‘Four months before we were supposed to be married,’ he goes on, his eyes never leaving the book in his hands. ‘It was supposed to be our wedding this weekend.’ Ty’s whole face has become consumed with heartbreak. He’d been hiding behind a mask for the last couple of months, but he’s taken it off and now everything is so clear.

He still loves her. He’s still in love with his ex.

Oh God.

Bonnie’s throat suddenly feels dry. She picks up one of the champagne glasses and drains it.

Stay calm.

But her heart is racing, and a darkness pierces her heart as she processes what this means for her.

‘Cut!’ Darcy finally calls.

Ty’s head turns sharply to look at Bonnie, like she’s snapped him out of a hypnotic spell. He’s confused at first, but as his eyes meet hers, he seems to realise what he’s been talking about and where he is. His eyes are apologetic; he knows what he’s inadvertently done.

For Bonnie, this is over.

Chapter 36

36

Four months earlier

Penelope has been sitting on the edge of the lounge for about forty-five minutes when she finally hears Ty arrive home. She braces herself, standing to greet him, but then sits down again, unsure what she’s going to say. Her stomach aches, her hands shake.

The door pushes open. ‘Hey,’ he says, a smile filling his face as he sees her.

Oh, she’s missed him. She has no idea how she’s going to do this.

‘I don’t think I’m going to have a bucks,’ he moans. ‘I can’t do another weekend like that for at least five years.’ He dumps his bag on the floor and she sees his face as he takes in her bags, packed and waiting. The rest are already in her car.

‘Are you going somewhere?’

Everything is about to change. She wishes she could hold on to what they have for another day, but she doesn’t trust herself. If she doesn’t do this now, she’ll trap him into a life he doesn’t deserve.

‘I’m leaving.’ The words sound clunky and unnatural and not at all what she’d planned.

‘What?’ Ty eyes her, trying to figure out what she means.

‘I can’t marry you.’ Her heart cracks as the words slip from her lips.