Marie meets Internet date Jack, to whom she lies about having children, and enjoys a day out with work colleague Lucy, to whom she initially tells the same untruth but then comes clean, losing Lucy's friendship as a result. Marie is involved in a car accident but Greg does not give a positive response. Meanwhile, the vulgar Brenna fails to win over Greg's children and her obsessive husband Garry does not help matters. Marie turns to another old flame Billy for support before Garry plays his hand.

When Garry Coyle attacks Laura, Marie tells Greg that she wants custody of their children and both consult solicitors. Marie seeks financial help from her mother Niamh, who agrees but points out that a court appearance will reveal the identity of Laura's father. Meanwhile, Laura discovers that Brenna sent her mother abusive texts in her name and chooses to stay with Marie. At the hearing, Niamh forces Marie to reveal the truth about herself and Billy whilst Marie's solicitor points to Brenna's bad influence on the children. Only one parent will win their case, leading to a compromise.