I knew that there was absolutely no future with Leo and I didn’t want there to be. He wouldn’t be interested in being a father to Elodie, or even being a faithful husband. I was well aware of the old adage that when a man marries his mistress, he creates a vacancy. I wasn’t even sure he considered me his mistress. He was handsome, dynamic and filthy rich, so he could have his pick of women and it gave me a secret thrill that it was me he seemingly wanted. Even if it was only for sex.

I thought about Ben, waiting for me at home with Elodie. He was the complete opposite of Leo. He was nervous, drippy and weak. But he was a good father and there was no doubting his devotion to Elodie. I imagined for the millionth time what it would do to him to discover the truth and knew for certain that it would crucify him. I had to do everything I could to make sure he never found out. If that meant that I had to keep seeing Leo on the quiet, then so be it. At least I would get something out of it.

The skies were darkening by the time I drove home from the station. I hated autumn. I always had. I think it was because it was autumn when my dad disappeared from my life and ever since, I had associated it with misery and gloom. There was nothing to look forward to for months on end, until spring arrived, bringing with it the promise of new beginnings and sunshine.

As I let myself into the house, I could hear Ben and Elodie in the kitchen. She was chattering away at top volume, while Ben would chip in occasionally with a ‘hmmm’, or a ‘wow’ whenever she drew breath.

They both looked up as I walked in – Elodie with a wide, delighted smile that revealed the remnants of her boiled egg tea and Ben with a wary one. I walked over to Elodie’s high-chair and scooped her up, covering her face in kisses and savouring the smell of her silky hair. Then I carried her over to Ben and kissed him on the cheek.

‘You’re home early. That’s twice in a row.’ He briefly touched the back of his head as he spoke and I knew he was thinking about last night.

Our eyes locked for a moment, before I looked away, not wanting to feel irritated by his fearful expression. God, anyone would think I was some kind of monster. ‘Yes, I’m missing Elodie so much at the moment for some reason … I thought it would be lovely to get home and see her in time for bath and bed.’

I dropped down onto one of the kitchen chairs and pulled Elodie in for a cuddle. She put her thumb into her mouth and curled her little body into me so sweetly that it made my heart constrict. I felt such a wave of love for her that for a second, I imagined what it would be like if it was just the two of us and I gave up work to look after her.