Around six thirty, I hear the roaring of an engine, lights illuminating the dark walls. As they switch off, my stomach flips. I start shaking, but I have no idea why. He can’t get in. Not unless he breaks a window or something. As I hear his car door open and shut, my mouth dries and my heart starts thumping.

The doorbell rings, but I stay rooted to the sofa in the dark, hoping he’ll think I’m not in. A few seconds go by before he rings the doorbell again. “Come on, Alice. I know you’re here because your car is parked outside. Stop sitting in the dark and come open the door. I have my suitcase. Stop being stupid and let me in.” When I don’t respond, he bangs on the door, making me jump. “I told you if you didn’t let me in, I’d break the fucking door down. You know me, Alice. I’m a man of my word. Just let me in so we can talk like adults.”

“Go away!” I shout.

He bangs quickly three times. “This is my fucking house. You can’t tell me to go away. I live here. Now open the fucking door.” He kicks at it, making it shudder. I wonder just how secure that door really is.

Feeling even more frightened, I grab my phone, my thumb hovering over the numbers. “If you don’t go away, I’m calling the police.”

He kicks the door again. “Good! Then you’ll be forced to let me in. You can’t do this, Alice. You can’t keep me away from my own home. Now let…me…in!” He kicks it a few more times. With each one, I think the door will fly open.

Feeling I have no other option, I dial 999 and wait for the operator.

“Emergency. Which service?”

“I need the police to come around to my house. My ex-husband is outside, threatening to kick the door down.”

“Okay. What’s your name and address?” I rattle it off to her. “Just sit tight, Alice, and someone will be around shortly. If need be, lock yourself in the bathroom.”

“Okay. Thank you,” I answer in a shaky voice.

Just then, I hear a series of bangs. “Stop being a fucking bitch and open the fucking door!”

“Did you hear that?” I ask the operator, my breathing getting heavier. My heart feels like it’s going to explode out of my chest.

“Yes. I heard every word. Don’t worry, Alice. They’re on their way as we speak. Just a couple more minutes.”

He starts banging so hard, I think he’s going to get in. “I’m scared,” I squeak. I know Kyle can be a little hot-headed, but he’s becoming more and more unstable.

“I know, honey. I’ll stay on the phone with you, okay? Someone will be there soon. Don’t you worry.”

Suddenly, he bangs on the window, making me squeal. “I’m going to break this fucking window. I don’t care of the cost. Open the fucking door!”

“He’s threatening to break the window,” I wail, running around the sofa, crouching behind it.

“Are you standing away from the windows?”

“Yes,” I answer. “I’m crouching behind the sofa.”

“Alice!” he screams.

I want to tell him to go the fuck away, but I know that’s just going to antagonise him further. I’m tired of his shit already.

Silence fills the room, which makes me more nervous. Has he given up?

“What’s happening, Alice? Keep talking,” the operator says in a calm voice.

My hands start to shake. “I don’t know,” I whisper. “I think he’s—”

The window smashes.

I scream. “He smashed the window! He smashed it!”

“Alice... Alice, listen to me. Run into the bathroom and lock yourself in. The police are two minutes away.”

I hear Kyle ranting and screaming as I run into the bathroom, slam the door, and lock it. “Please hurry,” I plead, tears running down my face.

“They should be there any moment. Can you hear the sirens?”

Placing my ear to the door, I try to focus on any noise. There’s nothing at first, then I hear the faint sound of sirens. “They’re coming.” I breathe out an exhausted breath. “I can’t do this,” I sob into the phone.

“You can, Alice. Just hang in there. The police will help you.”

“Thank you,” I say shakily.

“No problem at all, honey.”

I hear shouting and screaming from outside, then silence.

“Alice?! Alice Armstrong?! It’s the police. You can come out now.”

“They’re in my house.”

The operator breathes out a sigh of relief. “Okay. You can open the door now.”

“What’s your name?”

“My name’s Elizabeth.”

