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SECRETS OF THE NEGLECTED WIFE: WHEN HER TRUE COLORS SHINE


Chapter 1 Divorce "I've filed for divorce. Four million should set you up for
life." Colton Stevens impatiently walked over, his frustration almost palpable.
"It's our third wedding anniversary today, can't we at least finish this meal
together?" Allison Clarke's face froze for a heartbeat. Her nails dug painfully
into her palm as she fought to keep her composure. Colton scoffed, his eyes cold
and distant. "Even if we finish this meal together, I'll never love you.
Besides, Melany's back. She's proud, and she won't stand for this whole
situation." A flicker of softness crossed his face at the mention of Melany
Johnson, a warmth that had never been reserved for Allison, no matter how hard
she'd tried. She had bent over backward for him, cared for his parents, and
sacrificed everything for years. But none of it had earned her more than a
passing glance. Melany was the one who held his heart--had always held it. She
had walked out on him three years ago, breaking off their engagement and leaving
for abroad. Yet now, with a mere word from her, Colton had easily embraced her
return and chosen to divorce Allison without a second thought. Allison gripped
the table's edge as if trying to steady herself against a sudden gust of wind.
"Does your grandpa know about this?" Colton let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
"Don't think you can hide behind Grandpa. He's in the hospital and can't handle
any stress. My parents are on board with the divorce. In fact, Melany met with
them just today." Allison's heart sank, an icy chill creeping through her veins.
She had once been celebrated as a genius perfumer, renowned hacker. For three
years, she'd buried every trace of that brilliance, molding herself into the
perfect housewife. Just recently, she had secured a rare opportunity with
Cobweb--the most elusive intelligence network--hoping to help the Stevens family
clinch a crucial deal. A chance like that was nearly impossible to come by. Yet
now, it all seemed like a cruel farce. "So, Melany's at your parents' place?"
she asked, her voice brittle. "Naturally." Colton smiled, his features softening
as if the thought of Melany made everything brighter. "They just had dinner.
Melany's always gotten along with my parents. They've been singing her praises
all evening -- saying how thoughtful and understanding she is." "And you all
knew she was coming back," Allison murmured, her voice thick with disbelief,
"but left me in the dark." Her eyes glistened, the sting of betrayal cutting
deep. Thoughtful and understanding -- how ridiculous. His parents used to make
the same comments about her. Colton shot her an impatient glare. "It wasn't on
purpose. The butler just forgot to mention it. Don't start creating drama where
there isn't any." He looked at her then, truly looked at her, and for a moment,
his expression shifted to one of disdain. Allison had always been delicate, her
skin flawless, and her features striking, especially her bright, clear eyes. But
none of that mattered. She was boring, and that was all. The ideal housewife,
yes--everything he could have wanted in a caretaker for his parents--but living
with her was stifling. Allison ironed clothes and prepared meals with precision
every day. Her routine was so predictable that Colton never had to wonder what
she was doing. She was the picture-perfect housewife--dutiful and entirely
devoted to staying home. But he was beyond tired of it. "And whether you accept
the fact or not, you're leaving tonight." Colton hesitated, realizing how harsh
he sounded. "You can move to Starfish Villas. Take the villa, it's yours." He
had done his research on Allison. She came from a modest rural background,
dropped out of school early, and hadn't seen much of the world. If it weren't
for the fact that she had saved his grandfather's life, she would never have
married into the Stevens family. In his mind, offering her the villa seemed more
than generous for someone with her humble beginnings. But Allison's face didn't
show gratitude. Instead, she offered him a thin, cold smile. "So, she's moving
in now?" Allison didn't care about the villa or the four million he offered. She
could make far more as a top-tier hacker. What hurt was being discarded after
three years of loyalty. Colton sighed and said, "The room on the second floor
was always hers. Melany's back and has nowhere else to stay, so I told her she
could move in. If you're still here, she'll feel uncomfortable." Her silence was
enough to annoy him, assuming she was unhappy with the deal. His frustration
grew. "Don't push it. You need to know when enough is enough." He glanced at his
watch, clearly counting down the time. "Now that I've lodged my divorce
petition, we'll meet in the courthouse in a few days. You'd better make
preparations and hire a lawyer..." He did not get to finish. "I know what to
do," Allison cut him off, her voice laced with disgust. Her mind wandered back
to a childhood memory--when she was blinded and in grave danger. A boy carried
her on his back for three days and nights, saving her life. That boy had said
his name was Colton Stevens. Now, three years after their marriage, that same
boy was forcing her to leave. Time had an uncanny way of warping people into
strangers. "I'll go," Allison said, snapping back to the moment. She stood up
and looked at Colton firmly with detachment. "From now on, we owe each other
nothing." Colton let out a breath, relieved. "Good." As if on cue, the
housekeeper, Kaelyn Thorpe, appeared at the top of the stairs, struggling with a
suitcase. "Sir, your parents called and said Ms. Clarke needs to leave right
away, so I packed her things... Oh no!" Before she could finish, she
dramatically yelped and pretended to twist her ankle. Allison's suitcase tumbled
down the stairs, spilling her belongings everywhere.

