Chapter 2

Olivia's POV

“You have the most beautiful hair,” Maria said as she curled my hair with a curling iron. She was one of the best hair stylists in the country, a middle-aged woman and one of the warmer persons I’d ever met.

“Thank you.” I smiled back. I didn't think my hair was anything special but Maria's hands had made my plain black hair so shiny and full.

The shock I'd felt when Dylan told me they were throwing a party for me was nothing compared to how I felt after seeing the decorations in the house. The party was going to be huge and I was to dress accordingly.

“All done,” She said, placing a final pin at the side of my hair

“Wow.” I looked up at the window sized mirror. I looked different. The make-up and hairstyle had completely transformed me. The smoky make up made my eyes pop and look so sensual. I felt like a princess.

“You can't be amazed now, just wait till your dress is on. I'll go get it.” She left the room humming what sounded like ‘A dream is a wish your heart makes’.

I laughed and shook my head, still admiring my face when I heard footsteps.

“Maria, you-” I turned and faced the door, freezing when I meet identical blue eyes with luscious blonde hair.

“Mother.” I stood up and walked towards her.

“Olive, congratulations.” She smiled and wrapped me in a hug. I stiffened at first, and then relaxed into it.

“Thanks Mum, for the party…and everything.” I pulled away first, taking her outfit in. Elsa Moretti always looked classy. Dressed simply in a shawl, a white camisole, and black slacks, she looked a million bucks.

“Don't be silly dear. I'm so proud of you.” She brushed my hair. I smiled. Tears welled up in my eyes. My mother rarely praised me, rarely even talked to me unless I was messing up. Who knew a certificate was all it took to finally get her approval.

“Don't ruin your makeup Olive,” she tutted. She used her handkerchief to lightly mop up my tears.

“You look so beautiful,” I went in for the hug this time. We stayed like that for a moment before we separated.

My attention fell on the gift bag in her hand. She was acting strange. She followed my gaze and offered a half-smile.

“I got you a gift,” She held it out with her manicured hands, the red paint on her nails standing out against the white color of the gift bag.

“Oh. Thank you.” My hands trembled as I took the bag from her. I turned it upside down and keys clattered on my palm. I furrowed my brows at it.

“I got you an apartment,” she smiled. “It's the most beautiful place and close to a lot of office spaces–”

“I don't understand.” I shook my head, my gaze still transfixed on the keys. I opened my mouth once more but nothing came out.

“You've graduated now, you'll need more space. The apartment is in a cosmopolitan area” her smile stretched tightly. “It's just the place for a graduate”

“I don't want to move out,” I said. I didn't want to live alone. I didn't want to leave Dylan.

“Sweetheart please,” her face fell. Her eyes met mine, pleading. A lump crawled up my throat.

“But I just-” I stuttered out. She held my chin in both her hands.

“It's for the best, you'll have so much fun,” she continued to talk about the other great features the apartment has- a pool, gym membership, a solar system.

I droned her out and tears freely fell from my eyes, mixing with my foundation.

“Mum please,” I managed to croak out. I took her hands in both of mine. “Please.”

“Olive, I can't. Please don't make this harder than it already is.” She took her hands from mine. She sighed.

“You know how Tina is. She keeps bringing up my ‘baggage’,” she paused. “I don't see you that way” she quickly added, collapsing on the settee.

“Richard’s taken a mistress.” she pressed her tongue against her cheek. Her expression was flat.

“Mother” I started to move towards her. She waved a hand.

“So I need you to do this for me. This Party is to celebrate your graduation but it's also a farewell party” She wears her ‘no-nonsense look’. This wasn't a conversation.

“Okay.” I resigned. My breath trembled and I leaned on the vanity table for support. I bit my bottom lip tightly. She offered me a small smile.

“Tomorrow morning you'll move to your new apartment. I'll tell the make-up artist to come and retouch your face.” She walks out of the room.

I remained frozen in place, my head still reeling from what she'd said. I knew the Morettis didn't like me, a fact they'd never bothered hiding. I never thought that-.

My stomach churned violently and I ran to the toilet bowl, holding the sides as I knelt on the rug. The next turn was followed with a retch as I vomited; emptying my stomach till all I could taste was bile.

My hair clung to my forehead, neck and back, held by a thick cloak of sweat. I'd always been alone, even before my mother remarried. I'd never been her priority. An afterthought. Baggage.

I wiped my tears roughly. I had been alone till I met Dylan; he was the only one who cared. He defended me from everyone, the bullies at school, family friends who looked down on me, even his own family.

How could I leave him?

“Olivia?” I heard Maria's voice as she knocked on the toilet door.

“Are you okay, dear?” She asked, her voice holding more concern than my Mum as she chased me out of her home.

“I'm fine, I'll be out in a bit” I replied, pushing myself off the floor. I was acting silly and ungrateful.

I splashed some water on my face and neck, trying to calm myself down. I took a deep breath and schooled my expressions before walking out of the toilet.

“My goodness!” The make-up artist screamed when she saw my face, no doubt smudged in about a 100 places.

“What happened?” Maria eyed me down.

“Were you crying?” She asked, her hands folded. I look away from her eyes.

“It’s just food poisoning. My stomach was really hurting.” I lie easily, settling back down on my chair.

“Do you need any drugs, I can-” Maria volunteered.

“Oh, no need...I'm fine now,” I replied, neither of them moved from their positions.

“We're already running late” I reminded them.

Two hours later, we're done and I'm dressed in the most stunning midnight blue dress. It has a sweetheart neckline making my barely a handful boobs look bigger. It's cinched at the waistline then drapes over the floor in the most effortless way. It glided whenever I moved. The perfect princess gown.

I slid on the silver heels my mum had sent up earlier. My last day in the house. I fanned at the tears threatening to come out from my eyes. I looked at Dylan’s gift, longing and yearning swelled in me. I slipped it on.

“Ms. Olivia,” the butler appeared at my doorway. “I've been sent to get you for the party”

“Alright, let's go,” I replied, letting out a deep sigh.