Breakfast had been strained. Neither Brian nor Louisa spoke more than five words to each other, and Emily left for school earlier than usual. Louisa bet it was to take herself out of what must’ve seemed like a toxic wasteland. Brian got ready for work, but then hung about in the kitchen watching Louisa – a worried look fixed on his face.

‘We really need to make more of an effort in front of Emily, Brian. It’s not good for her to experience our pain.’

‘I know. I’m sorry. I’m tired is all. It’s nothing for her to worry about – she’ll be okay.’ He walked over to where Louisa was sitting and planted a kiss on the top of her head – his usual move before leaving for the prison.

‘We don’t know that. It’s been a really unsettling time for her, and she’s a teenager; she doesn’t tell us the half of it. We should be keeping our stuff to ourselves. Put a brave face on it when she’s here.’

‘Right. Sure. Will try harder.’ The sarcasm was evident. The fact he was trying to make her feel as though she was the one in the wrong annoyed her. He plonked his travel mug of coffee on the coaster and sat down opposite her. Louisa felt compelled to broach the subject of last night’s late-night chat despite knowing it’d be uncomfortable and she’d make him late.

‘So, I guess I should answer your question.’ Louisa waited for Brian to make eye contact with her. He gave a small shrug. Louisa took a deep breath.

‘Unlike you, Brian – I didn’t, and wouldn’t, make a play for anyone else. As for Oliver, well it’s you who invited him into our lives. Not me. Remember that.’

He raised his eyebrows. ‘I know.’

‘Well, to be fair, you and Tiff did. I would never have gone looking for him. Oliver is my past, as I told you. I have never been unfaithful to you, not in any way.’

Brian lowered his head, avoiding her eyes. ‘I’m sorry. It’s all I can say, all I can keep saying.’

‘Good. I’ll never be able to forget that the only reason things didn’t go further was because Tiff put the brakes on, though. That hurts, Brian. But we all make mistakes.’ Louisa swallowed her pride and decided that in fairness, her secret from him was far worse than his secret from her. At least he’d had the guts to come clean about his. Eventually.

‘I’ll make it my mission to never hurt you again. I promise.’