After a long afternoon of break-ups and tears and apologies, Darcy finishes up for the day. Her hands are shaking as she shoves her water bottle and phone into her bag. She had convinced herself that she could squash down the feelings for Ed that have been hovering like a second shadow. But now that she’s made the decision to leave The One she can actually take a breath and let herself think about what she wants for a second. Her feelings for Ed keep creeping up on her. She needs to tell him how she feels; she doesn’t want to waste any more time. Penelope tried to protect Ty from pain, but instead she just robbed them of time they could have spent together.

Darcy wants to speed through the Sydney peak-hour traffic but it’s a slow crawl to Ed’s place. She tries to stay calm and focused, but frustration quickly builds, her desire to see him increasing by the second.

Her usual parking spot has been taken up with a limousine, and Darcy curses as she has to go around the block and park at the bottom of the hill.

She’s puffed by the time she reaches Ed’s apartment block and tells herself she’ll start going to the gym more. She strides down the hall, ready to launch her mission.

Without hesitation, she knocks and waits …

But female laughter from behind the door chills her entire body. Panic rushes through her and natural instinct makes her want to run. But Ed flings the door open too quickly. He’s dressed in a suit and her knees go a little weak. She wants to swoon or at least hold her heart.

‘Darce, hi.’ Ed’s eyes are wide and it doesn’t take Darcy very long to figure out why.

Over his shoulder stands Zoe in a sparkling gown, drenched in makeup and shiny hairdresser hair. The female laughter had come from her. What is Zoe Eggins doing dressed up in Ed’s apartment?

Ed’s face washes white. ‘Zoe asked me to go with her to an awards night.’

Ed is Zoe’s date?

Darcy feels sick. Is that a tumor she feels in the pit of her stomach?

Zoe smiles, but it’s fake and infuriating, her eyes narrowed. ‘Hi Darcy.’

‘Hello.’ Darcy’s body stiffens, her hands clenching by her side.

‘Is everything okay?’ Ed asks. She used to show up on his doorstep unannounced all the time, but the kiss has really screwed up what’s normal for them.

All the words that were ready to come pouring out are now hiding, terrified of Zoe Eggins getting even a sniff of the truth.

But she doesn’t get to reply, because Zoe says, ‘I saw all that stuff going on with the show you’re working on. Can’t be good if the guy publicly declares his feelings for his ex?’