People around noticed us together, saw the dresses. They started whispering.
"Natalie trying to play socialite is hilarious. Look at her background—if not for Richard, she'd never get into a place like this, not in this life or the next."
"No clue what Richard was thinking, marrying someone so ordinary. Olivia's way more capable."
They compared us.
They said my blonde hair looked like straw, my figure like bad plastic surgery... Their words got nastier, humiliation heating my skin.
"Natalie, don't stoop to their level." Olivia sighed, like talking to a kid. "But have you thought maybe these proper gowns and fancy events are just too much for you? Next time, tell Richard to leave you home."
She leaned in, voice just for us. "You'd fit better in a sequin bikini, shaking it at a strip club, guys stuffing cash in your bra. That's your scene. At least there, no one expects you to fake being a lady."
My head nearly exploded.
She wasn't even pretending anymore. Thought sleeping with Richard gave her the right to judge me?
I gripped my glass, knuckles white.
I hated Richard.
Hated him for making me wear this, for leaving me alone here, for letting Olivia humiliate me like this.
But I hated myself more for thinking they might be right.
Olivia raised her left hand, the diamond on her ring finger blinding. "Richard gave me this yesterday. Said it's an early birthday gift. Seven figures."
I stared at the stone, suddenly wanting to cry.
"Oh, right," Olivia said, like remembering something fun. "A year ago on your birthday, Richard was at my place. He got drunk and missed yours. But he felt bad the next day... I heard he grabbed a random rose off the street for you?"
"A rose tops out at thirty bucks." Olivia eyed me, pity laced with mockery. "You're like that flower, Natalie. Cheap, disposable. Anyone could—"
I couldn't take it anymore.
I splashed the champagne in her face.
It dripped down her hair, ruining her high-end gown. Olivia's gasp drew everyone's eyes.
Finally, I felt a rush of satisfaction.
"Natalie!"
Richard's voice came from behind me, anger barely contained.
Chapter Four
Richard
Tonight, I showed up at the charity gala with Olivia.
It wasn't really what I wanted.
Thirty minutes earlier, I'd wrapped up a cocktail party. Getting back to Blackwood Manor would take an hour, and there was no way I'd make it in time to pick up Natalie. But two minutes after my driver hit the road, Olivia called.
She said her car broke down and asked if I could help.
What, was I a mechanic? How could she even ask something that dumb?
