I couldn’t believe that he was being so insolent. ‘Don’t even try that one, Ben! Anyway, I’ve told him I can’t see him anymore.’ Practised though I was at lying, I could feel myself reddening as I spoke.

‘Until the next time, anyway,’ Ben muttered under his breath.

I didn’t want to do it. I had vowed to myself not to hurt him again but I just felt such an inexplicable rage boil up inside me that I couldn’t help it. I lurched forward and grabbed a handful of his hair, pulling and twisting as hard as I could, so that he was forced onto his knees on the floor.

‘Bella!’ he cried, trying to squirm his way out of my grasp. ‘You’re hurting me! Stop it! Please!’

He looked so pathetic, kneeling on the floor and begging me to let go, that all my anger drained away at once. I released the clump of hair I was holding, slightly shocked by how much hair remained in my hand. Then I stepped back and looked down at him with my lip curled. ‘Don’t ever question me, Ben! OK?’

He didn’t reply, so I stretched out my leg and tilted his chin up with my foot. ‘I said, OK?’

Ben nodded, holding his breath. His eyes were glassy with tears. I dropped my foot and put my hand on my hips. ‘Who were you on the phone to?’

He blinked several times before replying. ‘Charlie.’ His voice was barely audible.

‘I thought so. What were you saying?’

Again, he blinked quickly, as if trying to think of an answer. ‘She called me.’

‘Liar!’ I spat.

‘I’m not lying, really I’m not!’ He got up off the floor and sat back on his chair. ‘She just wanted to let me know that she had told my mum everything was fine but asked if I could go to see her sometime. She said she’s very lonely and she’s desperate to see Elodie.’

‘Hmmm. Well, I don’t want you having anything to do with your ex-girlfriend. If she calls again, tell her to fuck off!’

‘OK, fine, I will. But …’ Ben paused again, then looked up with that annoying, pleading expression of his. ‘What about going to see Mum? I really think I should.’

I didn’t want him to. And I certainly didn’t want Elodie to, but I had already broken my vow to myself that I wouldn’t hurt him again, so I was feeling generous. ‘OK. But you’re going alone. I’m not coming with you. And only for one night.’

I thought I saw a wave of relief pass over his face but decided to ignore it.

Ben nodded. ‘Great. Thank you, Bella.’

I scowled at his overly gushy tone, making me sound like some kind of tyrannical bitch. ‘But no more furtive calls with your saddo ex-girlfriend, OK? She needs to leave you alone and move on with her own life.’

Ben nodded his agreement eagerly. ‘Yes, yes, of course.’

God, he was like a puppy, grateful for not being kicked again. Actually, now I thought about it, the idea of a night by myself was quite appealing. I could stay over with Leo for a change, instead of always having to run off home or back to work. ‘And don’t be making up any stories about what a big, bad wolf I am, either.’