In remote bushland near Summer Bay, an empty coffin sits open. It has been placed deep in the soil away from the bustling beach suburb – but who is it meant for?
In an explosive week of Home And Away, several lives hang in the balance – and someone will take their final breath.
Since his unexpected arrival, Matthew (James Sweeny) has made it his mission to steal his daughter Chloe (Sam Barrett) away from his ex, Mia (Anna Sampson).
And after weeks of playing the doting dad, his scheming might just pay off.
His latest attempt to sway Chloe to leave Summer Bay sees Matthew present her with an application for a prestigious business college. He wants to pay for her tuition and offers her a place to live in the city.
Chloe is ecstatic – it’s everything she has ever wanted! She races home to tell Mia and Ari (Rob Kipa-Williams) the good news, but is stunned when her mother loses her temper.
Why can’t she be just happy for her?
Mia begs her not to go, but Chloe can’t understand why. The truth is that Chloe is the result of a sexual assault, but has no idea her mother is keeping such an awful secret.
Ari believes telling Chloe will rid them of Matthew forever.
“Ari respects Mia’s choice not to tell Chloe about what happened with Matthew, but he also wants to keep her from making decisions that may affect her wellbeing,” Rob tells TV WEEK.
The next day, Chloe accepts her father’s offer, leaving Mia heartbroken as she watches her daughter prepare to go.
Knowing it’s now or never, she blurts out the truth. Chloe is horrified, but finally understands her mother’s feelings.
The next day, still reeling from the news, Chloe rejects her father’s calls. But Matthew won’t be ignored and arrives demanding answers.
Chloe orders him to get out of their lives for good and an argument ensues. Overhearing the commotion, Mia races out to find the pair in a violent scuffle.
In a rage, Matthew grabs Mia forcefully and accuses her of lying. It’s time to put an end to her lies for good…
Meanwhile, Chloe calls for help. Ari is only a phone call away.
“Ari sometimes acts first and thinks later,” Rob says. “He’ll do anything to protect them and he believes Matthew is unpredictable and dangerous.”
Will Ari be able to get there in time to save the ones he loves?