I agree with you. I think he didn’t realise what he was getting into until it was too late and he didn’t know how to handle being with someone so screwed up, narcissistic and a sociopath.
After talking to someone who was in the restaurant last week, I think Cole went to meet Skank to get his ring back and that’s what’s in his hand (each photo shows him with his fist clenched). They were ranting at each other across the table and then she pounced on him when leaving for a snog (which surprised everyone after listening to the ranting). I don’t think he had any intention of getting back with her after finding out she cheated on him.
I am unsure what I think about whether he used violence or not. I think he doesn’t do himself any favours in how he comes across (angry, controlling etc) and something must have happened for there to be medical reports but she is the absolute master of storytelling, bullshit creation and manipulation.
Also with regards to the conversation recording, I was in an abusive relationship for 4 years. My ex was a similar grade narcissist to skank. I resorted to recording my ex purely because of the amount of gaslighting that happened and denial and lies. He would say some ridiculous lies to people and be so convincing they would question if I was the person they really knew. It was just horrendous. One in particular was when he had bullied me and come at me about to throw a punch when I was holding our baby in our arms. I tried to speak up about it and he then told every I had postpartum depression and was so convincing that a member of my family was trying to arrange doctors visits for me.
The point I am making here is I don’t doubt for a second that their relationship was toxic but also I always remember what a monster she is and how capable she is of turning around situations to suit her narrative.