Emmerdale's Rhona Goskirk was left tearful and scared when she realised her ex-husband had made contact with her from prison.
The last time Rhona saw Pierce Harris, he had kidnapped her friend Vanessa Woodfield and her young son Johnny, before also attacking Kim Tate.
Rhona's boyfriend Graham Foster was also revealed to have been murdered by the character after his release from prison.
A final showdown between Rhona and her vile ex ensued, years after he had raped her on their wedding day.
Pierce has been back in prison ever since, and two years on he has reached out to Rhona with a letter.
During Monday's episode of the ITV soap, Rhona was distressed and torn over whether to open the letter, not ever wanting to hear from him ever again.
But knowing the letter existed, she had to hear what he had to say to her.
With Vanessa by her side, a tearful Rhona began to read the contents as Pierce apologised for everything he had done, and everything he had put her through.
It was further down the note though that Rhona was left stunned by a bombshell.
Pierce confirmed to her that he was seriously ill, and was in fact dying.
This wasn't the only bombshell though, as Rhona was soon left reeling by another confession as well as a request from Pierce.
Pierce told her that he had a secret son out there who he wanted to see before he died.
Not only that but he requested Rhona's help in finding Marcus for him, leaving Vanessa stunned.
But will Rhona help Pierce after everything he has done, and what will his son make of his dad's final request?
Spoilers for upcoming episodes tease that Pierce's son Marcus will be tracked down, and he makes his way to the village.
Rhona will be faced with the terrible experiences of her past once again, but will she let Marcus in her life - and how is the arrival of Pierce's son going to affect her own relationship with Marlon?
Actor Darcy Grey said: "When my agent sent me the character of Marcus Dean, I was quietly smiling inside. We share so many similarities, both the good - and perhaps - some of the bad! I thought, 'I know who this kid is'.
"To then get the call to say that the role was mine was one of those pinch-yourself moments we actors simply dream of.
"For Marcus, the battle of being torn between wanting to forget his relationship with his Dad but also ultimately, wanting to simply be loved is a challenge many of us face, and one that I hope I can bring some truth to.
"He is such an open book, with such an uncertain future that I just can't wait for you all to see where his journey in the village takes him!"
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays .
