‘Thank you, they’re lovely,’ I lied.

‘Just like my hostess. Smell them. Exquisite,’ he said, sticking his nose hard up against the delicate buds. ‘Hmmmm.’

Arthur seemed more upbeat than of late and without preamble, leant over and kissed me on the lips. There was no time to turn my cheek.

In that moment I realised I should have written him a note; a short missive, telling him it was over. I could have used polite words to let him down gently without having to endure the masquerade. What cowards we all are. The truth comes slyly, pokes through a myriad of lies and pretence. I consoled myself in the knowledge that I’d no idea where he lived and a face-to-face meeting was the most grown-up option.

I went into the kitchen and spent fifteen minutes removing the bands and ties that secured the bouquet, snipping the stems and displaying them in a cheap vase. When I cut my finger, nervously licking away blood droplets, Arthur appeared and offered me his handkerchief.

When we finally sat down at the table, lights ablaze around the room, I waited for the right moment.

‘Arthur,’ I began. ‘I’m sorry but I’m not ready for a commitment. I’d like to take a break for a while.’ I looked directly into his eyes for the first time that evening. The roses on the table, the fizzing champagne and my companion’s merry demeanour conspired to make me feel unreasonable. I felt almost cruel. Arthur ignored my speech, and instead offered me a top-up.

‘More champagne?’

‘Water only for me, please.’ My abstention from alcohol had been meant as a hint, but he hadn’t taken it.

‘I’m really sorry, Arthur,’ I repeated.

‘It’s okay. I understand. Is there someone else?’ At that moment the phone rang.

‘No. No one,’ I lied. It didn’t seem fair to tell him the truth.

When the phone rang for the third time, I willed him to leave. I went to the bathroom, shaking and sweating, and wondered how to make him go. That’s when I heard him pick up. I rushed back to the living room.

‘Who was that?’ I snapped. All good intentions of letting him down lightly evaporated, replaced by a stinging anger. As Arthur replaced the receiver, I noticed his eyes hinted at a smug determination. Perhaps it was my imagination but there was something else. I saw on his face satisfaction that he’d caught me out. A sly grin curled his lips.

‘No one important. They said not to worry. They’ll call back.’