Chapter 9
Every year for Dom’s mother’s birthday, I organized a fancy dinner at The Ivy, inviting her friends, relatives, and even her weekly bridge club–completely satisfying her need to show off to her social circle.
Mrs. Reid adored me as a future daughter–in–law. For eight years, I’d been the perfect partner to her precious son, handling his schedule, his home, his life. Not to mention my family connections had helped Dom’s career enormously. This year was no different–Dom and I arrived together at his parents‘ Bel Air
mansion.
The moment we walked in, Mrs. Reid rushed over in her St. John knit suit, embracing me warmly. “Olivia, darling! Tell me all about the wedding plans! And when can I expect my first grandchild?”
“He doesn’t deserve one,” I muttered honestly.
“What was that, dear? I didn’t quite catch that,” she frowned.
I plastered on my sweetest smile. “We’re taking it one step at a time.”
Vanessa was there too, looking ridiculous in a skin–tight red dress that screamed “trying too hard.” To anyone who didn’t know better, you’d think it was her party. When she overheard about our upcoming wedding, her face twisted with jealousy. She sidled up to Mrs. Reid and whispered loudly enough for me to hear: “Mrs. Reid, I heard Dom’s been seeing a young model from his latest campaign. Since you want grandchildren so badly, maybe—”
“That’s nonsense, Vanessa,” Mrs. Reid cut her off sharply.
She wasn’t defending me, though—she was protecting Dom’s image. The Reids
were all about appearances.
I slipped away with a tight smile, finding a quiet corner by the garden. Predictably,
Vanessa followed me like a shark smelling blood.
“Congratulations, Olivia,” she said with a sneer. “After serving Dom for eight years, you’re finally going to become a Reid. How does it feel to win the grand prize?” “Better than throwing yourself at a man for over fifteen years and still being
nothing but a convenient lay,” I replied without looking at her.
