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

Chapter 30

Hey guys, can't believe we're at chapter 30 ! Hope you guys enjoy this chapter, Happy Reading!! 😁
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$$$ INDIA $$$

"Jimmy, that's fantastic! It's perfect for what we're aiming to achieve for the new store," I exclaimed, my enthusiasm palpable as I flipped through the design concepts he'd presented. The layout was modern, sleek, and exactly what we needed to attract customers and enhance their shopping experience.

"Thanks, India! I thought you'd really like it," he replied, his smile broadening as he watched my reaction.

"I don't just like it; I love it!" I said, jotting down a few notes on the notepad I always kept close by for ideas and reminders. Just as I was about to delve deeper into the plans, the front door swung open.

"India, you home?" came Grey's familiar voice, breaking through the creative flow.

"I'm in here, babe!" I called out, trying to sound cheerful despite the slight tension that always seemed to linger in the air. Grey's mood could shift like a storm, and I was always on guard.

"I also thought you'd appreciate these shelves," Jimmy interjected, flipping open his folder to show me another design that would perfectly fit the store's aesthetic.

"I do like those for the bags, but I'd prefer them in white rather than this chocolate brown," I responded, my eyes still scanning the plans.

Just then, I glanced up and saw Grey standing in the open doorway, his expression unreadable as he alternated his gaze between Jimmy and me. "Hey, baby, how was work?" I smiled, hoping to lighten the mood.

His face remained blank, devoid of the warmth I had expected. "I'm going upstairs," he said curtly before leaving without another word.

"Guess he's tired," I shrugged, turning back to Jimmy. I could feel the tension in the air thickening but chose to ignore it. We worked diligently for another hour, finalizing everything. As we wrapped up, I walked Jimmy to the door.

"So, you need all of this done by Tuesday?" he asked, looking over the designs one last time.

"Yeah, the latest Wednesday," I confirmed. "I have plans for Dri's birthday on Saturday, so I need to get everything sorted by then."

"Okay, I'll make sure it's done by then," he assured me with a nod.

"Great, thanks, Jimmy." I watched him get into his car and waved goodbye before closing the door.

Cleaning up the living room, I decided it was time to check on Grey and see what he wanted for dinner. I was feeling a bit anxious after his abrupt exit and hoped that I could ease the tension with a nice meal. "Hey babe, I'm about to make dinner. What do you want?" I called out, stepping into the kitchen.

But before I could even reach the stove, the back of his hand suddenly collided with my face. "What the hell was that for?!" I yelled, looking up at him, bewildered. The sting was sharp, and I could already feel my cheek beginning to redden.

"I told you I don't want you having any man in my house, didn't I?" he growled, his eyes flashing with anger.

"Jimmy is my assistant!" I shouted back, my voice rising in defiance.

"I don't care who he is; I don't want you bringing any man in my house!" His tone was final, laced with an authority that sent chills down my spine.

"But you could bring that ho in here, though," I shot back, my frustration boiling over.

"This isn't about me; it's about you," he snapped, his voice dangerously low.

"Correction, Grey, this is about you—your insecurities." I stood my ground, anger coursing through me.