Page 180 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 1-4

Her mouth twisted. It had been different all right. A complete disaster.

But given her meticulous attention to detail, she’d investigated and found the ceremony was legally binding.

‘What does it matter? You don’t believe me.’

‘It matters because if you genuinely thought we were married, you’d have sought a divorce.’ That dark gaze bored into hers, trying to pry her secrets lose. ‘If you dislike me as much as you say, why stay tied to me?’

Dido couldn’t prevent the husky laugh that escaped her throat. ‘If I dislike you? You think there’s any doubt?’

But her laugh hid a stab of panic. She’d known he was astute but she’d hoped his dislike would stop him asking questions she didn’t want to answer. A thread of disquiet wrapped around her chest, tightening.

He looked at her, unblinking, and she had the unnerving sensation he saw the feelings she tried to conceal. ‘There was a moment in your suite in Tahiti when you were tempted to kiss me.’

‘You’re deluding yourself, Kyrie Diamandis,’ she said before he’d even stopped talking. ‘I have absolutely no desire to kiss you.’

Not after he’d dumped her so cruelly and later destroyed her career. As for her feelings that day in Tahiti…they were better forgotten.

Her words had no impact. It was like talking to a bronze statue.

But you learnt years ago that he never genuinely felt anything for you. For him the marriage was convenient, nothing more.

She had learned that lesson. So why did it still hurt? She’d moved on, put him behind her.

Except as soon as he strode back into her world, Dido discovered hatred didn’t necessarily squash attraction.

She clasped her hands before her and focused on the need to speed him on his way. ‘You wouldn’t talk to me, remember? You made up your mind about me and refused me the chance to explain. Then you threatened me with legal action if I tried to approach you.’

Slowly he shook his head. ‘Obviously if it was a letter from your lawyer to start divorce proceedings, I’d have been happy to proceed. If the marriage were valid.’

Dido swallowed, her throat dry. He wasn’t going to let this go. She had an excellent reason for avoiding him, but it wasn’t something she’d admit.

She’d do anything to protect her secret from this proud, pitiless man.

‘I can’t see that it matters. I didn’t want anything to do with you. I had no plans to see you again, or marry, ever, so I didn’t need a divorce.’

One dark eyebrow lifted. ‘Never? After all that talk about wanting a family?’ That searing stare turned needle-sharp. ‘So that was a complete lie too?’

Dido felt her skin heat and looked away, preferring not to meet his eyes. ‘I never lied to you.’

His inimical silence said he didn’t believe her.

They’d been virtual strangers when they decided to marry, fuelled by their passionate liaison and the discovery that they wanted similar things.

Both she and Panos had lost their families too early. From discovering that, it was a short step to learning they both craved family, and most specifically children. Both yearned for a sense of belonging, to be part of a family.

Dido had been stunned when he’d suggested marriage as a pragmatic way to get what they both wanted. Foolishly, besotted with the charming stranger who’d brought only warmth and delight into her world, she’d acted rashly. For she hadn’t been able to imagine ever meeting a man more simpatico or more attractive.

Her parents had fallen in love quickly, knowing from the first that they were meant for each other. While she knew Panos didn’t love her, she was more than halfway to loving him and full of ridiculous optimism.

She’d known he was well off but had no idea he was a billionaire.

On learning his surname she’d said she’d heard the name Diamandis, in relation to the family whose shipping empire had rivalled that of Aristotle Onassis. Panos had shrugged then said he did own a boat, smiling as if inviting amusement at the coincidence of the name. So she’d been stunned when, after the wedding, they’d boarded his private plane for Athens. It was only then that he’d explained he was the sole surviving member of that Diamandis family, and CEO of a vast commercial empire.

Before that she’d thought little of the prenuptial agreement they’d signed. It had been simple and unequivocal. In the event of divorce each would take only the assets they’d brought into the marriage or earned since. That had seemed reasonable.

Dido remembered her shock on the flight when he’d told her of his wealth.

He’d been stroking her hand, looking into her eyes with such pleased satisfaction. Because, he admitted, her signature on the document had proved she was interested in him, in creating a family, not his money.