Page 33 of Love Thief

“He never even got you a proper ring, just some small red band. Probably going to annul the marriage when he gets home,” slams Tiff.

“No engagement ring, no massive diamond. He clearly couldn’t be bothered to even plan it properly. Or spend any money on you. Cheap and cheerful,” Bells sneers. They all smirk at her in agreement.

“What is wrong with you all? You all seemed happy for me yesterday, and now you’re slagging me off. Grace, what’s wrong with you? You were getting into a fight for me yesterday and now you’re going along with this shit?” I’m trying not to get upset, but feel I may be failing. I feel like a rug is being whipped out from underneath me.

She shrugs and looks away. “The girls and I have been talking, comparing notes. They’ve told me all about him, the real him, how they know him so well, whilst you—” She wafts her hand at me dismissively. “They know how he is with women, they can handle him. In fact, they’ve already all handled him. What he does to them, how he operates, how much he likes it.

“I told them all about the Chateau, what he did to you there. How he treated you, how you handled that. Or didn’t handle it, to be honest. How disposable and interchangeable you were. Anyone will do. I just don’t believe he loves you. But don’t worry, you’ll be back on your building sites in no time.”

I am flabbergasted. I stand and stare at them all. “I intend to be back on my building sites as soon as possible, regardless of Kell. Or our marriage. It’s my job. That I love.” They’ve lost their minds. What is all this crap? “Great chat girls, thanks for all the moral support, can’t wait to return the favour.”

I spin on my heels and walk out of the living area and into our bedroom, my head held high while I’m reeling on the inside from the bullshit they’re spewing. But I also know it isn’t really bullshit. Well, not all of it. But it is in the past. They are all in the past, I tell myself.

My ring, they have no idea. Kell could hardly get the words out when he gave it to me at the Registry Office. Keeping with our radio silence, I didn’t put it on then. But now, here in Vegas, we’re out in the open, loud and proud.

Sure it isn't a huge diamond, but it’s so much more than that. A ring with rare red diamonds and the finest rubies, interwoven on a platinum band. The symbolism for us both is breathtaking.

It represents a red string, or should I say the red string theory. The idea that two people are connected and destined as lovers. Regardless of place, time or circumstance. The idea is that the thread gets tangled and twisted, knotted and stretched, but never breaks. Time never changes it.

And here we are. Eighteen years apart. But time is not the only factor. Lives lived, experiences, different continents. The wrong pub. Amazing fate.

I sit on my bed, spinning my ‘hoop’ around my finger. Thinking about Kellen, then and now. How I see the boy in the man. Fair enough, at times over the past seven months I had to look closely, but I spot him more regularly now than when I first reconnected with him. Then it was just a glimpse here and there. But now he is present in glorious technicolour.

Since we reconnected I feel like I go two steps forward and three steps back, but I’ve agreed to it, agreed to him. So, I carry on getting ready to go out. The very glam grey silk, plunging neckline, full-length dress I’ve chosen is not only a dress, but armour. Boy am I going to need it tonight.

People are coming at me left right and centre, even those I thought might provide a safe haven. People who understand a little of what it’s like, getting involved with men like these. I can’t say it hasn’t affected me. It has, especially Grace. The others I suppose I don’t really know that well. Gabe’s two women, fair enough, what could I expect. I’d hit a few home runs with them. I thought Becky was a friend, albeit a new one and being in the same boat a bit.

But now, clearly something is different for them. But I have no idea what I’ve done or said to them that would cause such a visceral reaction.

I literally paint a smile on my face, get my head up high and shoulders back as we all head out to the boxing. I’m determined I am not going to be the next punching bag for anyone.

The boxing atmosphere is febrile, the baying mob at its most excited. You just can’t help getting hyper on it. The guys have gone to sort their set out, and we girls are in a private box waiting for them to come on stage.

I notice Tiff & Bells putting lines of coke out to snort. They’ve carried on drinking. I mean, why stop when you’ve been at it all day? Their stories are getting louder and wilder. Clearly they’re moving this night on at speed.

Becky surprises me, going over to snort a few lines, clearly not her first time. I try not to look, drugs are something I don’t do. If people want to, fine up to them, but not for me.

They’re talking and egging Grace on. I look over at her, catching her eye, and nod my head for her to come over. She has a fixed smile on her face, but brings me a drink. A peace offering?

Taking it from her, I say, “Don’t feel pressured, Grace. Do what you want, not what anyone else wants you to do.” I smile at her, going for camaraderie.

“Easy for you to say.”

My smile falters, and I pull a confused face at her attitude. “What? What do you mean?” I’m still trying to smile at her, but her face totally changes. Oh God, she’s going all Lauren on me.

“Well, you’re ‘married’ to a rock star. Set for life now. I’m a fucking school teacher. And whilst you’ll be going on to festivals and parties, I’ll be going back to my job.”

My face must be a picture of amazement. “Yes, and then I’m going back to my job.”

“Yeah, right,” she scoffs at me. “The girls have already told me what they do all day. Not a lot, apparently. Look at them. They look good and get ready to go at the men’s beck and call. That’s it. So don’t you try and tell me you’ll be different. Marcus is not going to wait around for you. The girls have told me how insatiable he is, and let’s be right, they actually know how insatiable he is.

“You’ll never hold him. And if you don’t go on the road, well, game over for you. Not that I think you have a chance anyway. There’ll always be someone else ready and willing to take your place. From the sounds of it, he’s always ready to go. And we both know he’s not fussy who it is, or how many. In fact, the more the merrier. And at least you and I know that first hand.”

I can’t believe my ears. I can’t believe my eyes at the venom pouring out of her. I choke out a sarcastic laugh, “Thanks for the top tips.” More bloody tips on how to hang onto my husband. “Do I have to worry about you, Grace, fucking my husband?”

She laughs in my face. “I totally would. And you’re stupid if you think anyone else here wouldn’t. He’s a total flirt and fuckboy, constantly flirting with all the girls here, he never fucking stops, even now. And we all know he’d be up for it. He’s up for anything, with however many of us want to get involved.”

I turn away. I will not cry, I will not cry. I step away from her, all my churning emotions shut down, my face totally blank, giving nothing away. I will give them nothing.

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