‘Didn’t he tell you? They were engaged,’ Olivia said. ‘Erin was planning their wedding when she found out she had breast cancer, and while none of us were surprised when they postponed their plans, we didn’t realise it was Nick who pushed back the date and not Erin’s treatment plan. Apparently, my brother wasn’t prepared to take on someone in sickness and in health. They split up.’

‘But why would he do that?’ insisted Tara.

‘Because Nick always puts himself first,’ Olivia said, only to shake her head. ‘He’s family so, fool that I am, I have to see it from his perspective. He worked really hard, and at the time, he was being headhunted for a dream job in a new firm. He couldn’t pursue his career and look after a sick fiancée at the same time. In some ways, it was a blessing in disguise for Erin. She found Josh and he became her rock, which was far better than Nick’s shifting sands.’

‘Did Nick keep in touch with her?’ April asked.

‘Nooo. Although she did ask to meet him just before she went into the hospice. To clear the air, I suppose.’

April cringed as she recalled the awful things she had said about Erin in the last group session. It had been totally undeserved, whereas there was more reason than ever to despise Nick. The story of the affair had been a lie from start to finish. How could he smear Erin’s memory like that, especially after everything else he had done to her? Feeling sick to her stomach, April saw an echoing look of contempt on Olivia’s face. She pulled herself together to ask one more question. ‘If Erin had forgiven Nick, why haven’t you?’

Olivia’s head had a distinct wobble as she glanced up to the hotel entrance, seeking escape. ‘I thought I had. When Erin died, Nick lost all interest in himself. It was probably what convinced me that he might have actually cared for her, and I felt sorry for him.’

‘Are you suggesting his feelings weren’t genuine?’ Tara asked.

‘Maybe. I’m not sure. Sorry, I’ve drunk too much, too fast,’ Olivia said. ‘I came here because I wanted to honour Erin’s memory, but I also carry my brother’s shame. You would think dumping a seriously ill woman as if she were unnecessary baggage was as low as he could sink, but after some of the things I’ve heard tonight, apparently not. I almost wish he had dared to show up. He needs to see that there are good people in the world, although he’d probably be working out whose pockets he can pick.’

Tara sucked in her breath. ‘Are you saying he cons people out of their money?’