“Interesting,” I drawled and captured his attention.
“What is?” Kensington demanded. I raised an eyebrow at his tone. Kensington may have thought he was on our level, but he wasn’t.
Kensington held my gaze, and I wondered if he realised we could crush him. Arrogant fool.
“The wives bought Alicia bath bombs, candles and that sort of stuff. They saidshe loves that shit.” Ryder smirked. I could almost hear Kensington grind his teeth.
“Not exactly what a husband would buy, although a thoughtful gift from acquaintances,” Kensington made a backhanded comment. Before I could speak, Ryder got in.
“Is that so? I thought our women considered each other friends. Does Alicia not think so?” Ryder challenged.
“Alicia is undoubtedly grateful; she’s shy and gauche in company, as you know,” Kensington replied.
Yeah, I really was starting to dislike this motherfucker. “Is she? We must see a different woman. I see a graceful, beautiful, poised woman who, while lacking confidence, is a delight to talk to.”
Kensington nodded and puffed out his chest. Unbelievable. He was taking the compliment meant for Alicia for himself. I smiled. Sooner or later, Alicia would break, and when she did, Kensington was history.
Chapter Seven.
Alicia – two years later.
“What do you have planned today?” I asked, placing Oliver’s coffee and breakfast in front of him.
“Meetings. Why? Think you can help me?” Oliver sneered. I reacted with hurt and shied away.
Obviously, I was aware I couldn’t. “How about lunch?” I suggested.
“Alicia, I know you’ve no clue what real work looks like, but please don’t be so stupid. I keep long hours to keep this roof over your head and you in designer shit. That stuff isn’t cheap. No, I don’t have time to take lunch with you because I eat at my desk in between meetings and calls,” Oliver hissed. His phone rang, and he snatched it up.
“What is it?” he growled, waving a hand in my face.
Wow! Talk about being dismissed. As I waited, Oliver’s voice changed and became softer, and I knew he was speaking to Eve. She’d been his assistant for four months now and seemed indispensable. Oliver rose to his feet, sent me a dirty look, and without eating or drinking, walked out.
Upset, I blinked back tears and drew in a deep, shuddering breath. What was going on? Over the past couple of years, I’d sensed Oliver withdrawing and had done everything I could to make life easier. But nothing worked. The distance grew greater. From the moment he’d taken the number one spot, Oliver criticised more and worse; he didn’t even appear to like me anymore. Oliver had bumped Zade off their top position and had held it ever since Mystique had signed with him.
If only Oliver had known Mystique was me, that I’d helped him achieve his goal. Oliver wouldn’t think me useless anymore.
Things had deteriorated so badly that Oliver no longer showed any interest in my life. However, in the rare conversations we had, Eve’s name came up with disturbing frequency.
I wiped any trace of misery from my face and headed to dress. The Uber would be here soon, to take me to my deep, dark secret.
“Mystique!” Winona exclaimed, walking into my design studio. I looked up and smiled warmly. We’d been friends for four years now, and Winona was one of my most avid supporters.
“Your dress will be ready shortly,” I replied, leaning over and kissing her cheek.
“I can’t wait. It’s going to be stunning. How’s the winter collection going?”
“Nearly done and already working on spring.”
“Wow,” Winona gasped. “Exciting!”
Winona, Saska, Zinnia, Oceane, and Rebel had become my clothes horses and close friends. Only they knew who Mystique was. They literally bought most of their clothing from me, and I’d started designing items for them alone. Unique one-offs thathad others clamouring for the same. They wouldn’t get them as I wasn’t going to be everyone’s personal designer.
“The dress is ready, Miss Mystique,” an assistant, Irena, announced, approaching.
“Come on, Winona, let’s see how you like this,” I said, linking arms with Winona and leading her into the private part of the studio. This was the dressing area. Where I could assess clothing and make adjustments as I needed.
“Oh, this is beautiful!” Winona exclaimed as she examined the garment hanging up. “Darling, I’ll be the talk of the red carpet in that!”