“Thank you, Elizabeth. I really appreciate what you’ve done.”

“No problem at all. It’s my job.”

Hanging up, I tentatively open the door and find a policeman standing in the hallway. As soon as I see him, I rush into his arms. “It’s okay, Alice. You’re safe now. We’ve got him in the car.”

Feeling silly, I pull away. “Sorry. I was just so scared. I shouldn’t be hugging you.”

I catch him looking at my eye before he smiles. “That’s okay. I’d much rather have that than getting assaulted any day.” He looks around. “Is there somewhere we can go so I can ask you some questions?”

I nod, pointing. “Sure. How about the living room? I just need to get some tissue and I’ll be right back. Would you like a drink?”

He smiles. “No, but thanks for offering. Get yourself something, though. I’m sure you could use a drink after that.”

Rushing into the kitchen, I grab myself some tissues and a glass of water before heading into the living room. The door is open and there’s glass all over the floor. Outside, I can see the faint flashing lights, but I don’t dare go near the window to look outside. I don’t want to see him.

As I walk toward the police officer sitting on the sofa, my phone rings. “Sorry,” I say, motioning toward the phone. “I’ll get rid of whomever that is.”

The police officer raises his hands and nods, so I pick up the phone. “Hello?”

“Alice, are you okay? I saw a police car heading in your direction and it got me worried.”

“Hi, Ethan. Everything’s fine. Kyle showed up, so I had to call the police. They’re here now, so I’m okay.”

“I’m coming over.”

“No, it’s...” Hearing the phone disconnect, I hang up. I look toward the police officer. “That was a friend and neighbour. He saw the lights and got concerned. He says he’s coming over.”

“I heard you mention Ethan. What’s his surname?”

I sit down on the couch. “Connor. Dr. Connor. He’s married…was married to my best…ex-best friend.” I shake my head. “It’s complicated.”

Nodding, he flicks open his small notepad and gets his pen ready. “That man out there is your husband?”

“Ex-husband,” I correct. “Around three weeks ago, I found him in bed with my best friend...”

He raises his eyebrows. “The one who’s married to this Dr. Connor?”

I nod. “Yes. I asked Kyle to leave, so he did, but he’s become increasingly agitated over the weeks. Especially since he received the divorce papers a few days ago. He threatened he would do this. He said this was his house and he had a right.”

He looks up from his writing. “He will need to obtain a court order for that.”

“That’s what my solicitor told me. Besides, I couldn’t live with someone like that.”

Using his pen, he points at my eye. “Was he responsible for that?”

At first, I say nothing, then nod. “When my friend, Sally, was over for a visit, Dr. Connor came by to make sure I was okay. Kyle turned up and started accusing him of trying to steal me away from him. He hit Ethan and I tried to intervene. That’s when Kyle hit me.” As instructed by my solicitor, I don’t say how.

Shaking his head, he starts writing, then looks up. “Why didn’t you call the police at the time?”

I shrug. “I suppose I was in shock. I had kind of hoped he would leave me alone after that.”

The doorbell rings. “Alice, it’s Ethan.”

I start getting up when the police officer stops me. “I’ll answer for you.” As I nod, he walks to the door. However, when Ethan spots me, he runs over.

“Are you okay?” he asks, sitting beside me.

I nod. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“Did that arsehole hurt you?”

“No. As you can see, though, my window suffered.”

He looks over at the window, then gets up to stand in front of the policeman. “I hope you’re going to arrest that fucker.”

The policeman holds his hands out. “Calm down, sir. I know tensions are high right now. Mrs. Armstrong and I were just discussing everything when you came around.”

Reaching out, I grab Ethan’s arm. “It’s okay. Sit. I just want to get this over and done with.”

He blows out a breath in anger, but relents and sits next to me. Once the police officer sees that Ethan is as calm as he can be, he sits on one of the sofa chairs.

“Now, can you tell me what happened from start to finish?”

