But images of herself in a cat fight with Imogen jump into her head, and she knows the footage would be aired over and over again. She’s not going to give anyone the satisfaction of saying a word and bites down on her lip, almost drawing blood. She gives a little shake of the head to Ben before pushing up out of her armchair and walking away, leaving Imogen and the rest of the girls watching after her.

Back in the house, she settles on the lounge. She leans back against the cushions and closes her eyes, trying to forget that she willingly confined herself to this nuthouse. Gradually, as images of Imogen and the cameras fade from her mind, she remembers back to not all that long ago when she was still in the outside world. On this particular day, Bonnie had been perched on a stepladder in her studio, pinning up a new backdrop when she heard the door push open. ‘Won’t be a minute.’

‘Don’t rush on my account.’

The voice sent an electric rush through her body. Bonnie spun so quickly that she nearly fell off the ladder. ‘Ollie, hi.’ She was sure her blood pressure increased immediately. It had been a few days since she’d run into him and Sophie at the supermarket.

‘This place looks great,’ he said, glancing around the studio. The walls were all white with large canvases and prints of some of Bonnie’s favourite shots blown up. A small waiting area with purple velvet lounges was at the front, with a kids’ corner of toys and colouring-in books. Bonnie’s large desk was even tidy for the moment. Two areas dedicated to studio shoots were both set up, styled with distinct themes and props nearby.

‘Thank you.’

‘You did it,’ he commented. ‘You always said this is what you wanted to do.’

Bonnie remembered her teenage self spilling her deepest dreams to Oliver. She’d wanted to be a photographer, a proper photographer who didn’t have to do another job on the side just to get by. She wanted her own studio, she wanted people to book her in advance. Everything she’d wanted all those years ago she’d managed to achieve. It felt good and she was proud. She’d worked hard and was good at her job. There was just that horrible niggle that it didn’t feel as good as she’d thought it would. Because, when she’d been dreaming up those big dreams, she’d always imagined Oliver by her side.

‘I’m stoked for you.’

Bonnie smiled, shaking away old memories and ill feelings. She wished she wasn’t longing for someone to share her happiness with. She wished she were enough. She should be enough.

‘Anyway, I just wanted to drop by and say hello properly, you know, without Sophie around. I hope it wasn’t too awkward the other day.’