Chapter 2 A Slap In The Face "Ms. Clarke, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to!"
Kaelyn hurried down the stairs, her face a picture of exaggerated concern.
"Maybe you can just toss everything in a bag for now?" she added, hiding her
disdain behind a sweet smile. Kaelyn had always looked down on Allison, seeing
her as nothing more than a poor country girl who'd shamelessly latched onto
Colton for a better life. Colton frowned in frustration. "You're so clumsy!" he
snapped, glancing at the scattered clothes. Allison's suitcase contained so
little--a few clothes and hardly any jewelry. She hadn't even spent much of the
money he had given her over the years. She lived simply, frugally, and it was a
reflection of how she had never tried to take advantage of her status. But love
couldn't be forced or faked. "Melany's luggage takes priority. Just toss
Allison's things in a storage bag," Colton added dismissively, eyeing the broken
suitcase. "I'll have the housekeeper buy you a new one tomorrow." Allison gave a
faint, bitter smile. "That suitcase was the one I stole from the kidnappers when
we were running for our lives. If it hadn't been for it, we would've drowned
back then." For years, she had taken care of that suitcase--just as she had
taken care of their marriage. And now, like their relationship, it lay
shattered. Colton let out a cold laugh. "That story might fool my grandfather,
but it doesn't work on me." The memory of being kidnapped as a child was too
vague, and he always doubted that Allison had been with him during that time.
Turning to Kaelyn, Colton raised his voice. "Hurry up and pack her things!"
"Yes, sir," Kaelyn eagerly began to gather Allison's clothes, but she
deliberately stepped on them, dirtying them in the process. With a sickly sweet
tone, she mocked, "Ms. Clarke, Mr. Stevens' grandmother always says that people
are like clothes. Once a person's clothes are stained, it doesn't matter how
much you wash; the marks never truly fade." Allison had always been kind to
Kaelyn, even when she didn't have to be. After all, Kaelyn was a distant
relative of Colton's grandmother. Years ago, when Kaelyn had made a blunder that
nearly put the Stevens family at odds with Kellan Lloyd, the eldest son of the
Lloyd family, it was Allison who had smoothed the waters. She had negotiated a
deal with Kellan, who was paralyzed, securing the critical land for the Stevens'
commercial project. Back then, Kaelyn had been grateful, almost humbled. But
now, emboldened by the winds of change within the Stevens family, Kaelyn acted
as if she had never bent the knee. It all boiled down to one thing--Colton's
grandmother's favor had drifted, and with it, so had the family's attitude. "If
clothes get dirty, you're right," Allison said, her eyes flicking to Colton,
"they're impossible to clean completely." She shrugged, a casual finality in her
voice. "So, I won't be needing them anymore." She had never liked those bland,
shapeless things anyway. They had never quite suited her. "But when people mess
up," she continued, her voice turning cold and unfamiliar, "they need to face
the consequences." The air in the room shifted. For the first time, Colton
looked at Allison as if seeing her through a new lens--her usual softness was
now replaced with a sharp edge. Even Kaelyn sensed the change, but she quickly
donned an innocent mask, as though slipping into a role she had perfected. "I
only serve the Stevens family, Ms. Clarke," Kaelyn said, her voice tinged with
sweetness. "And since you're divorced--" Smack! Kaelyn never got the chance to
finish. Allison's palm cracked across her left cheek with such force that the
sound echoed in the room. Kaelyn's eyes widened in disbelief. "How dare you hit
me?" "Because I felt like it." "If Mrs. Stevens finds out--" Smack! Another
slap, harder this time, sent Kaelyn stumbling backward. Both her cheeks were now
red and swollen, the perfect mirror of each other. The second blow knocked
Kaelyn off her feet, and as she hit the floor, her ankle twisted beneath her.
