Victoria Beckham Undergoing Painful Treatments—Why This Is A Stinging Sign Her & David Beckham's Marriage Could Be Over

It may seem just so simple, but sources say Victoria's sudden dash to whitewash her ink has far weightier implications. "She's suspiciously removing all the symbols of love she had for her husband, David," says an insider. "It doesn't bode well for the marriage."

Since tying the knot in 1999, Victoria, 41, and David, 40, have hit many a milestone—several of which have been commemorated in permanent ink.

Victoria sports five stars on her lower back, one each for her and David, the other three for sons Brooklyn, 16, Romeo, 13, and Cruz, 10. (Daughter Harper, 4, hadn't yet been born; but not to worry, her name is now sprawled in massive letters on Daddy's neck.)

Among several tributes to Victoria's soccer play husband are a Hebrew marriage vow crawling down her back; a set of Roman numerals to mark their 2006 vow renewal; and a Latin phrase about starting anew, from when the British couple moved to L.A. in 2007.

When Victoria showed her new collection at New York Fashion Week in September, all were noticeably lighter—and sources insist that months of painful laser treatments signify not a style choice but, as reported earlier in the month, the possible dissolution of the marriage.

"Victoria and David have grown so far apart—they have more of a business partnership than a marriage," says a source. "They gush about each other on social media but it's all part of Brand Beckham."

Indeed, they've been spending less and less time together, with David prioritizing trips to Miami—where he's building a soccer team—and Victoria immersing herself in work in London. "Victoria's been pulling away," says the source. "The tattoo removal is just the latest sign. They simply want different things."