‘I’ve been wondering about this for years. It has been in the back of my mind; niggling me. Why did you run to our house, the night you left Aiden the first time? I know you didn’t come to see me, because I told you I was going away on a business trip. Why did you need to see Miles alone?’

‘I thought you were going to be there too.’

‘But I told you.’ My voice sounds whingey and plaintive.

She shakes her head. ‘I must have been so stressed at leaving Aiden that I forgot. When I arrived I was surprised you weren’t there.’

‘I even sent you a text.’

‘I never received a text, I promise. I wasn’t trying to spend the night with your husband alone. He’s been my friend, my sounding board, for many years now. But I wasn’t saying anything to him that I wouldn’t have shared with you.’

‘But Miles won’t tell me what was said. As if it was not for my ears.’

‘That’s just him being too private, too cautious. Because I was upset. In tears.’

‘So, leaving Aiden had nothing to do with your feelings for Miles?’

She laughs. ‘No way. Aiden became difficult. Too obsessed by money. I thought you’d have realised that. Over the years you’ve had to spend enough time with him.’ Her face is crumpling with concern, as she looks at me. ‘Please believe me, there is nothing between Miles and me, except friendship. We do get on well, but we just don’t fancy each other. What’s got into you? You and Miles are so close. You have such a special relationship. Why are you so worried?’

I’m crying now. Full-blown tears running down my face. ‘Caprice told me he’s about to leave me, for you. She said she heard you talking together on the phone last week.’

‘I haven’t spoken to Miles for months.’ Julie pauses. ‘Look, Caprice is a troublemaking bitch who has got it in for you because you’re married to her favourite son, who adores you. She’s jealous. Push it away. Don’t let her get to you.’

‘And Aiden?’ I ask.

‘Well, he’s Machiavellian too. And he’s always had the hots for you.’

‘I do have trouble with him pestering me,’ I sniff, pulling out a tissue and starting to dry my tears. ‘But I thought it was because he was jealous that you loved Miles?’

‘Where do you get this from? I don’t love Miles. Our relationship ended over two decades ago. I am in love with Conrad. Aiden is a bastard who always wants what he can’t have and takes what he has for granted. That’s why I left him. There’s no more to it than that. All he cares about is money, and women he can’t have.’