She cried out in real pain, her face a picture of humiliation and fury. Tears
welled up in Kaelyn's eyes, spilling over as she whimpered, "Mr. Stevens, she's
gone too far!" But before Kaelyn could spew more of her complaints, Allison was
on her again, her hand gripping Kaelyn's throat as she tore the necklace from
around her neck. "That's for the suitcase and the clothes." Kaelyn's face
flushed crimson as Allison's grip tightened, choking her words into sobs. "And
now, I'm taking back what never belonged to you in the first place." The
necklace was a modest piece--an emerald pendant encircled by diamonds--but it
wasn't the value that mattered. The engraving on the back made it unmistakably
clear that it was never Kaelyn's to wear. "You... you're committing assault!"
Kaelyn croaked, gasping for air. In her panic, she didn't even notice when her
bladder gave way. As Allison's grip threatened to suffocate her, Kaelyn's mind
finally cleared, and she realized with terrifying clarity that Allison wasn't
just capable of hurting her--she could kill her if she wanted to. But Allison,
without hesitation or lingering, snapped the necklace chain and walked away, her
steps unhurried, as though the encounter was beneath her notice. Kaelyn
scrambled to her feet, desperation clawing at her as she turned to Colton,
pleading, "Sir, this is all a misunderstanding, please--" "Get out!" Colton's
patience snapped as his boot connected with Kaelyn's side, sending her sprawling
once again. The smell of urine, sharp and acrid, hit his nose, and his temper,
already at its peak, spilled over. "The Stevens family doesn't have room for
someone with sticky fingers." Meanwhile, Allison had already stepped out of the
villa, her phone in hand, and dialed a familiar number. When the call connected,
her voice was calm, almost light. "Rebecca, I'm divorced, and I've moved out of
his villa. My house and car are still in Vrining. Mind if I crash at your place
for the night?" On the other end of the line, Rebecca Green went from silence to
squealing joy within seconds. "Holy crap! You finally divorced that i**ot!
Forget crashing--you're staying over for a party! A single's party!" Even from a
distance, Allison could hear Rebecca's exaggerated laughter bubbling through the
phone. "If the folks at Cobweb find out the founder is back, the servers will
explode!"

Chapter 3 Cruise Party Inside the villa, Kaelyn was practically at her wit's
end, kneeling in front of Colton and pleading in desperation, "Mr. Stevens,
weren't you planning to surprise Miss Johnson on the cruise tonight? Let me make
it right and fix my mistake!" She had served Melany for years, knowing her every
like and dislike down to the smallest detail. Colton's frown deepened. Melany
had shown up without warning, and the party venue wasn't even close to ready.
"I'm giving you one final chance," he muttered, glancing at his watch. Only
three hours remained before the cruise party was set to begin. "If you blow
this, you're done. Not only will you be out of the Stevens family, but the next
thing you'll see will be a court summons! It was a double-edged sword--both a
lifeline and a threat. Kaelyn swore to herself she wouldn't fail as she hurried
away. Colton turned back, his gaze falling on the dining table loaded with food.
Frustration flared inside him, especially as his mind flashed back to the memory
of Allison slapping Kaelyn earlier. Allison had stayed composed, but something
about her felt colder, harsher than before--far from the docile, compliant woman
he once knew. But the thought slipped away quickly. To him, Allison would always
be that dull, submissive housewife. Without him, she'd be nothing. Outside the
villa, a sleek Lamborghini pulled up, and a woman stepped out. "Allison,
darling!" Rebecca rushed over and wrapped Allison in a warm embrace. "You know,
you could live at my place forever if you wanted to!" Rebecca, the only daughter
of the Eternity Group's owners, practically owned half the city's skyline. A
roof over Allison's head was hardly an issue. "So, what on earth happened
tonight?" Rebecca asked, pressing close, her cheek resting against Allison's
neck. "You still smell like cooking oil. Don't tell me you were cooking for that
m**on again?" Allison felt the familiar tightness in her throat, emotions rising
as Rebecca's hug warmed her. "Let's talk in the car," she said. Once inside the
Lamborghini, Allison began to recount what had happened this whole day. Her
voice remained steady, but Rebecca's temper flared like a spark igniting dry
wood. "Can you believe this? Colton got dumped by Melany on their wedding day,
and now he's trying to crawl back to her by divorcing you? They're made for each
other--two peas in a rotten pod!" Rebecca raged. "And his parents!" Rebecca
added, her anger rising like a storm. "You've been looking after them for three
years, bending over backward for that family, and this is the thanks you get?"
