Maya’s hunch was right. By the time we rejoined the party, there were a circle of guests standing where we’d all been dancing and Noah and Michael were in the centre of it. Noah was saying something, but I couldn’t work out what because of the buzzing in my ears which had started when Ned had told me he’d raised the money to buy me out. However, reading the expressions on the faces of those closest to the two men, I guessed it was something romantic and when Noah dropped down on one knee, I knew exactly which four words he was going to utter next.

Tears sprang to Michael’s eyes and his hands flew to his face in surprise, but I knew he had said yes. He pulled Noah to his feet and the pair hugged as the circle around them erupted into cheers and Abbie, wheeled herself forward to let off a confetti cannon, showering the happy couple in a cloud of rainbow coloured paper. Clearly, she’d known what Noah had in mind for the evening and had come prepared.

As everyone began to sing a rousing rendition of ‘For They Are Jolly Good Fellows’, my gaze flicked to where Ned was standing. He was with Maya who was singing and clapping along, but he looked as absent as I felt and I wished I knew what he was thinking. It was utter torture, but I couldn’t seem to stop my head from imagining the same scene playing out next year, only with him and Maya at the centre of the circle and a very beautiful solitaire diamond sparkling in a turquoise box.

I tried to push my way out of the crowd, but couldn’t and then Noah and Michael were doing the rounds, hugging and kissing everyone with the happiest smiles lighting up both their faces and I knew I was going to have to endure it a little longer. If I left now, my absence would be noted and that was the last thing I wanted.

‘Congratulations!’ I beamed. ‘I’m so happy for you both.’

‘I can’t believe it,’ said Michael, who hugged me as if he had known me forever. ‘I had no idea.’

‘I blame my brother,’ said Noah, trying and failing to sound as if this was an everyday occurrence. ‘What with all his talk of romance and marriage. It must have been catching!’

‘Well,’ I said, ‘I’m truly thrilled for you. This is certainly one Christmas party that no one’s going to forget in a hurry.’

I knew certain details were going to be imprinted on my memory forever.

‘Are you suggesting the party I had planned needed something extra, Liza?’ Maya pretended to pout, as she appeared at my side with a tray of champagne.

‘No,’ I told her, unable to meet her eye. ‘Of course not. It was already amazing Maya.’