“Make a haute couture stack, a nightwear pile, a prêt-à-porter range, and separate your business clothing line. Once you’ve done that, then divide into seasons. I would then suggest you take ten pieces, make any corrections, and start creating for a show. Zinnia can get you contacts for one,” Winona said.
Oceane grinned. “And Miss Mystique, you’re going to design a mask that covers your face, like a masquerade mask. Alicia, for the foreseeable future, you’ll hide your identity from everyone. That will build a brand. You’ll be legendary for being mysterious and secretive, yet a genius in fashion. Honey, welcome to our world!”
Oliver - two years later
Another dinner we were invited to, this time to celebrate Alicia’s twenty-seventh birthday. These get-togethers were becoming tedious. I’d secured the financing I needed, but the women had sunk their hooks into Alicia. I didn’t like their influence on her, though Alicia didn’t listen to them. They’d taken her shopping and bought more trendy clothes, and I’d hated that. Alicia had been perfect; men looked but never viewed her sexually. Now, Alicia garnered interested looks when she was out. Although at home, she dressed in her usual bland style, which I heartily approved of.
The investment I’d secured had paid dividends for Aaron, Brock, and Jude, who’d chosen to invest. I’d been very profitable indeed. I held the number two retail spot in the country for my industry. But I wanted first. It burned me that someone was above me. I’d beaten Chic Dreams when I secured the investments, and now I was chasing Zade. The company needed something to give it an advantage.
“How do I look?” Alicia asked shyly as she entered my home study.
Critically, I cast an eye over her. “Okay,” I said, and Alicia’s face fell. Truth was, she looked perfect, but I wouldn’t allow Alicia to get ideas she shouldn’t have. I tossed a bag onto the table carelessly, and Alicia reached for it with a happy smile. “Early birthday present.”
Alicia unwrapped it, and I noticed her face fall a little. The gift contained jewellery. Why would that upset her? She opened the box and saw the ruby and diamond earrings. “Thank you.”
Alicia closed the box, and I sat up. “You’re not going to wear them?” I said, injecting hurt into my voice.
“Oliver, these don’t go with my dress,” Alicia murmured, looking uncertain.
“Then go change! Honestly, Alicia, I buy you an extravagant gift, and you take it for granted. Maybe next year I won’t be so generous,” I chided.
Alicia immediately looked guilty. “This is one of Mystique’s creations,” she said, stroking the material.
Frustrated, I growled. The fashion designer had taken the world by storm. Mystique’s designs were highly sought after, and she released only a few one-offs a year. There were rumours that Mystique was searching for a chain to sell exclusively with.
“Leave them. You’re right, wear it, it looks stunning,” I muttered. We’d be photographed tonight. Alicia wearing aMystique original might catch the designer’s eye, and maybe I’d be in with a chance to contract her to Eliganz.
“No, it’s okay. I’ll go change.” Alicia turned her back, and I exploded.
“Alicia, I said, keep the dress! Why do you have to make everything a guilt trip?”
Alicia’s shoulders curled inwards, and her head dropped. Within seconds, she began twisting her fingers together. For fuck’s sake. How was I the bad guy here?
My jaw clenched as I got to my feet and glowered. Was Alicia really trying to be difficult? It was those women. Ever since they’d come on the scene, stuff like this had happened. Our happy home life was being disrupted. How dare those vile creatures ruin what Alicia and I had?
They insisted on meeting Alicia for lunch once a week, and that was a huge disruption. I’d have to leave work early and divert to pick Alicia up from Chambers. I ground my teeth together. Even now, that riled me. Alicia had been offered membership before I had. I was the businessman, not Alicia!
“Let’s head to the restaurant before I can’t stomach any food,” I gritted out.
Alicia nodded, keeping her head low, and followed me to the car.
Aaron
Kensington seemed in a mood, and I couldn’t help but wonder why. Every so often, he scowled at Alicia and the women. What was Kensington’s problem? It had been a decent move to invest in him, but I was beginning to really hate the man. The arrogance I’d seen two years ago was growing fast, and I believedKensington needed to be taken down. Worst, I believed he was abusing Alicia, but there was never any proof.
The asshole didn’t realise what treasure he had in his hands. A woman worth dying for. Kensington took Alicia for granted, belittled her, and I swear he got off on having power over her. There was no way Kensington cared for Alicia like he claimed, although I believed she loved him.
Over the last two years, we’d learned their story, and Alicia’s was sad. Alone in the world—apart from Kensington. So I understood why she clung tightly. Even so, he remained a prick. I guess because Ryder was an asshole, Kensington thought he could be one. Ryder had earned that right; Kensington hadn’t.
“You really think Mystique will sign with you?” Dax asked, catching my attention.
“Yes. Eliganz is heading for number one,” Kensington said.
I glanced across. We were here for Alicia, and he was talking business? What the hell? Winona would have had my balls if that had been me.
“What did you get Alicia for her birthday?” I inquired mildly.
“Some earrings, she likes that shit,” Kensington replied brusquely and waved a hand as if Alicia wasn’t important. That careless dismissal scared the crap out of me.
