Chapter Seventeen.
Alicia
“Alicia! Hey, Alicia. Rosewood!” a voice called as I climbed out of the Uber the next morning. I’d booked a pedicure and manicure as a massage was out of the question, and I needed to relax somehow.
Oliver had tried to kill me. The thought crept back into my head.
The shock was still settling in my system.
Cain had been nice, but he couldn’t understand how deeply I’d been rocked.
I’d known Oliver for years, since we were children, and he’d attempted to run me over.
All for Eve’s precious pussy! How the hell had Oliver changed so drastically?
“Alicia!” the man called again, smiling as he approached. He was a stranger, but there was something familiar. On edge, I frowned. Did I know him? Was this one of Oliver’s acquaintances? Anyone approaching me would be met with a healthy dose of suspicion for the foreseeable future.
“Twelve, nearly thirteen years may have passed, but surely I’ve not changed that much?” he said, grinning at my puzzlement. Finally, I recognised that grin.
“Oh, Devon Harrison! What are you doing here?” I exclaimed.
Devon grinned and approached to offer me a hug before pausing. Keen eyes raked my bruising, and his lips tightened. “Shit, Alicia, what happened to your face?”
“You’ve not heard? Oliver apparently has now taken to committing attempted murder with a hit-and-run yesterday.
Evidently, a divorce isn’t sufficient anymore,” I quipped lightly.
My voice hid a maelstrom of emotions as I spoke the words.
The nausea rose in my belly again, and I swallowed hard.
That sick feeling belonged to Oliver and his heinous actions.
“What the fuck?” Devon exclaimed. He stepped back and grasped my upper arms, studying my bruises carefully. “Oliver did that?”
I tried not to wince as his hands dug into a bruise. “Well, I can’t say for sure. Devon, it’s a long story. Anyway, what are you doing here?”
“I just bought out the company Zade, a group of fashion retail stores. They were previously ranked number one, but Eliganz knocked Zade off the top spot. Obviously, you’re aware of that, being married to Oliver.
Since then, Zade spiralled, and I closed the deal a month ago.
Luckily, some silent investors also took an interest. I’m in town to start making changes.
I’m the majority shareholder, and the agreement is I can buy them out when I turn things around for Zade,” he replied.
“Wow, that’s amazing,” I said, happy for him. We’d been close once, but lost contact when I went to college.
“It’s going to be hard work. I’m looking for new designers—someone exciting like Mystique.”
“Not Mystique herself?” I asked teasingly.
“Oliver’s got that genius tied up. Mystique won’t walk from Eliganz. Rumour is, Mystique’s real identity is his PA, Eve Kyle.”
“What?” I gasped, horrified and amused simultaneously. “Devon, I can assure you, Eve is not Mystique. That whore has no taste.”
“Wow, Alicia. I guess you don’t like Eve.”
“Not when Eve’s openly Oliver’s mistress!”
Devon looked aghast. “And I just put my big foot right in it.”
“No, not at all. Look, I’ve got an appointment. Why don’t we meet at five for dinner and drinks? We can catch up,” I offered.
“Can we make it six?”
“Sure, at Silken Maison?” I suggested. Silken Maison was the second top restaurant in town, whereas Samuel’s ranked number one. For some reason, I didn’t want to share that with anyone but Cain.
“Yeah, I’ll book reservations. Let’s swap numbers, just in case something pops up,” Devon asked.
“Okay.” I gave Devon my contact information, and we said goodbye. As I headed into the spa, my phone beeped, and I glanced down, a soft smile crossing my lips.
‘It was great seeing you, Alicia. You looked as beautiful as I remembered, Devon.’
Bless Devon, that was a boost I solely needed.
“File with the court,” I ordered Caitlin. “Oliver’s testing to see if I’ll cave. Now I want double the amount, thirty-six million, as a settlement. Oliver was warned. Caitlin, I’ll call the police with the complaint.”
“Hold fire on that,” Caitlin ordered.
I frowned. “Why?”
“Because I think once we file, Oliver will shit his pants just like any bully and come running back to settle out of court.”
“Hit him hard. And Caitlin, when they turtle up, add an extra five million for wasting our time. Also, add half the value of the house, which was valued at sixteen mill. It’s going to cost Oliver forty-nine million,” I stated.
“Okay. But for now, I’m going to file for half of everything. Let’s shit this asshole up,” Caitlin said with vicious glee.
