Robert found out what it’s like to be bullied and blackmailed, don’t you think? Ask him for one more payment and then go for it.

I’ll email him now. Do you want me to transfer your share of the payment to the usual account? Julie asked.