Phoebe*, a 29-year-old lawyer in London, has been in a nine-month 'just sex' situationship with her colleague Jared*, despite his chauvinistic views and refusal to commit. She reveals in her sex diary that while she craves his rough, dominant bedroom style, she knows they are incompatible and is trying to move on.
After coming out of a three-year relationship, Phoebe began a passionate affair with Jared, which started with a kiss on a work trip to LA that contributed to the end of his five-year relationship. However, Jared has told her they can never be in a relationship because he wants to feel like the provider and cannot accept a girlfriend who is as financially successful as she is.
A week of conflicting desires
Phoebe's week begins with her ignoring Jared at the office, despite feeling his stares. She goes to the gym and tries to focus on work. On Tuesday, she meets a friend, Ryan, at a bar and brings him home for sex. The encounter is satisfying, but she admits to herself that Jared would have done it better.
Wednesday brings more meetings with Jared and a late-night text from him asking if she is giving him the silent treatment, which she ignores. Thursday is a second date with a man from Hinge, who seems perfect on paper—handsome, generous, and initiative-taking—but he struggles to maintain an erection, leading to an awkward night of cuddling.
The pull of the forbidden
On Friday, Jared texts wanting to come over, but Phoebe goes out with friends instead, discussing why she is drawn to a man with archaic views. Saturday, after yoga and brunch with her sister, she gives in and calls Jared. He comes over, and they have intense, rough sex, including choking and spitting, which she finds thrilling because of the complete control she surrenders.
Sunday, Jared leaves early, and Phoebe resolves to avoid him, reminding herself that their last encounter was the final time. She texts Ryan to arrange another meet-up, determined to find someone respectful with an even power dynamic.
Seeking a way forward
Phoebe concludes that she needs to move on and find someone who respects her, even if she isn't looking for a husband. The week ends with her taking concrete steps to break the cycle, but the emotional and physical pull of Jared remains a challenge she must overcome.
