Ali stepped out of the woman's shelter feeling like she had finally accomplished something. She knew that writing a book on mental abuse in relationships was going to do some good in the future, but volunteering at the shelter was going to make a difference now.

And Ali really wanted to start living her life again. For so long, it felt like she had been of this world but not in it. First in her unhappy marriage and then her very unhappy post-marriage phase. Meeting Sam had been a light in her life, but she needed more. Being isolated in the Hampton's had left her antsy and a little lonely.

Now she was in the great city of New York, living full time with her boyfriend in an amazing apartment and had even made a new friend. Emily had been kind to Ali at the Harrington family brunch and she liked the woman's attitude. They had plans to get together later in the week for lunch.

Still, it wasn't enough, and Ali wanted to be useful. With all the free time Ali had on her hands, volunteering made the most sense. Yes, she could get a job, but Ali felt that her writing was what she needed to focus on right now. Sam had encouraged her, agreeing that helping others, meeting other women, and men, in similar situations would be good for Ali.

So, Ali had done her research and selected this shelter to see if they needed any assistance. Turns out, like most non-profit organizations, they were desperate for additional helping hands. They had given her some reading material as homework to start with and she had an appointment to come back and meet other volunteers at an orientation session.

She opted to walk back to the apartment, work off a little excess energy. When she was almost home, Ali decided to treat herself to a cappuccino. She had just burned off all those calories after all.

Ducking into what was fast becoming a favourite café, Ali placed her order and was waiting when she noticed a familiar tall, dark and handsome man sitting at a table by the window.

Grabbing her drink and went over to him. "Noah."

A wide and perfect grin spread across the man's gorgeous face. "Ali. Imagine meeting you here."

"Actually, I live just around the corner."

"Really. Well isn't this great. Are you headed there now?"

"Yes."

"Wonderful. Let me walk you." Not giving Ali a chance to say no, Noah stood up, donning his jacket and wrapped a long scarf around his neck, giving him that starving artist vibe. It looked good on him.

Outside Ali inquired as to what Noah as doing in her neck of the woods.

"Oh, I was just visiting my accountant. The man insists I drop by and discuss business every now and again." Noah stuffed his hands into his coat pockets, shivering against a sudden breeze that hit them as they turned the corner. "I hate the dollars and sense part of what I do. But a man has to eat."

Ali laughed at his demeanour. She had known many artists in her old life and always loved their blatant disregard for the mechanics of what made the world go around. Things like the basic necessities in life just somehow seemed to come their way.

She was on the verge of asking him how his business was doing when a woman walked in front of them, halting their progress.

"Are you Alexandria Stinson?"

Alarm bells went off inside Ali's head at the use of her full first name. No one who knew her used it. It was only used formally at functions and in the press.

Noah jumped in before Ali could reply. "Who's asking?"

The woman took in Noah and shifted her attitude to produce a big smile. "Hi," She licked her lips. "I'm Penelope Mathison. And you are?"

"I know you," Noah said slowly. "Yes! You are that reporter for TMV. I've seen you on TV."

At the mention of her job, the smile diminished from Penelope's look and she put on an 'I mean business face' as she turned her attention back to Ali.

"You are her, right? Jack Blackhorne's ex-wife."

At the mention of her ex-husband's name, Ali's blood ran cold. If Jack was involved, this would turn out badly for her. Ali had hoped that she had run away far enough that her ex and his world would forget about her. Penelope here was evidence that she was wrong. Her reprieve was over.

As Ali was about to push past Penelope she saw two other people running toward them, one carrying a camera. Whatever had happened, it was big enough for reporters to seek Ali out at her new home.

Ali turned to Noah. "I'm sorry, but I have to get out of here."

Noah's eyes flitted between Ali and the reporter. After a moment he seemed to make a decision. He took Ali by the arm, guiding her to the curb. Noah signalled for a taxi, telling Ali he had a place she could hideout. Ali was grateful for the assistance, as Penelope was now slinging questions at her.

"What do you think about Mr. Blackhorne's upcoming interview?"

"Is there anything you want to say to your ex-husband?"

"Ali, was Jack a good husband?"

The last question echoed in her ears as she climbed into the back seat of the cab. It hit to close to the bone. How did she know to ask that? Ali felt a shiver of dread go through her body.

Pulling out her phone, Ali started to type a message to Sam. She wanted to warn him of...well she wasn't sure what yet, but at the least too not come home. Seeing his innocent text, moments ago about what to have for dinner, Ali felt tears prick at her eyes.

Why now? Why did her no good, cheating, ruthless bastard of an ex-husband have to turn up now? Things were so good with Sam. They had just moved into their new apartment, he had introduced her to his family. They were finally starting their lives together.

Sam wasn't going to want to stay with her if she had the threat of Jack Blackhorne constantly over her head like Damocles' sword. He would grow tired of Ali and her baggage.

Typing out her message, Ali asked Noah where they were going. She wanted Sam to come to get her. She wanted to be with Sam right now.

"My gallery. No one will think to find you there."

An hour later, there had still been no answer from Sam. Ali pushed aside her growing fears that something was wrong with Sam as well. The thought made her feel sick to her stomach. Out of desperation, Ali had called Evelyn to see if she knew where Sam could be.

Evelyn had caught on immediately that Ali was out of sorts. Ali had explained the situation and Sam's mother demanded to know where Ali was so she could come to get her. Ali felt guilty for interrupting the woman's day and tried to put her off, saying it was nothing she couldn't handle. But Evelyn insisted so Ali relented.

A bell rang indicating that the front door had opened and in walked Evelyn. Looking resplendent as ever, she crossed the room quickly and engulfed Ali in a hug.

More so than ever, Ali was overwhelmed by Sam's mother and her affectionate ways. The woman seemed standoffish and untouchable from a distance, but she had been nothing but the opposite to Ali, treating her like one of her own. Ali's own mother was never like this, she was reserved and emotionless. Evelyn's openness always threw Ali off a little, delaying her reactions.

But today she was so grateful for the warm embrace. It was exactly what she needed. Ali sank into the woman's arms, letting the security of Evelyn's hold wash over her. It felt so good, so safe to be in the arms of someone that cared about her.

"Thank you," Ali breathed into the older woman's ear. "For coming to get me."

"My dear, I'm so glad you called." Evelyn pulled back to regard Ali, maintaining her grip on her. "Are you alright?"

"Yes," Ali pointed her eyes at Noah, who was standing watching the two women. "Noah here has been most helpful."

Evelyn took a moment and studied Noah from head to toe. "Well, aren't you just the hero type."

Ali winced at Evelyn's boldness but Noah seemed to like the label, standing a little straighter and holding out his hand.

"I'm Noah. Knight in shining armour at your service."

Evelyn took the extended hand and greeted Noah. She then thanked him for looking after Ali.

"I'd say it was my pleasure, but the situation is deplorable. Someone had to get her out of there."

"Yes, indeed," Evelyn turned back to Ali. "I think it's time we made a move before more reporters find you. My driver is double-parked outside."

Ali smiled at Evelyn, feeling embarrassed that her boyfriend's mother had to go to all this trouble. She thanked Noah again for his help, gathered her things and moved towards the exit.

Once in the car, Ali asked Evelyn if she had heard from Sam. The older woman put her arm around Ali, pulling her in for another hug. "Not yet, my dear."

Ali closed her eyes, wishing it was Sam that was holding her and not his mother.