I tell the officer about Kyle coming to my work and ripping up the divorce papers before threatening me. I then tell him about tonight. As he writes everything down, I say, “The operator, Elizabeth, heard everything that went on from the moment I called. I’m sure she can vouch for me.”

A knock sounds on the door and a police officer pushes it open, looking at the other one. “Can I have a word?”

They walk out and close the door behind them. Ethan grabs my hand. “I should have stayed with you tonight. I never imagined things would get this bad. You should have told me he threatened you.”

“And what would you have done about it?”

“I would have found him and kicked his fucking arse.”

Giggling, I nudge him. “Exactly. And then you’d be playing right into his hands. He would have had you arrested. You can’t have that. You’re a doctor.”

“I don’t care. It would have been worth it just to wipe that smug look he always has off his face.” He shakes his head before looking at me. “Why don’t you come live with me for a while? Just until this blows over.”

It’s tempting, I’d feel safer, but I shake my head. “Why should I be afraid in my own home? No. I won’t let him run me out of my house. I won’t let him win.”

“It’s not about winning and losing, Alice,” he says, moving closer. “You’re the mother of my child. If anything happens to you...” He grits his teeth, making me smile. I squeeze his hand.

“I know, and I’m really thankful that you care so much. Listen, if this escalates, I promise I’ll move. For the moment, though, I’m staying.”

“Trying to break down the door and smashing a window is escalating, don’t you think? He’s obviously unstable. When I got here, I saw him in the police car. He started hitting the window with his head and shouting at me.”

Frowning, I look away. “I can’t believe how much he’s changed. This is just so unlike him.”

“Or maybe he’s been like this all along and you’ve just never seen the real him because he kept you down for so many years.”

I’m about to retort when I close my mouth again. At the end of the day, no matter how much I argue, Ethan’s right. I just haven’t seen it until now.

The officer walks back in. “He’s been drinking, so we’re arresting him for breaching the peace and being drunk in charge of a vehicle. We’ll keep him overnight until he sobers up. We’ll also have the car towed. I assume you don’t want it stuck outside your house.”

Ethan shoots up from his seat. “What? That’s it? He scared Alice half to death and smashed her window, but all you’re going to do is keep him overnight?”

“Technically, it’s his window. He still owns half the property.”

Shoving his hands through his hair, Ethan starts pacing. “I don’t believe this.”

The police officer looks from Ethan to me. “I would suggest you get your solicitor to file a motion with the court for temporary exclusive possession of your home. You will need an injunction on either yourself or your property.”

I nod. “My solicitor is already on this. I’ll speak with him in the morning regarding an injunction.”

“Good.” He looks at the window. “Shall we call someone for you to cover that? You won’t get a new window tonight, but at least someone can secure it for you.”

I smile. “If you could, that would be great. Thank you.”

“No problem. Will you be okay?”

I look up at a pacing Ethan before glancing back at the police officer. “Yes, I will be.”

Finally, Ethan snaps his head to the officer. “I’ll stay with her. At least until someone gets here to fix the window.”

Nodding, the officer leaves, closing the door behind him. Ethan sits beside me. “You have to tell the solicitor about the baby. I know you want to keep this a secret, but Kyle’s getting out of hand. He needs to be reined in. If you’re expecting, no court in the land would allow someone like him near you.”

I know what he’s saying is true, but it concerns me. “If Kyle finds out about the baby, it may make him even more unstable.”

Ethan sucks in a breath. “Well, then, come and live with me.”

“Ethan, you can’t watch me twenty-four/seven. Besides, once I get this injunction, maybe he’ll finally stay away.” This divorce has only just started, but I’m already tired. “I don’t know,” I say, sighing. “Maybe I should just give in, sell the house, and give him half the money. At least I’d be free of him.”

Grabbing my hand, he moves closer. “Please, don’t give up now. He doesn’t deserve any of it. Not after what he’s done.”

