‘Then explain what kind of man makes money from a dead ex-girlfriend?’ she asked as she rested her hand on the chopping board. She could feel the handle of the knife poking out beneath her iPad.

‘That was a misunderstanding,’ he said, raising both hands. ‘I accept it looked bad at the time and I don’t blame Josh for reporting me, but it was never my intention to take a penny of that money for myself.’

‘Liar.’

‘Please, Faith. Stop and listen to me,’ he begged. ‘I’m sorry, I should have been more honest with you, but that’s what I’m doing now.’

‘So are you or are you not up to your eyes in debt?’

Nick raked his fingers through his hair. ‘Christ, is there anything Liv didn’t say?’

‘You tell me,’ Faith said, but her heart was already sinking. Of all the things she had learnt about Nick, this was the one truth she couldn’t overlook. ‘How long would I have had to wait for you to pay any rent? As long as your last landlord?’

‘Look, I was experiencing some cash flow problems after our holiday, but I’ve already paid Liv back. If I overstretched myself, it was only to make you happy.’

‘No, you wanted me to believe you were something you’re not. I’m surprised you didn’t drag me off to some chapel in Vegas to marry me before I realised it was all a confidence trick.’ It was what she had been expecting.

Nick’s pained expression was almost believable. ‘I chose Vegas because I was hoping you were my lucky charm and I’d win enough in the casinos to cover the holiday and more. I wouldn’t dream of asking you to marry me, it’s too soon for both of us, I know that.’

‘So there isn’t an engagement ring sitting in a champagne flute next to the bath?’

‘No.’

For once, she believed him, and it peeved her. ‘But marriage was your plan in the long term. We were going to have an “incredible partnership,” you said.’

‘A business partnership, yes,’ he replied. ‘And we could still make that work. With your self-discipline to keep me on track, I could double your investment in a year, easily.’

Faith laughed, although she wanted to cry. What a fool she had been. She had thought he loved her. She had been counting on it.