Bethany fell to her knees. She screamed after them as she watched Susan and Donny walk off into the distance. ‘He’s your son, Donny. He’s your fucking son.’

But no one was listening. She stayed where she was, crying her eyes out until a noise from behind her made her stop and turn round. Somebody was there. She tried to get a better look. Nothing. Whoever it was had done a runner.

Donny held his wife’s hand tightly. ‘Will you come home now, babe? I just want to put this mess behind us.’

Susan took a deep breath and stopped walking. She turned to face her husband and narrowed her eyes. ‘You always come up smelling of roses, don’t you, Donny Knight. I’d just like to know what else you are hiding.’

Donny pulled her closer and squeezed her tight. ‘It was years ago, babes, long before we met. I never in a million years ever thought she had had a kid, let alone me being his dad. I love you, babes, me and you always. Please just let’s get back to normal, I can’t stand you not being with me.’

Susan was still looking at him like he was a shite on the bottom of her shoe. ‘Things change, Donny, I don’t know if I can ever trust you again. I feel like you’re a born liar,’ she said.

‘Susan, for fuck’s sake. Please don’t make me beg, I said I’m sorry, just let’s get back to normal and let me make it up to you. I can make this right, please let me try.’

She looked at him, pursed her lips. ‘I’m not moving out, Donny, because after all I made that house, not you. Just don’t expect too much from me.’

All Donny cared about was that his wife would be back in his bed, he would feel safe again, right now nothing else mattered. After a few days she’d calm down and everything would be back to normal. He’d buy her a gift, a flash handbag, yes, he smiled at the thought. Donny felt his usual bravado coming back. His missus loved him again and life would be back to normal in no time. And this time, he’d be careful – he’d come too close to losing it all.

Chapter Twenty-Seven