“Do you really think you get to say when this marriage ends? That you can just leave whenever you like?” He spoke as though I was stupid. A fool. “That’s not your decision, Ruby. It never has been. I get to decide whether you stay or go.”

“I did leave, though,” I said. “And do you want to know why I left?” I reached out and pushed his shoulder.

He jumped backward. “Stop it!”

“I left because I didn’t want to be with you anymore. You and your lies and your control. Telling me what to do all the time. What to think.” I stopped, sickened. “I couldn’t stand it anymore.”

“Well, you’ve made such a success of being on your own, Ruby. All you’ve got is a man who won’t leave his wife for you. Obviously you’re too boring for him, too. Did you wait a long time that night? When did you realize he wasn’t going to show? That was so funny, watching you go off with your little bags. Did you really think I wouldn’t notice your car was full of all your things? I just wish I could have seen your face when you realized he wasn’t going to turn up.”

I screamed, “You bastard!”

He laughed. He pushed his face into mine and I smelled the alcohol, sour on his breath. “You are crazy,” he said. Spittle landed on my face and I scrubbed my skin with my hand, repulsed. “You’ve always been crazy.”

I’d had enough. I couldn’t stand to see him anymore. I could feel the blood coursing through my veins. I was struggling and knew I should leave, but I just wanted to have the last word.

“Not any longer,” I said, and reached out. I didn’t want to touch him. I just wanted some space between us.

He leaned back, holding on to the handrail at the top of the stairs. Now, later, I realize that he was on the top step, but I didn’t understand the significance then.

He seemed to swell with rage, to tower over me, terrifying me.

He said, “Why would I want you when I’ve got someone else?” His eyes were wild. “Someone beautiful. Clever. Funny. It’s such a nice change.” He reached out and jabbed me in the chest, hard. I found a bruise as dark as an olive there later. “And guess what?” He looked triumphant. “She’s pregnant.”

“What?” I couldn’t believe it. “Pregnant?”

“Yes. She’s pregnant with my child. I knew it was your fault we couldn’t have a baby.” He mimicked me again: “It’ll be so lovely to have a baby in the house.” He laughed. “Well, now I’ll have that. Unlike you, on your own in your cheap lousy flat.”