Life With The Men I Love: Lies, Love and Pain

chapter 28

Hey guys!!! I know it's bee awhile and i'm really sorry for that. My hand isn't a 100% but i'm still trying. Thank you guys so much for the support. Enjoy!

$$$ INDIA $$$

"Dri, help your sister wipe her hands," I called out, hoping to maintain some semblance of order amid the chaos of the backyard barbecue.

"Yes, Mommy!" she chirped, scampering off to assist Ivy.

"Jamie, are you done working me out yet? I came here to relax, not to be running up and down this house," I complained, wiping the sweat from my brow.

"Oh hush, girl, and pass me the napkins," came the retort from across the table.

Rolling my eyes, I handed her the napkins and took a moment to soak in the scene around me. The smell of grilled meat filled the air, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight of our family gathered together. It had been far too long since we'd all been in one place.

"So, how's your little love triangle?" my friend pressed, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Girl, seriously?" I shot back, incredulous.

"Hell yeah," she insisted, leaning in closer, clearly not ready to let it go.

"Do I look like I want to talk about my messy love life right now?"

"You're right, it ain't the time or the place, but we will be talking about this later."

"Yeah, whatever." With that, I walked away, grabbing a few beers to take over to where my dad and Jamie's dad were sitting.

"Hey, guys," I greeted as I approached.

"Hey, baby," my dad replied, smiling at me.

"Thanks, India," Mr. Williams said gratefully as I handed him a drink.

"You've been real busy lately," my dad noted, eyeing me.

"Tell me about it. That's the life of a superstar, George," I replied with a wry smile.

"I'm still on for the trip to Spain with you, baby?" my dad asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Yeah, everything has been set up," I confirmed.

"Good. You know I was thinking you should bring good ol' George here along," i suggested.

"I've never been to Spain before," George chimed in, his face lighting up at the idea.

"Me neither. That's a good idea, India," my dad said, looking pleased.

"I've already sorted everything out for you, George."

"Thanks, India. This means a lot to me," he replied, and I smiled at him, feeling the warmth of our family connection.

Just then, I heard Ivy call out "Dada," followed by Adrianna yelling, "Grey!" Confused, I turned around and there he was—Grey, standing in the doorway.

"I thought you said Grey was working," my dad said from behind me, his tone perplexed.

"Well, he should be. I don't know what he's doing here," I replied tersely, turning back to my dad before walking away. What was he doing here, and how did he know I was here?

I headed inside, shutting the sliding door behind me, and hurried upstairs. I splashed cold water on my face, trying to calm my racing heart. After taking a deep breath, I decided to face him.

"Mommy, look, Grey came!" Adrianna exclaimed as she dashed towards me.

"Dri, stop yelling," I said, trying to suppress my irritation.

"Sorry, Mommy, but look!"

"I see him, Adrianna." I walked away from her and found my mom seated on the couch.

"I thought you said Grey was working," she said, raising an eyebrow.

"He should be. I don't know what he's doing here," I replied, frustration creeping into my voice.

"You sound a little hostile there. Is there trouble in paradise?"

"Mom, please, we're fine," I insisted, but her Trinidadian accent only made my annoyance grow.

"It doesn't look like it. Since he's been here, I haven't seen you talk to him."

At that moment, her probing was the last thing I wanted to deal with. "You're always looking for a problem between Grey and me. He's my husband, and nothing you do can change that." I stood up abruptly, needing to escape her questioning gaze.

"Hey Sean, Cole. You mind if I borrow Grey for a minute?" I called out to the guys across the yard.

"Go ahead," Cole replied without looking up.

"Kay, he'll be right back." I took Grey by the arm and led him upstairs, locking the door behind us.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, crossing my arms.

"What do you mean? My wife and kids are here," he said, looking unbothered.

"How did you even find me?"

"You underestimate me, India. I'm one of the most powerful men in the world. I have eyes and ears everywhere. I told you not to leave, but you disobeyed me. Now I'm here to keep an eye on you."

"Do you even hear yourself? I'm not your child or property," I shot back, anger bubbling inside me.

"You're mine, India, and nothing in this world will ever change that. Till death do us part."

"Are you living to make me hate you? Is that your goal?" I challenged, the familiar words causing a flicker of rage to flash in his eyes as he stepped closer.

"What are you gonna do, Grey? Hit me in my best friend's house while my whole family is downstairs? You can try, but you'll have to explain my black eye when they see it later."

For a moment, the tension hung in the air before he stepped back, a mix of frustration and hurt flickering across his face. He turned and slammed the door behind him as he left.

What have I signed up for?