Chapter Eight.
Alicia
“Do you know how embarrassed I was?” Oliver shouted the moment I walked through the door. “You sat there like a useless lump and let Russell toss insults!”
“Cain shocked me, I was lost for words. What should I have done?” I exclaimed.
“Alicia, you should have left. Did you forget I’m your husband?” Oliver roared.
Tears formed, but I swallowed hard. “Ditto, Oliver, did you forget I’m your wife?” I returned. The devil had hold of me now; that was the only excuse for my sass. “Why were you there with Eve? Cain was correct, that’s not a restaurant you dine at with an employee!”
Oliver spun so quickly that I stepped back in true fear. “What are you saying, Alicia?”
“Why were you at Samuel’s with Eve? You can’t make time for lunch with me but somehow found it for Eve!”
“That was a reward for Eve. She secured the Mystique contract for another year.”
“No, she didn’t; that’s a lie!” I blurted instantly and inwardly winced.
“How would you know? God, Alicia, are you jealous?” Oliver yelled. “Is that why Cain insulted me?”
“I know because Winona and I were at Mystique’s, and Mystique confirmed that she’s only signing season by season still. Why lie?”
“Bitch!” Oliver hissed. The air left my body as if Oliver had punched me. Sucking in a deep breath, I tried again.
“Oliver, I didn’t let Cain do anything! I don’t control Cain Russell. Why won’t you answer the question?”
“I did. I was lunching with Eve as a reward for hard work, something you wouldn’t understand.
And Cain and your friends totally ruined that.
Did you put Cain up to that crap, Alicia?
Were you jealous that Eve was with me?” An ugly glint entered Oliver’s eyes, and I realised he desired that. Oliver wanted me to be envious of Eve.
“No,” I said honestly, and Oliver heard the truth in my voice. Oliver’s gaze narrowed, and he stomped away, leaving me standing there, wondering what the hell had just happened.
Winona
“Cain Russell is my new hero,” I cried as I undressed.
“Did you see Kensington’s face? I thought the asshole was going to blow.” Aaron chuckled, then sobered. “Will Alicia be okay?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t think Oliver has ever hit her, but he’s certainly done a number on her.
Oliver’s an expert on gaslighting and manipulation.
Let’s be honest, Alicia has been moulded into the perfect Stepford Wife.
Oliver wouldn’t have liked losing control over her today at lunch.
He continuously invalidates Alicia’s feelings and uses narcissistic abuse and love bombing to tear her down. ”
“Oh, I’ve noticed that. Oliver will constantly offer backhanded compliments.”
“Alicia’s bright and intelligent, but Oliver has created a dependency that I worry she’ll never escape. Although when Alicia’s Mystique, she’s stronger and braver. Glimpses of the woman she once was break through,” I replied.
“Do you think Kensington’s screwing that trash he came with?”
“Don’t know. There was a closeness that went beyond boss and employee. Would you take one of your employees to Samuel’s as a treat?”
“Would I fuck?” Aaron exclaimed, making me laugh. “If Oliver’s about to show his true colours, Alicia may be in for a rough ride.”
“Then it’s a good job Alicia’s got people who care about her surrounding her,” I said, and Aaron nodded grimly.
Alicia
I carefully checked my reflection. A week had passed since the incident at the restaurant, and the atmosphere had been decidedly chilly.
Oliver had barely spoken and had stayed out later than ever.
He claimed he was working on the new advertising campaign for Mystique.
It was possible, but I wondered whether Eve was also present.
However, tonight’s dinner, Oliver couldn’t ignore.
Not when Jude was hosting, and Oliver still maintained a healthy fear of Jude.
The last person who’d upset Jude had paid dearly. Jude had ripped him a new one all over the media. It had been deserved, and Jude had enjoyed taking him down. But Jude’s actions had terrified Oliver. Oliver came out of his walk-in wardrobe, and I smiled and extended an olive branch.
“You look nice.”
“Screw your false comments, they’re worthless,” Oliver growled, and I swallowed hard. Where was my husband?
“Well, I meant it. Oliver, you look very handsome,” I tried again. Oliver turned and checked me over. I blushed under his scrutiny.
“Shame I can’t say the same; you’ve gained weight. Time for a diet, Alicia. A fat bitch as my wife is unacceptable,” Oliver said spitefully.
I swallowed hard. I hadn’t put a single pound on.
Oliver was being deliberately unkind. Anger rose inside, and I turned to his gloating face.
“Then, I’ll inform Mystique that her figures are wrong.
Mystique created this dress to my last measurements.
I’m sure she’ll enjoy hearing one of her creations made your wife resemble a stuffed sausage.
” With that, I gathered up my purse and left the bedroom.
Oliver’s face held an expression of total shock. I hadn’t back chatted Oliver for years like that.
