‘Then no … You’re working.’ Closed off, cold tone and eyes back on his screen like he was dismissing me without further conversation. I know it’s because he thinks it’s about seeing another man—he’s so transparent, and it’s almost bloody laughable.

‘Partner … Not boss. I don’t even need to tell you, but I was being polite. It was not a request but merely an announcement.’ I answer him calmly, equally cool-toned with hints of stubbornness interlaced. Digging my ...