I perch on the arm of the other sofa, uncomfortable and fearful about what he’s discovered. I take a breath and exhale out through my mouth. ‘I went to London today to speak to Kate and Shaun’s old neighbours.’

‘What did you do that for, Rachel?’

His cutting tone is like a knife to my stomach. ‘Why are you speaking to me so horribly? Matt, this isn’t like you.’

He gives me a look that chills my heart. ‘While you were snooping around in London, I went to see Kate and Shaun today.’

‘You went to see Kate and Shaun? Why? Whatever they told you, it’s probably all lies.’

‘Lies? So you didn’t break into their house last night?’

Shit.

‘You didn’t smash a window and go into Bella’s bedroom? That’s a lie, is it?’

‘I…’

He shakes his head and takes another slug of beer.

‘You followed her home from school, Rachel. She’s a child. Someone else’s child!’

‘She’s my child.’

‘She’s not your child. She’s nothing to do with you. Look, I was patient and sympathetic because of what you told me about Holly. But you’ve gone too far. You need help.’

I get to my feet and start twisting my fingers. ‘What did Kate say to you? Did you find anything out about Bella?’

‘I know you think Bella is your child, Rachel, but you have to accept that she’s not. You have to stop all this.’

‘How do you know she’s not mine? You don’t know.’

The look Matt gives me is one you might give a stranger – a pitying look filled with disdain. It makes my insides quiver with fear. Doesn’t he love me any more? Has his patience run out after so short a time of knowing my secret? Is this the end of us? My world is tilting and shifting. I feel as though I’m sliding off the edge and I can’t hold on.

Matt bows his head and rests his forehead on his arms. Like it’s all too much for him. Well maybe it is, but what about me? He doesn’t know what it’s like to lose a child. I really thought he’d be more understanding. I’m gutted at his lack of sympathy.

‘She’s mine,’ I insist, even though I know this line of conversation will only push him further away. But I can’t spare his feelings, because I can’t deny my daughter. I can’t do it. Not even to appease Matt. ‘If you could just wait for the results of the DNA test, I’ll be able to prove it to you.’

He glances up at this, confusion on his face.