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‘It doesn’t matter. But I’m afraid it means I won’t be giving you the grand tour of Ithos. This is the last boat of the day and we need to be on it when it leaves.’

Roxy shrugged. ‘Doesn’t bother me, I only came because you’re here. Go on, lead the way, I’m right behind you.’ They hoicked their bags on their shoulders and boarded the ferry.

As the boat pulled away and the island retreated into the distance, Shauna thought of everything that had happened. In a matter of a few weeks her life had changed – she had changed. She had fallen in love and allowed herself to dream of a future. Now she could see that Demetrios was right – the rich weren’t like other people; they didn’t have hearts. At least she knew that now and wouldn’t fall into the same trap again.

She turned away from Ithos and vowed that she would never return.

Shauna and Roxy sat side by side on the deck, drinking from cold bottles of beer that they’d purchased on board. The sun was low on the horizon and seemed huge to Shauna, a giant orange ball that looked as if it was melting into the sea as it slowly dipped below the horizon.

Roxy sipped at her beer and listened in silence as Shauna described the emotional rollercoaster her life had turned into since they’d last seen each other. ‘I can’t believe that Demetrios would do that to you. You sure big Greek mama didn’t strong-arm him into it?’

‘Even if she did, what sort of man would let his mammy rule his life in that way? No, I was just stupid, I should have realized the sort of man he was when I saw how badly he treated Normandie. He’s a selfish spoiled bastard.’ Inside, Shauna knew she still loved him and part of her always would, but right now she needed to hate him, to convince herself she was better off without him. Otherwise the pain would eat away at her until there was nothing left. No more tears for Demetrios after today, she resolved to herself.

‘Enough about me,’ she said. ‘What happened with Thierry? Something bad, right?’

Roxy looked away. Shauna remained silent, waiting. She could see her friend was struggling to find the right words.

‘Thierry …’ Roxy laughed bitterly. ‘Well, turns out he was also a liar, but much worse too.’ She gulped down another mouthful of beer.

‘He took me to this big villa in a place called Cap d’Agde. Soon as I got there, I realized he’d fed me a pack of lies. Instead of an artist’s colony, it was more like a hippy commune, lots of people bumming around, stoned or high on something or other. There were a few painters and artists there, but mostly it was a bunch of old guys screwing young chicks. I stuck it out for a couple of weeks, then told him I was ready to move on. Thierry tried to talk me out of it, said that the people I wanted to meet were on their way and I should just be patient. He kept telling me, “Cheeel out, Roxy …”’ She impersonated his accent, but without humour.

She seemed to be steeling herself. ‘One night, a bunch of musicians turned up and there was this real party vibe. Everyone was dancing – it was fun … for a bit.’

‘Go on,’ Shauna gently encouraged her.

‘You know me – I don’t take drugs, ever. But I think someone spiked my drink. I started to feel woozy, like I couldn’t speak properly, and my legs didn’t seem to work. I’d been chatting to Thierry and some of these other old guys he was with. They seemed OK, but I couldn’t understand half of what they were saying. The next thing I remember, Thierry was saying, “Let’s get you to bed, chérie, you are tired, no?”’

‘I had to lean on him to stand up, it didn’t feel right – it wasn’t that feeling you get when you’re drunk, it was like I was … helpless. He took me into one of the bedrooms. It wasn’t the one we were sharing, and I remember there was already someone in there. But it’s so fuzzy.’ Her voice cracked. Shauna could see she was finding it hard to go on, so she put one arm around her, then reached over with the other and squeezed her hand.

‘I lay on the bed and I could feel this other guy move onto the bed and start to touch me. I wanted to shout out or scream but I couldn’t, it was like my voice wouldn’t work. Then he was on top of me and I think I passed out. The next thing I remember is waking up, and I wasn’t wearing any clothes. I could see this other guy asleep; he was older than Thierry, with thinning grey hair.’ She choked back a sob.

‘Oh, Roxy.’ Shauna could feel tears streaming down her own cheeks.

‘Shauna, he raped me, and Thierry let him do it.’ She took a deep breath. ‘I didn’t hang around, just grabbed my things and got the hell out of there. It was still early and there was no one about. I didn’t see either of them again.’

‘Roxy, I’m so sorry. I wish I could kill them both.’

‘Me too – but that’s not the worst of it. I’ve missed my period. I think I’m pregnant.’

The two friends were silent. How had their dream trip turned into this nightmare? How had so much happiness been snatched away from them? Shauna knew her heart was broken, but she also knew it would mend. Now, she had to help Roxy.

‘What can I do?’ she asked.

‘Shauna, just get me home.’

‘I will … and I’ll be here for you, whatever happens.’

‘I know Shauna, I know …’

PART TWO

Hello! Magazine

Eight months after their engagement, Sofía Constantis and Demetrios Theodosis have tied the knot at a private ceremony in Athens. Sofía is one of the world’s richest heiresses who stands to inherit millions from her shipping tycoon father. Until his engagement, Demetrios was one of Europe’s most eligible bachelors. His name had been linked to a string of beauties, including model Normandie Chapelle and actress Brooke Shields.

Hello! has learned from a source close to the couple that the wedding took place behind closed doors, and guests included Jerry Hall, Mick Jagger and Niki Lauder.

The couple honeymooned in New York, a favourite city of the happy groom. Construction has begun on a new wing at the family villa on the Greek island of Ithos, and they plan to move in as soon as work is complete. ‘They can’t wait to start a family,’ our source tells us.