Imagine for a moment in episode 167(Winners and Losers) instead of Stevie torturing herself internally about her relationship with Alex and trying to protect him she actually spoke her mind and protected her own heart.

...

After her conversation with Alex at the Truck stop was interrupted by Fiona.

Stevie tells Regan to get in the car and they race towards Drover's Run.

Regan speaks to her about her anger.

Later when they are in the kitchen Stevie decides to take Regan's advice and at least go and talk to him.

...

With the portable cattle yards on board she pulls up near the shed and climbing out begins to look around for any sign of life.

"Stevie!"

"Alex!"

"I'm so glad you came, we need to talk."

"What's goin' on Alex...I mean if you've changed your mind..." She offers.

...

"Glancing around nervously he says. " No I haven't it's just that in the city we never got a minutes peace Stevie. Her family were all around us twenty four seven..."

"What they slept in your room too?"She niggles.

He looks annoyed and scanning the area to make sure they're alone says softly." While we were there she went to a fertility specialist ...I mean she was a mess Stevie... heartbroken ...I couldn't do that to her..."

...

Stevie is livid and hurt more than she could ever imagine and she lets fly. "You couldn't do that to her! What about me and my heart Alex! She's oblivious to all that's going on. I've had to watch you marry her and hear about your attempts to have a child with her! She's lied to you, every step of the way, I have never lied to you. I could have made your life a living hell with all of this but I chose to let you quietly work it out, because I thought you were the man I wanted, I was willing to wait. I love you more than I've ever loved any one. You have more concern for someone you don't love and who lied to you than me! Why would you let her go on believing you want her child? You are not who I thought you were and I'm done. You're screwing both of us but only one of us gets the physical pleasure. I can't do this anymore and I won't beg for your love . Keep your marriage Alex you deserve each other, she's a bitch and you're spineless."

"Bloody great Stevie thanks for the support and making me feel like a bastard. This isn't an easy thing to do you know. I need time and the opportunity to explain to her."He growls.

...

"Hi "Fiona calls from a distance as she walks towards them.

Through gritted teeth Stevie snarls. "You've had tonnes of opportunities Alex you're just chosen not to take them. It's not that hard, I want a divorce! Four words and the ball is rolling. You can stick your excuses and your love I don't want either of them!"

Before Fiona reaches them Stevie calls. " Right , I'll leave these up in the sheds."

She plants her foot sending dust and tiny pebbles all over Alex and Fiona.

Fiona squeals.

Alex is furious.

...

"What's her problem?'Fiona grumbles as she dusts herself off.

"She's in a bad mood.' He replies plainly.

Fiona quips. "I'm not surprised she has no life, no partner and with a temper like that who'd want her."

"Don't talk about her like that Fi, she's my friend." He tells her.

...

Fiona shakes her head and says. "Really! Says a lot doesn't it? Her best friends a married man. Hey maybe she's a lesbian."

"What did you want Fiona?" He asks ignoring her comments.

"'Oh I've got a job Alex. You're looking at the new fundraising president for the CWA. We talked about getting more involved in the community and this will really cement me a place here."She gushes.

"I wish you'd talked to me about it."He mumbles.

'" I thought you'd be pleased."She says dissappointed.

...

With tears streaming down her face Stevie throws the yards into a mangled mess in the shed.

She's furious with herself and him.

With the banging and clanging of the gates she doesn't hear Alex and Fiona approach.

"It might have been nice if you'd stacked them properly." He quips.

She spins, half in fright, half in anger.

...

His heart breaks when he sees her face.

"Stevie what's wrong?" Fiona asks.

Stevie hadn't even noticed she was there.

Glancing at Alex and back to Fiona she lies. "I just hurt my wrist lifting the gates. I'll be right."

Alex steps forward and holds up his hand to touch her arm.

...

Violently she hits it away and tries to navigate the situation by saying. "I don't want your sympathy Alex. I'm a woman it'll just make me worse. I'm used to crying on my own, I'm tough I'll survive."

Her words are aimed at him and they hit the spot with stinging accuracy.

Turning back she throws the last gate onto the heap.

"Right I'll see you later."She offers as she moves to the driver's side door.

...

"Stevie wait. I'm heading up the committee for the CWA fundraising and I was wondering if you'd like to donate something for the raffle."Fiona asks.

"No sorry Fiona, I have nothing left to give."Stevie states and revving her engine drives away.

Fiona frowns and says. "She is just bitter and twisted isn't she?"

Alex doesn't reply he's too busy licking his wounds.

...