Looking into his eyes, I smile. “You’re willing to give Sarah half of the house when you don’t have to. How is this any different?”

“It just is.”

“How?”

“There’s a big difference. For a start, Sarah hasn’t worked in years and has nowhere else to go. No matter what she’s done, I can’t see her homeless. That’s the gentlemanly thing to do. It’s a pity Kyle can’t extend the same courtesy to his wife.”

I sigh. “Kyle is a very selfish man.”

Ethan shakes his head. “He definitely is. I’ve never hated anyone in my life before. Even after what she did, I can’t even bring myself to hate Sarah. But Kyle... He’s definitely the exception to the rule.”

I pat his knee. “You may be a doctor, but you’re only human.” I get up. “Do you fancy a cup of tea? Maybe something stronger? A beer?”

He smiles. “A beer would go down nicely. Thanks.”

Ignoring the glass on the floor, I walk toward the kitchen and put on the kettle for me, then grab a bottle of beer for Ethan. Once my tea is ready, I put it, the beer, and a plate of biscuits on a tray, then walk into the living room to find Ethan sweeping up the glass.

He looks up. “I hope you don’t mind. I found these in the little cupboard under the stairs.”

“Not at all.” I smile brightly as I place the tray down.

“Why are you smiling like that?” he asks with a smirk.

I sit down and look at him with a laugh. “Kyle never did an ounce of housework. Seeing someone quite manly sweeping is refreshing.”

“Manly?” he asks, cocking an eyebrow. “You think I look manly?”

I feel myself blush. “Well, you’re obviously fit and healthy. You go to the gym regularly. You’re tall, muscular, and look like you can handle yourself. I saw as much when Kyle hit you.”

Ethan rolls his shoulders. “I used to kickbox years ago.”

“Really?”

“Yep. I enjoyed it, too.” Ethan sweeps the rest of the glass into the dustpan and walks toward the kitchen to throw it into the bin.

“Why did you stop?”

I hear nothing for a few seconds. “What was that?” he asks, walking toward my little cupboard.

“If you enjoyed it so much, why did you stop?”

He walks back in, picks up his beer, and sits in the chair. I don’t know why, but I feel a little lost when he does. Being close to him makes me feel...safe.

“I loved going to the gym and kickboxing, but in my final years of studying, I didn’t have time for both. I opted to drop the kickboxing because I wanted to remain fit. Besides, I’m sure I’d remember it if I had to use it. Thankfully, I have only had to once in my lifetime.”

I frown. “Oh no. When was that?”

Ethan takes a sip if his beer, then shrugs off his jacket. He has a pale pink shirt on, which looks good on him. When I look back at him, he’s smiling. “What?”

I blush again. “Nothing. It’s just, well… You look nice in pink. That’s all.”

“Why, thank you.”

“Anyway,” I say, waving my hand. “What happened to you?”

He sets his jacket beside him and settles back in the chair. “It was just before I met Sarah. I went out with some mates for a few drinks. As I walked back home, I was jumped. The guy held a knife to my throat and demanded that I give him my wallet.”

I gasp. “What happened?”

“I grabbed his arm and yanked him off me. As I spun, I kicked him in the head, knocking him out cold.”

“Did you call the police?”

He shakes his head. “No. I thought I might end up getting in trouble for assaulting him. There were no witnesses, so I figured if I let him off, he would do the same for me.”

“But what if he did it to someone else?”

He thinks about that for a moment. “I was a lot younger then. I talked myself into believing that he would think twice next time he wanted to mug someone.”

Shrugging, I nod. “I guess you were right. At least, I hope you were.”

“Besides, with the sentencing these days, he would have only gotten a slap on the wrist and be sent out to do it again anyway.” He shakes his head. “Tonight is a prime example of injustice.”

I sigh. “I’m going to call my solicitor in the morning so he can sort this injunction out. Kyle would be stupid to start breaking the law now. He never has before.” Then I remember something. “Oh, apart from the time he was sixteen and got caught with cannabis in his pocket. Because he was a minor and only had enough for his own consumption, they only gave him a caution. It was enough for him not to do it again.”

