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Kate blinked hard against his bitter words. Nikos had no right to hurl such accusations at her when they were both in the same boat. They were both using each other for their own gain. But what was the point of arguing? What could she say, anyway, that wouldn’t either confirm that he was right or, far worse, betray what he really meant to her?
‘So are we done talking?’ With a note of triumph, Nikos took her silence as a victory.
‘Yes, Nikos.’ Kate looked down. ‘We are done talking.’
‘Kalos. Good. If it’s any consolation I will endeavour to make your ordeal as short as possible. Rest assured I will do everything within my power to secure Sofia’s guardianship as quickly as I can.’
‘Thank you.’ Kate swallowed hard. ‘I know you will.’
‘And just so you know...’ Nikos moved closer, so she had no alternative but to meet his glittering gaze. ‘As of now our honeymoon is officially terminated. For the time being, at least, you are free to return to New York and carry on your life with no interference from me. I will be in contact again when I hear from the courts.’
‘Thank you,’ Kate repeated quietly. But never had an expression of gratitude rung so hollow or felt so desperately painful to deliver.
CHAPTER TWELVE
CLICKING ON THE SPREADSHEET, Kate stared at the sales figures in amazement. They had shot up, reaching levels way beyond anything she would have conjured up in her wildest dreams only a few weeks ago. With the company’s creditors paid off and the order books full again, Kandy Kate had swung into full production once more—the only problem now being how they would meet the demand.
Kate’s meeting with Charles Lewis, the CEO of Rosebury’s, had been a success. Although, still reeling from her fight with Nikos, she wasn’t sure how she had even got through the meeting, let alone managed to secure a deal. But it seemed that American candy was in vogue in Europe at the moment, and in Britain in particular. Rosebury’s wanted to market the Kandy Kate brand as an offshoot of their own hugely successful confectionary company. Charles Lewis liked the retro feel, apparently. And he liked her.
He’d been prepared to shake on it there and then, and once news of the deal had hit the stock market, Kandy Kate had been back—big-time. Suddenly everyone was talking about it.
But Kate could take no pleasure from it, felt no pride in her sense of achievement. Instead there was just an empty longing for what could never be. For Nikos. Seeing him again, being with him, had confirmed her worst fears. He had stolen a part of her that could never be replaced. She would never be whole without him.
The phone beside her rang and Kate stretched out a hand to reach it. ‘Kate O’Connor.’
‘Hi, darling, it’s your mother.’
Fiona O’Connor hardly needed to explain who she was, her drawl was instantly recognisable.
‘Hi, Mom. How are you?’ With Kate’s mother, this was always a loaded question.
‘I’m very well, darling. I’ve just had another cognitive behavioural therapy session and, do you know, I really believe I am beginning to feel the benefit?’
‘That’s great, Mom, I’m so pleased.’
‘We’re working on letting go of the past and focussing on my current issues.’
‘Okay...’ That sounded like something Kate herself should be doing.
‘Tom—that’s my personal CB therapist—is the sweetest guy. Nothing is too much trouble for him.’
‘So you’ve settled in well at the clinic? You’re happy there?’
Fiona had recently started a twelve-week residential programme at a well-known healing centre in California.
‘Darling, it’s wonderful—like the most exclusive hotel. The facilities are first-class and the food is out of this world.’
‘I’m glad, Mom.’ Kate smiled, feeling a little of the weight of responsibility lift from her shoulders. Her mother did seem much happier.
‘Goodness knows what it must be costing, though.’
‘I’ve told you—you don’t need to worry about that.’
‘I know, darling. And I am so thrilled you’re making such a success of Kandy Kate now. Your daddy would have been very proud of you.’
