He stood up, facing me. ‘You do! Nothing else I’ve told you has been a lie. The person you fell in love with is still the real me. The person you agreed to marry is still me. I know I’m a shit for leaving Fi but I’d be even more of a shit if I stayed, knowing I could never love her the way I love you. I’ll always be there for the twins but I can’t be Fiona’s husband because you’re in here, Jemma.’ He pointed to his head. ‘And in here.’ He pointed to his heart. ‘From the moment you sat opposite me in La Vecchia Scuola with the rain dripping off your hair into your wine, laughing that infectious laugh of yours, I knew it was going to be you forever.’

The tears I’d managed to keep at bay spilled down my cheeks. ‘How do I know this isn’t more lies? Have you actually left your wife?’

‘Not yet.’

‘Scott!’

‘It’s not like that. After I got your email, I tried to be strong and stay away no matter how much it broke my heart. Then I got sent down here with work. I wasn’t meant to be down south again until the week after next but there was a series of bizarre coincidences that brought me here. I couldn’t help thinking it was meant to be like the time we met on the tube platform. I was never meant to be there that day either. I had to face the truth – that it was time to stop living a lie and be with you properly.’

He sounded so sincere and I wanted so desperately to believe him. My resolve crumbled with every word.

‘I will end it with Fi but not over the phone. It’s something I have to do face to face but I am going to do it. I’ve made an appointment with a divorce solicitor and I’ve worked out my finances to see how I can support Fi and the twins and still marry you. I know we’ll have a stack of logistics to work out but I’m serious about this. I’m definitely leaving Fi, even if you say no to taking me back.’

‘Why didn’t you end it first, before you came to London? Worried I’ll say no and you’ll be homeless?’