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‘Oh please no, no, no!’ Her voice was a pained whisper. ‘What is he doing here?’ The vehemence and anger she managed to imbue into a single word made him rock back in shock. He’d never heard pure hate from her before.

Chapter Seventeen

Anger and fear flooded Evelyn’s veins. Charlie, that low-down, sorry excuse for an ex and a father had the audacity to show up on Summer’s special day and potentially ruin it. He hadn’t had the backbone to tell them he was unhappy, had instead cheated and lied, and nearly killed their daughter with his despicable behaviour.

He’d been so invested in impressing his new girlfriend that he’d cut off funds and refused the visits he and Summer were entitled to, and ignored them both for months. She didn’t know if it was his way of trying to protect himself from the pain of losing Summer, but she didn’t honestly care; when he’d first left, Summer had cried for weeks, asking where her dad was, and why he didn’t love her any more. With every one of Summer’s sobs, the remnants of Evelyn’s love for Charlie had disappeared – washed away by their daughter’s tears and replaced with anger.

And Evelyn had never been able to give her daughter any answer that could take away her hurt, ease her tears, or soothe the fact her dad wasn’t there for her.

She looked down at Summer, happily engrossed in her ice cream and laughing with Jake. In that moment, Evelyn knew she couldn’t bear to let Charlie take away anything else from Summer.

She could feel Jake’s eyes on her, and forced herself to stay calm as she met his worried gaze. ‘Can you please take Summer to find her nan?’

‘But you said I could go see Santa …’

‘And you will. But right now, I need you to go with Jake. Please.’

‘What’s wrong?’ Jake mouthed the words over Summer’s head.

Evelyn couldn’t keep her eyes from flicking to Charlie as he shouldered his way through the crowd, still looking around. He hadn’t spotted them yet, but it was only a matter of time. Despite the huge crowds, it wasn’t that big of a village.

Jake shook his head, not understanding.

‘My ex.’ Evelyn murmured the words, not wanting Summer to realise what was happening. ‘Now, Summer. Go with Jake to find Nanny, please. No arguments.’

‘I’m not sure I’m happy about this …’ Jake began.

‘Please, Jake …’ She took a deep breath, knowing time was running out. ‘I’m fine. Please, take Summer to find my mum.’

He nodded reluctantly, before holding a hand out to Summer. ‘Come on, let’s go find your nan.’

She pouted for a moment, before putting her hand in his and glaring at Evelyn. ‘I know something’s wrong. I’m not happy about this too.’

‘I know.’ Evelyn placed a kiss on her daughter’s cheek, once again amazed at how insightful she was becoming. ‘Thank you. I’ll come find you in a bit.’

She waved cheerfully as they headed away, and then turned back to where she’d last seen Charlie and squared her shoulders. She strode towards him.

‘What the hell are you doing here?’

‘Evie, sweetie.’ He smarmed his way towards her, the slick smile and hair that she used to love so much now looking slimy to her. ‘What type of greeting is that for your husband?’

‘Ex-husband. Or did you miss the decree absolute hitting your doormat?’

He waved dismissively. ‘You know what I’m like with paperwork. You look good, Evie.’

‘If I do, it’s no thanks to you.’ She kept her distance from him, but kept her voice down. She was only too aware that she was more in the public eye today than she’d ever been before. But even knowing that, she wasn’t willing to put up with any of his nonsense.

‘Aww, c’mon Evie. Don’t be like that.’ He reached out his hand towards her, and she pulled back sharply.

‘Why are you here, Charlie?’ She’d already spent more time in his company than she wanted to. Ever again. ‘You’re not welcome.’

Uncertainty clouded his face momentarily before the charming smile was back as he changed tack. ‘Where’s Summer?’

‘Why?’

‘Because I’d like to see her. She is my daughter.’

‘Oh really?’ The anger that had been bubbling in her veins geysered to the surface. ‘Where the hell were you when she needed you then? When we needed you? When Summer was in a hospital bed, fighting for her life against the infection you gave her, where the hell were you? When she was crying in pain and begging for her daddy, where were you?’