Chapter 16
For the past several days, Oliver had been coming home right on schedule. If Patricia was in a decent mood, they might actually share a civil dinner. If not, they hardly spent more than a few awkward minutes together at the table.
That night, Marian was busy bringing out dish after dish when Oliver came in, holding out a silk–lined box toward Patricia.}
“A little something I picked up for you on my last trip,” he said.
Patricia took the box, flipped open the lid, and glanced inside. It’s a diamond necklace with a ruby at its center sparkled up at her.
“Thanks.”
“Marian mentioned there’s been a moving company in and out lately,” Oliver said.”
Patricia just hummed. “Just swapped out some furniture I didn’t like.”
“Did the new stuff come yet?”
“Almost,” she replied, keeping it brief.
Dinner wound down, and Oliver’s phone started ringing. He checked the screen, saw who it was, and hit decline without a second thought.S
A few minutes later, it rang again. This time, he answered, “Hey, Mom.” He paused, listening. “Yeah, I’m home.“>
After he hung up, he glanced at Patricia. “My mom said she’s dropping by with something.”
Not even half an hour later, Kelly swept in, arms loaded with shopping bags. Behind her was Nina, dressed in head–to–toe athleisure and thick glasses.)
Did they really think a little costume would keep her hidden?
Oliver’s face drained of color the moment he saw Nina. “Mom?” he blurted out.
“I took Nina out shopping today, and we picked up some new clothes for you,” Kelly announced, all smiles, pretending she didn’t see the tension on Oliver’s face. “Thought I’d drop them off while I was at it.”
“Oliver, this is my first time visiting your house since you got married! You don’t mind, do you?” Nina chimed in, her voice sweet as sugar, though her eyes were practically undressing him.
“Mind what?” Kelly shot back. “Oliver’s place is your place too. Thank god you came with me. Who else would help me buy clothes for him? Certainly not her.” She tossed a pointed look at Patricia’s legs.
Nina turned to Patricia with a fake–innocent smile. “You don’t mind, do you, Patricia?” Her eyes were bright with challenge, practically daring her to say something.
Patricia, still sitting calmly in her wheelchair, didn’t bother to answer. Instead, she looked over at Oliver, her expression serene, almost entertained, like she’d seen it all coming from a mile away.
No one else seemed to notice, but Oliver did. Patricia had known about Nina all along.”
“The clothes are here. You two can go now,” Oliver said, voice flat.§
It was true–there was no love lost between him and Patricia, and being under the same roof was never easy. Still, after everything, they owed each other a bit of dignity.@
Kelly waited until they were outside before she let her anger show. “Are you seriously this scared of her?” she snapped, practically shaking “What, you think she’s going to eat you alive?“}
“Love or not, she did save my life,” Oliver said, glancing at Nina. “Whatever happens between us is our business. You-” He cut himself off, but the meaning was obvious.X
“Nina will be your wife sooner or later,” Kelly spat. “She’s just getting used to the place.” Her tone dripped with contempt–first Ruby, now Patricia Nothing good ever came from the Martin family. Only Nina, in her eyes, truly deserved to be Oliver’s wife.§
“You should go.” Oliver said, sending them off.
He turned and pushed the door open, only to be greeted by a loud crash. Blood splattered across the floor.N
A perfume bottle had smashed, shards everywhere, its sharp, overwhelming scent filling the room.
“Patricia, are you out of your damn mind? Are you addicted to throwing things at me now?” Oliver yelled. N
Patricia looked him dead in the eye. “Yeah, I guess I am. Why don’t you call the cops? Maybe they’ll finally do something right for you”
