‘Connor, stop,’ I say, releasing myself from his grasp. ‘I have to go.’

‘Well, I think you’re making a mistake,’ he says, shaking his head. ‘You’re in no fit state to work at the moment. You should take some time out to get better.’

‘What are you saying?’

‘I’m saying that right now you’re unwell,’ he says, his eyes boring into me. ‘And you should seriously consider taking time out.’

‘Quit my job, you mean?’

‘If that’s what it takes to get you better then maybe, yes.’

‘But I love my job,’ I say, not quite believing what I’m hearing. ‘You know that.’

‘Look, Vanessa,’ he says, his voice softening, ‘one of my friends had a breakdown a few years back. We were all so worried about her. I recognize the warning signs. I can see you heading for a full-on breakdown if you don’t slow down and get help.’

I look at him for a moment, try to imagine myself through his eyes. Yes, I have been drinking more than usual and, yes, I did get an abortion without telling him, but I had no choice. The pregnancy was not planned. I blink away the thought of that lost night.

‘I’m not giving up my job, Connor, and that’s final.’

Then I step outside into the August sunshine, closing the door firmly behind me.

When I get to the office a party is in full swing. The open-plan area has been decked with lemon and silver balloons, there’s a table groaning with glasses of champagne and breakfast pastries, and ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire is blasting out from the speakers. The marketing team, led by Claire, is huddled round Claire’s phone doing a live Instagram chat. As I approach, I hear her say, ‘We’re so excited to reveal our exclusive new palette: Shades of Autumn.’