I gave permission and hung up. Jesus, the woman was bloodthirsty, and I loved Caitlin for it. Oliver would piss himself when he saw the motion and the cost of screwing me around. I smiled brightly at the guy leaving the restaurant who held the door open. He blinked before smiling in return.
“Alicia Kensington, I’m meeting Devon Anderson,” I said to the hostess. She glanced down at her register.
“Ah, yes, Ms Kensington, this way please,” she replied. Devon was sitting at the table and stood as I approached.
“Your manners have improved since high school,” I teased.
“Most definitely.” He chuckled as he held out a chair.
I sat, and Devon retook his seat.
“Start talking,” Devon ordered. “What the hell’s been going on?”
“Tell me about yourself first,” I replied, and Devon waggled a finger at me.
“Nope. Judging by your bruises, you’re in trouble. Talk, Alicia, let me help,” Devon insisted.
Undecided, I bit my lip before realising I owed Oliver nothing. Slowly over the meal, I told Devon what had occurred since I last saw him in high school. Devon was shaking his head, staring in horror, by the time dessert arrived.
“Holy crap. The Alicia I knew would never have stood for that bull. Do you think Oliver planned this from the start, following you to college? What happened, babe?” he demanded.
“Life. I’m trying to figure out who I am, Devon.”
“I know who you are, Alicia Rosewood. We need to help you find yourself again.”
“Are you planning to do that, Devon Harrison?” I teased lightly, even as my heart flipped. Devon knew the old me, the girl I’d once been. If I were honest, I’d like to get back to her.
“If I have to.” Devon winked.
“Tell me about you,” I said, uncomfortable with the flirting.
“Not much to tell. I invested wisely and made a killing on Bitcoin. Several other investments paid off, leaving me with more money than I knew what to do with. I already owned shares in Zade, left to me by my grandparents, and I began a slow takeover. Last month, I made a move and secured the controlling interest. I now own seventy per cent of Zade. The other thirty per cent were obtained by the silent investors I told you about. This will be an uphill battle.”
“Why?”
“As I mentioned, I need a designer who’ll take a risk on Zade. That rules out the established designers. Another Mystique would be perfect,” Devon replied.
“What if Mystique were searching for a new retailer to showcase her designs?”
“That would be a freaking miracle. Alicia, I’m not that lucky.” Devon laughed.
“Who knows what the future will bring,” I murmured.
Devon sat up. “Have you heard a rumour?”
“Mystique hasn’t signed with Oliver. She’s cooling her heels.”
Devon looked intrigued. “That’s something I can chase up. But Alicia, I didn’t ask you here for that. I’m not going to use your contacts.”
That felt good; actually, it was amazing. Devon continued telling me about his family. I’d been worried I was having dinner with a married man, but Devon was still single.
“Never found the one,” he said, holding my eyes.
“She’s out there somewhere, Devon.”
“Hopefully. While I’m waiting, I can have fun.”
“I’m glad you’re happy, Devon. I often wondered what happened to you.”
“Oh, I bet Oliver hated that.”
“I never told him.”
“Alicia Rosewood and her secrets!” Devon teased.
“Devon, you have no idea!” I retorted, and he really didn’t.
Cain
Alicia had been on a date with another guy. I stared at the picture Stellan had sent me. Alicia was smiling with her hair styled to cover the bruises. I vaguely recognised the man sitting opposite her.
“His name?” I demanded.
“Devon Harrison,” Stellan replied.
“The man who just completed the hostile takeover of Zade? Interesting, I wonder how Alicia knows him. Stellan, I want a comprehensive background on Harrison,” I ordered. Well, Alicia was proving to be full of surprises.
I studied the pictures more closely. Alicia was comfortable with Harrison; she clearly was familiar with him.
This was an unexpected twist; I’d no idea who he was to her.
The one thing for certain was Harrison wasn’t a lover.
Alicia has been faithful as hell to Kensington.
And the mystery of Alicia Kensington deepened.
Alicia
“Oliver’s agreed to the divorce, but he wants a meeting first. He says he’s not seen you since that day in his office and feels he warrants at least one last chance to say goodbye.
” “Caitlin, Oliver deserves nothing. Despite the fact he’s fighting this, Oliver’s been spotted all around town with Eve on his arm, there’s no denying they’re lovers. ”
“A refusal, Alicia, might cause Oliver to drag his feet,” Caitlin warned.
Exasperated, I sighed. This was the last thing I wanted. Oliver was either going to try to win me back or threaten me. “Caitlin, I’m not comfortable with this. Oliver was drugging me against my knowledge, and I fear what he’s capable of. Plus, there’s the hit and run.”