“I did cannabis when I was that age,” he says, surprising me. “When you’re young, you think you can do anything. I was invincible.” He gives me a cheeky wink before taking a sip of beer. I don’t know why, but that little wink does something to my stomach. It’s almost like butterflies.

I pick up my cup of tea and take a sip. “I guess we all thought like that at fifteen, sixteen. I thought I knew everything. I used to tell my aunt as much.” I shake my head. “She must have really regretted the day she took me in.”

“Do you miss them?” he asks, leaning forward.

“My parents?” He nods. “I do think about them from time to time. It’s hard, but it gets better every day. You must understand that.”

“Yep. It’s never easy, but at least you can look back and remember them with a smile rather than a tear. I’m sure that’s how they want to be remembered.”

“It frightens me,” I blurt without thinking.

Ethan frowns. “What?”

I look into his eyes. “Mortality. It’s strange. I never thought about it before, but now that I’m pregnant, I think about it often. I want this baby to get the full experience I never had.”

Ethan smiles. “He or she will. I promise. All I can say is if we work together as a team, this baby will want for nothing. I think he or she is actually quite lucky.”

Smirking, I raise my eyebrow. “Really? How’s that?”

“Well, when you think about it, couples get together, marry, then have children. By that stage, familiarity sets in and arguments can arise. The best part about us raising this child is the love and marriage part doesn’t come into it. We can work together as a team, as sensible adults. I can see us working well together.”

“I must admit, I feel so much better now that you know. Thoughts of you getting back with Sarah and taking the baby away from me scared me to death. That’s a big reason I couldn’t bring myself to tell you. I was honest when I said it wasn’t the right time with you just finding out about Sarah, but I also kept it from you for purely selfish reasons. I actually hated myself for not ringing you and letting you know.” I sigh again. “Anyway, that’s my confession. And yes, I do think we’ll work well together as a team.”

“Motherly instinct is a powerful thing. I don’t think it was as much selfishness as it was simply a mother protecting her child. If you say that fate is real, maybe something in the universe made you become pregnant at the time you did. Maybe you were meant to have this baby all along. I realise now that doing it the way we were going to would have been a mistake. You would have struggled. Don’t you agree?”

I would like to say no, that I would have coped, but a part of me thinks he’s right. I shrug. “I would have dealt with it.”

Ethan smiles. “Because you would have felt obliged to. Your best friend couldn’t conceive. You would have given anything for her to have a baby. But it would have been at the cost of your broken heart. Knowing that crushes me.”

My heart warms. “I’ve never met someone as understandable as you.”

Ethan takes another gulp of beer. “I just think it’s a matter of dealing with what our spouses did that changes the dynamics in a major way. You said your instinct was to protect, which will never change. You’ve already bonded. How can I take that away from you? I had a lot of time to think about it today and it all boils down to the same thing. We’ll make it work because we have to.”

A knock on the door interrupts. “Who is it?” Ethan asks.

“Locksmith for Alice Armstrong.”

“Yes,” I shout, running toward the door. I open it and see a couple men standing there, tools in their hands. “Please, come in.” I point to the window.

They get to work. By the time they’re done boarding it up, Ethan’s had another beer, and I’m absolutely shattered. I don’t tell Ethan this because he’ll take that as a hint to go. Truthfully, I don’t want him to leave.

But as I look at the time and see that it’s already well after nine, Ethan takes that as his cue. “I suppose you want me to go.”

I can tell he’s reluctant. “Please stay. That’s if you don’t mind. I could use the company.”

He smiles. “I don’t mind at all.”

When I put the TV on for some background noise, Forrest Gump comes on. Before I know it, we are settled next to each other on the sofa, eating biscuits and watching the movie. In all my years with Kyle, we never did this together.

It’s nice.