“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 eyesnarrowed, 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.
