Page 14 of The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright

Are you still buying them for her?

A cheaper flat would be better.

Somewhere nearer work.

I will send you money for Ellie’s gifts.

I don’t think where I live from now on is any of your business.

You dumped me. Remember?

My phone pings with a notification from Revolut. The money is already in my account. Down to the exact penny. He must have checked the prices online while we were messaging.

I wait for him to send on the landlord’s number or email but, when they don’t come by the time I’ve reached work, I send another message.

Thank you for the money.

Can you please forward the landlord details asap as I am anxious to get this sorted out.

Adam Shaw 082 65729921

Please don’t mention me.

I told Adam I was living alone so…

I don’t ask him why he concealed Ellie and me. It doesn’t really matter now; it was all just part of his big elaborate lie.

I won’t mention you.

Thank you.

And just so you know, I won’t be keeping this phone.

Are you changing your number?

No.

This is a second phone.

I don’t need it any more.

I’m sure you get what I mean.

I’m sorry.

Oh

I really am sorry Bea!

How will I reach you?

Like I said, forget me.

But I don’t know where you live? Or anything about your life in London. What if I need to get in touch about Ellie? What if she is sick or something? You’d want to know right?

I’m sorry Bea.

Good luck with the apartment.

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