“But you did mean to buy my evening gown and give it to Eve? Yes, Mystique informed me,” I ground out. Tears clogged my throat.
“That bitch needs to stay out of my marriage. Darling, I didn’t know it was your dress,” Olive soothed.
Liar, the word shouted in my mind. Oliver had known. Mystique had told him. Oliver wasn’t sorry. I didn’t know what this was about, but his actions were confusing me. Oliver was acting contrite, and I didn’t believe him.
“Honey, I bought you something,” Oliver murmured as he pulled me back against him in an embrace.
“Thank you, I don’t need anything.”
“No, you never demanded pretty things, Alicia. It’s one of the things I love about you,” Oliver said.
“Do you? Love me? Because lately it doesn’t feel like it,” I muttered.
Oliver turned me around with a panicked expression. “What do you mean? Alicia, you’re the love of my life. I can’t imagine living without you.”
“Eve seems a viable replacement. She’s pretty, intelligent, and a valuable member of society. At least according to you.”
Oliver looked stricken. “Darling, those words were spoken in anger. Cain is playing games because he’s jealous. You can’t see that because you’re so sweet, but Cain’s using you to one-up me. Cain’s a vile man and loves power trips and schemes. It scared me that he targeted you. You’re the light of my life. I’m crazy about you, Alicia, and that won’t ever change. Sweetheart, you can’t believe Eve would ever replace you?”
“Why not? You’re always with her. I don’t want jewellery, which is what you’ve likely bought. Eve has been getting all of your time and attention lately, and that’s all I want. Some quality time,” I whispered.
I didn’t understand what was happening anymore. One moment, I was convinced I was right, and the next, Oliver had me scrabbling. I was probably being a bad wife, but I couldn’t stop what I did next.
With that, I picked up the chopping board and threw lunch in the small bin for food scraps. “Don’t want my ass to get fatter and shame you further.”
Oliver
I was stunned at how Alicia had spoken. She’d not been so forthright since college. Obviously, damage had been done, and I needed to put a lot of effort into restoring her to perfection. Although I had to admit, was it worth it anymore? Alicia was twenty-nine, and while she looked as beautiful as always, she was marching on in age.
I pursed my lips. No, Alicia wasn’t finished until I said so. This was Alicia acting out; she’d soon be under control again. Time to up my game.
Chapter Eleven.
The Observer
Alicia Kensington was off. Something was wrong, and she wasn’t happy. It was clear from the few images paparazzi had managed to grab. Her face looked thin, and she appeared to have lost some weight. It was worrying; Alicia hadn’t been overweight to start with. Meanwhile, Kensington was gaining pounds hand over fist. For someone so vain, Kensington seemed oblivious to his growing paunch.
I wanted to reach out, but it was too premature. Alicia needed to work through these issues alone. It was pretty damn obvious Kensington had brainwashed her, and I didn’t trust she had the strength to break free yet. But it was clear Alicia was suffering. She’d not been out with her friends as much either. I picked up my cell and dialled.
“This is a surprise,” Aaron Sinclair stated.
“Is it? Have Winona reach out to Alicia Kensington. Get a gauge of how she’s feeling. Something’s wrong.”
“Yes, her husband is having a blatant affair, and Alicia’s beginning to realise it. Alicia truly loves Kensington, and thiswill destroy her. She’s withdrawing from everyone so she can live in denial.”
“Guess that’s her choice, Sinclair, but have Winona contact her, anyway.”
“Winona speaks to Alicia every couple of days.”
“Do I have to repeat myself a third time? I would find that incredibly tedious.”
“Wouldn’t want that,” Sinclair quipped, and I frowned. “We’ll reach out. Would you like a report?”
“Don’t push your luck, please remember my previous warning.”
“I’m about one of the only fools who puts up with you; I’m not afraid,” Sinclair declared and cut the call. Damn asshole.
Winona