“How about I agree but insist that I be present and a security guard? That, because of Oliver’s alleged actions, he can’t be trusted?” Caitlin suggested.
“Fine, but if Oliver threatens me, I’m gone.”
“Not a problem. I’ll make the meeting just before we’re due in front of the judge.
If Oliver’s using stalling tactics, we don’t lose our court slot,” Caitlin decided and hung up.
Wearily, I rubbed the back of my neck, not believing Oliver had capitulated so easily.
I was beginning to recognise the level of control over me that Oliver had wielded, but undoing that was a massive effort.
Even with my friends’ support, I found everything hard.
The last few days, I’d been furniture shopping, and I kept having to check myself not to turn around and ask Oliver if he liked it.
Every single action over the past thirteen years had been aimed at garnering his approval.
Oliver had taken my twenties and made me into a shadow of my former self.
Nothing I wanted or desired had mattered.
I thought I’d been easing Oliver’s burdens.
Instead, I’d been caving to his twisted desires.
Oliver had destroyed the girl I’d been and forced me into whatever I was now.
But he’d not succeeded completely. She’d still been there, hiding deep down, and Mystique had been born.
I was trying to throw off Oliver’s shackles, and I wouldn’t go down without a fight.
After the meeting, he would sign the divorce papers.
I was already seated when Oliver arrived at the small office we’d reserved. Caitlin sat calmly next to me with a hulking guy standing behind us. He glanced at the guard before taking his seat.
“You look well, Alicia,” Oliver said smoothly. Two lawyers joined him.
“Yes, the bruising has faded. Quite lucky, really. Imagine explaining that to the judge,” Caitlin spoke.
Oliver glared. “What are you? Her mouthpiece? Alicia can answer for herself!”
“I’ve nothing to say to you, Oliver. We’re here because you decided you wanted to say goodbye,” I said.
“Alicia, we were married for ten years. Are you sure you want this separation? Has Cain Russell railroaded you? Did Russell threaten to damage Eliganz if you didn’t divorce me?” Oliver asked plaintively.
I stared in surprise. Well, I’d not seen this coming. “Cain Russell?”
“Yes, darling, it’s obvious Russell’s fixated on you.
The asshole keeps appearing where you are and even sabotaged our anniversary dinner—” “Stop there, Oliver. I’ve pictures of you huddled in a corner with Eve from your anniversary night.
If you’re going for coercion, we can tell the judge we want half of everything.
Sign the papers and stop fighting,” Caitlin interrupted him.
“Shut up and let me talk to my wife,” Oliver snapped. “Darling, listen—”
“Oliver, give up. I’m no longer under your control. I want a divorce,” I said.
“Alicia—”
“No. Whatever you planned isn’t going to work,” I cut Oliver off. Anger flashed in Oliver’s eyes. “Although I have to ask, was forty-nine million worth it? You could have got rid of me for two.”
With that last shot, I stood and held his gaze. “Goodbye, Oliver.”
Caitlin rose, and I followed her out with the bodyguard at my back.
Two days later.
The rain poured down as we exited the courthouse.
Caitlin shook my hand and dashed for her car.
The guard disappeared as well. I was free.
As I’d left, Eve had been waiting, and she’d been gushing about them filing for a marriage licence.
Hell, divorced five minutes, and Oliver was already replacing me.
Let Oliver control her as he’d controlled me. Eve had nothing going for her but her body and ability to give a great blow job.
Looking at my reflection, I had my epiphany. I was no longer Alicia Kensington, beaten down and moulded into someone alien. I was Alicia Rosewood. Spreading my arms wide, I threw my head back and spun in a circle, laughing. People probably thought I was crazy, yet I felt free.
“You’ve lost the plot!” Eve sneered from behind.
I stopped spinning and stared at her and Oliver. Oliver, despite his laughter when he exited the courthouse, was fuming. It was in his eyes. I’d done the unthinkable and broken away from him. I’d fought against his conditioning and escaped, and Oliver had no idea what to do.
“You’ll regret this, Alicia,” he threatened.
“Nope. But I tell you something, Oliver, taking that bimbo’s—whose two brain cells are fighting for second place—word over mine, is the biggest mistake you’ll ever make.”
With a wicked laugh, I jumped into a puddle and kicked water at them. Eve shrieked loudly, and Oliver glowered.
With a grin, I skipped away. Fuck Oliver Kensington and his lying, unpaid whore.