Without waiting, I walked out, opened my own car door, climbed inside, and pursed my lips.
Oliver scowled as he got in beside me, but I maintained a dignified silence as we drove to Jude and Rebel’s home.
Once there, I didn’t wait for Oliver but walked up to the front door and entered.
Oliver gasped at the audacity, but I didn’t care.
He was seething, and I’d pay later on, but really? He was being an asshole.
Rebel’s gaze flashed between us, and a smile crossed her lips.
“Hello, honey, I have your favourite drink in stock,” Rebel said and walked me over to the drinks’ cabinet. Saska squeezed my waist as Rebel poured me an apple juice. Oliver’s eyes narrowed, and I guessed his thoughts: I appeared gauche and unsophisticated.
“Get me one of those, babe, please,” Jude called out, and Rebel gave him a glass before leading me over. Oliver was already schmoozing and sucking up. I joined the women in the corner, and as soon as I did, they pounced.
“What on earth is happening?” Oceane demanded.
“Oliver has been in a mood since Cain embarrassed him. Tonight, Oliver claimed I’d put on weight and I should diet. I’ve not gained a single pound!” Olivier had hurt me enough that I did something unusual—I shared.
“Wow, really?” Zinnia exclaimed.
“Yup, so I stated that Mystique made the dress to my old measurements. And I’d inform her I resembled a sausage crammed into its skin. Oliver’s now sulking and unsure what to do with that statement,” I replied, feeling spicy.
“Damn,” Saska said, grinning. “Snappy Alicia is fun.”
“Thank you.” I subsided and sipped my drink, listening to the conversation. My hurt and anger were dying down, and I regretted my words. Oliver was working hard on Mystique’s latest designs and getting them media attention. I should have been more understanding.
When we got home, I’d apologise. Oliver deserved better.
When Rebel called us for dinner, I approached him, only to be met with coldness. When we sat down, I reached out and squeezed his thigh. Oliver removed my hand, and I stilled. Shit. He was furious with me.
My foot tapped against the door, knee jerking up and down. Oliver was building up to something, but I was unsure what. On edge because I didn’t know Oliver’s plans, I smiled as Rebel placed starters down. Stuffed mushrooms were one of my favourites.
“Not for Alicia,” Oliver stated, picking up my plate.
Rebel paused, looking confused. “They’re Alicia’s favourite.”
“Yes, but tonight, Alicia told me that her clothes were tight. Bless her, Alicia said she felt like an overstuffed sausage. She asked me to help monitor her food intake as she finds it hard to say no,” Oliver explained smoothly. “Of course, Alicia’s perfect, but a man bends to his wife’s desires.”
Humiliated, I ducked my head as my face flamed. In front of my friends, Oliver had called me fat and weak.
“Alicia?” Rebel asked, sounding unsure.
“Oliver’s right,” I muttered. “I’ve put some weight on.”
“Bullshit, you just said over there that you knew you hadn’t!” Oceane exclaimed angrily.
“Oceane, I was mistaken and deluded,” I whispered, swallowing hard.
“Well, I think a few extra pounds look amazing,” Ryder stated. “And anyone who believes differently is a raging asshole.”
“Completely agree, but Alicia is sensitive about it,” Oliver replied.
“Is she now?” Jude drawled.
“Yes, or are you suggesting something?” Oliver asked, sounding offended. “Darling, Jude thinks I’m bullying you.” Oliver ran a finger down my cheek and under my chin, lifting my head. His eyes bored into mine, and I read the revenge shining there. This was Oliver’s payback for Cain’s insult.
“No, not at all. Oliver’s just looking out for me,” I said softly.
Oliver smirked and kissed me before turning to his plate. “This smells delicious,” he praised Rebel and licked his lips. Oliver was going to enjoy it immensely because I’d been denied it. How petty.
“Are you on a diet too?” Oceane asked, and Oliver stiffened with insult.
“Pardon?”
Rebel smiled sweetly and removed his starter.
“Oliver, you’ve put on more than a few pounds—at least thirty.
In fact, you’ve developed a paunch. You’ve quite a dad bod going, guess a couple who get fat together, diet together.
” With that, Rebel waltzed away. Oliver reached down and pinched my thigh hard, making me inwardly wince.
Aaron and the others exchanged amused glances as they settled in to eat. When Rebel brought in the main course and placed a salad in front of me, she did the same to Oliver. His mood darkened as he ate it while everyone else had roast lamb.
Oliver
That total bitch. If Rebel didn’t have Jude’s support, she’d be nothing. Rebel Knox was an ugly, talentless hack. She got where she was because of Jude’s influence. How dare she try to shame me in front of everyone? I’d pay the insult back, and Alicia would help.