She had been so optimistic, that day. Looking radiant, with her long blonde hair sweeping her bare shoulders, her eyes shining, she’d been positive they were doing the right thing. They were going to get married anyway, she’d told her mother. They were just doing it a little sooner than planned, for the sake of the baby. She’d been positive about their future together, determined that their home together would be a happy one, built on love. At twenty-two, and working part-time while completing his final year in computer science, Jason’s income had been a pittance. He hadn’t quite worked out how they were going to build this house of love. Enter Robert Fenton, the great benefactor. He’d never let Jason forget that they had a roof over their heads thanks to him. God help him if he found out he’d taken out a mortgage against it to shore up their finances. Karla falling pregnant with Josh not long after having Holly had put paid to her going back to RADA. She’d remained bubbly though, enthusiastic enough for both of them, still determined that they could get through whatever life threw at them, provided they loved each other.

Jason was pondering that when Mark asked, ‘Do you still love her?’ as if reading his mind.

‘She’s the mother of my children,’ Jason answered. He’d never questioned his love for her. Lately, though, there seemed to be a hell of a lot more anger between them than affection.

‘Because if you don’t—’

‘Shall we take a look at the software package?’ Jason changed the subject.

‘I’m just saying that if you’re as miserable as your face has been telling me lately, maybe you should think about parenting your kids separately.’

So much for diplomacy. Jason was about to tell him the subject was closed when the office phone rang. Saved by the bell, he thought, twirling his chair around to answer it.

‘Tara might not have a sister, but there are plenty of other women out there looking for what I imagine is lacking in your life,’ Mark imparted, as Jason picked up the phone. ‘Plenty of other dating apps, too, if you’re looking for more than a quick hook-up.’

Unbelievable. Jason shook his head and pressed the phone to his ear. Just what mates were for: to offer you shite advice when your marriage hit a blip.

‘Though, personally, I think that would do you the world of good,’ Mark trundled on. ‘A quick no-strings-attached—’

Jason held up a hand, his look hopefully telling Mark to zip it, as he realised who it was calling.

‘Jason, Robert here,’ Fenton said. ‘Karla said you were working.’

‘I am,’ Jason confirmed, immediately agitated by the brusque tone.

‘Right, well, I’ll get straight to the point. Time is money, after all,’ Fenton went on, predictably. ‘I’m prepared to put a deal on the table.’