Belle Dingle from Emmerdale exploring a new life with Master David Price after leaving Tom.
The taxi pulls away, leaving me standing at the kerb with my single suitcase. My heart hammers against my ribs as I stare up at the house—Master David's house. My house now, I suppose. I tug at the collar of my wool coat, pulling it tighter against the biting wind. Beneath it I'm wearing a thick knit jumper and jeans—not glamorous, but warm. Sensible. I wasn't sure what he'd expect.
I take a shaky breath and walk up the path, dry leaves crunching under my trainers. When I reach the door, I don't knock. I don't dare presume. Instead, I stand there, suitcase at my feet, hands clasped in front of me, waiting. My nose is pink from the cold and I can see my breath in the grey afternoon air.
My mind races—memories of Tom, of feeling so lost, of that moment I realised what I truly needed. Someone who wouldn't hesitate. Someone who knew.