I’ve only ever spoken to the woman once, just for a minute at an office party. I remember how fabulous she looked, slim and groomed. But how do I say hello to a pregnant woman whose husband I just screwed? It would be hard enough even if she wasn’t pregnant. I didn’t expect to ever meet her again, or at least not so soon. The word ‘fool’ must be engraved on my destiny.

‘Hi,’ I say without making eye contact. Should I mention the bump? I’d better – she’s holding it with both hands, as if she’s afraid it might fall off. ‘Congratulations, by the way.’

‘Thank you.’ She sounds calm and happy, like nothing could ruin her day. I bet I could.

‘When is the baby due?’

‘Two weeks.’

Two weeks? Is she for real? That’s got to be the smallest bump ever. Joanna looks like an elephant by comparison. The elevator door will not open quick enough – open, please, open. I’ve just found out I cheated on a baby. I’m going to hell.

When we finally step out of the elevator, the man of the moment is walking down the corridor towards us. His eyes are focused on his beautiful wife. Not me, the bit on the side. I doubt he even sees me.

Hoping to avoid the happy couple’s embrace, I quickly turn and walk the opposite way. My head is spinning. I’m the worst person in the world. What happened to your standards, Becca? I berate myself. Are you going to let your mom’s illness ruin you completely?

At my desk, I open the computer and hope my face doesn’t look as guilty as I feel. Keep your head down, Becca. Don’t look up. Just do your job.

When I first started working here, my position was described as ‘assistant to the assistants’. Anyone can ask me to do anything. Which means everyone in this vast, open-plan field of dark suits and bright teeth is more important than me.

A lot of Bridgeway and King’s clients are insurance companies. So some of the things I get asked to do can be interesting. Like searching social media sites to see if a person taking a case against one of our clients is telling the truth about their injuries. Sleazy, isn’t it, stalking sites. But it suits me, and anyway I’m under instruction from the more important. I have no say in the matter, no need to get in touch with my conscience.