You Looked Down on Me Once, Now You Look Up. novel 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.

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.”

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