Ruby’s past comes back to haunt her in a way she never imagined, sending shockwaves through the village and forcing her into an impossible choice — face justice or flee for freedom.

The episode opens in full crisis mode: Ruby is spiraling after hearing that a body has been pulled from a lake — and everyone close to her is terrified of what might come next. She’s desperate to get in contact with John and Aaron, but they’ve gone completely off-grid. It’s clear they’re hiding something serious. Ruby is furious, especially when she learns that John refused to give a location for safety reasons. To her, that secrecy now feels more like betrayal.

The worst is assumed: the body is Anthony’s. While no official identification has been made, Ruby and her allies are convinced there’s no one else it could be. Emotions explode, and as Steph’s return looms, Ruby’s anxiety builds. She’s told to stay calm, but the weight of being Anthony’s next of kin is breaking her down — once the police confirm the identity, they’ll come straight to her door.

Meanwhile, Victoria is questioned, but she knows nothing. Ruby’s desperation grows, and her fragile facade is cracking. The guilt is mounting — the lake, the body, the secret — it’s all connected, and it’s all coming back to them. More worryingly, forensics reveal the body has been submerged for months. This means it was a murder, not a recent tragedy, and police will likely classify it as a homicide investigation.

Ruby is gripped by guilt and fear. She declares her intent to confess — to finally tell the truth about what her abusive father did to her, and to admit she killed him in self-defense. But Caleb refuses to let her. He’s terrified that she’ll be sent away for life and insists they still have options. His love for her is fierce and unwavering; he says life without her isn’t worth living.

They toy with the idea of fleeing the country — actually going on the run, taking Steph with them, and disappearing completely. At first, it sounds outrageous, but with time against them and police closing in, it starts to feel like their only chance. Ruby resists the idea of dragging others into her mess, but Caleb is adamant — he’s in this with her, all the way.

As the plan takes shape, they begin organizing fake passports, number plates, and cash. Ruby is in awe of Caleb’s loyalty, unable to comprehend how much he’s willing to risk for her freedom. With the police likely to start digging into old evidence and re-interviewing suspects, time is critical.

Though filled with love and desperation, this is no fairy tale escape — it’s a frantic bid to survive. By the end of the episode, the couple steels themselves for the long road ahead, understanding the life they once knew is over. With the car ready and a plan in motion, Ruby prepares to vanish — not to escape justice, but to avoid punishment for surviving.