Rebecca continued her tirade, her words like bullets. "Listen, he's lost his
memory of that incident in his childhood, sure, but that doesn't excuse what
he's done. You've more than paid your dues over the last three years. There's no
point pretending to be the woman he wants anymore. You've wiped that slate
clean." Allison slouched in the passenger seat, her gaze distant as the world
blurred past her window. "It's done. We're even now." For three years, she'd
molded herself into Colton's image of the perfect woman. She'd ditched her
heels, pulled her hair back, and settled for modest, boring outfits--ones she
didn't even like--all to mirror Melany. But no matter how hard she tried, she
couldn't compete with the woman he truly loved. "Allison, the truth is, the
Stevens family doesn't deserve someone like you." Rebecca's voice softened,
thick with the weight of emotions as she sensed Allison's exhaustion. "Divorce
is a process, but until it's settled, you'll stay with me. You're like a sister
to me, anyway." Allison managed a small smile. "Okay." Growing up in an
orphanage, Allison had never had any family members. But Rebecca had always
treated her better than anyone ever had. Their conversation trailed off as they
arrived at an exclusive makeup studio. Rebecca rolled down the window and waved
enthusiastically at Mary Brown, a famous makeup artist. "Hey, Mary! Got a little
project for you!" Allison rubbed her temples, groaning softly, "Honestly, I'm
wiped. I don't think I can handle makeup tonight." "Oh, come on! You're not
planning to keep that whole tired, 'still-waiting-for-him' look, are you?"
"Yeah... Definitely not." "Exactly!" Rebecca's face lit up. "Relax and let the
pros do their magic. These are top-tier, international artists. Tonight, they're
bringing out the version of you the world's been missing!" Thirty minutes later,
the transformation was undeniable. Nearly everyone who saw her in the mirror was
momentarily stunned. Allison's naturally striking features had always been
overshadowed by exhaustion. But now, with just a touch of makeup, she was
breathtaking. Her long, feline eyes, accentuated by just the right amount of
shadow, were captivating without going overboard. A delicate beauty mark drawn
near the corner of her eye added a hint of daring that felt almost rebellious.
Even Rebecca couldn't contain her excitement. "This... this is the Allison I
remember!" She gestured to a rack of dresses being brought in. "Sweetheart, pick
any gown that calls to you. I pulled out all the stops for tonight. We're
celebrating your freedom on a luxury yacht, complete with eight gigolos with
perfect figures. I swear, it's going to be a night you won't forget!" Allison
waved it off. "I'm not in the mood for men right now." Rebecca shot her a
knowing look, a bit of frustration creeping in. "Not in the mood? It's been
three years! Are you telling me you haven't had any... needs in all that time?"
"Well..." She'd definitely had them. In three years of marriage, Colton claimed
he was "saving" himself for Melany, refusing to touch any other woman. So here
she was, still a v**gin! She wasn't a saint. She had her desires. But she wasn't
about to force anything. Rebecca watched her closely, sensing she could still be
holding onto the past. Time to pull out the big guns! "You know there are going
to be international perfumers at this party, right? Including the brains behind
Charisma Company! Don't tell me you're not curious to finally meet him."
Charisma was the country's most prestigious perfume brand. Allison had crossed
paths with the CEO at an international perfumery competition. His creations had
been nothing short of art. For the first time in forever, they evoked a feeling
of déjà vu, something about them reminding her of her mother's style. But like
her, the CEO was an enigma. He'd never showed up in public, even as Charisma
shot to global fame. No one knew what he looked like, not even now. "Alright,
let's check it out." Allison finally relented, her curiosity piqued. After all,
she'd once hacked into Charisma's database, coming up empty-handed. And
something in her gut still whispered that this mysterious perfumer could be
linked to her mother, somehow.

Chapter 4 Shareholder The Royal Princess cruise ship. As dusk blanketed the
ocean, guests gathered along the railings of the Royal Princess cruise ship,
their eyes drawn to the sea's expanse. As the ship edged closer to Ontdale
Harbor, a particular woman stole the show. Clad in a gem-red silk gown that
rippled like liquid fire under the soft lights, she radiated allure. The fabric
clung to her curves, sculpting her waist, while her long, elegant legs seemed to
stretch endlessly. Her hair was swept into an intricate updo, and her bold red
lips, paired with pearl earrings, whispered understated luxury. The ensemble was
simple, yet undeniably seductive. "Wow, honey, look at yourself now! The
legendary queen, the Scarlet Snake is back!" Rebecca blurted, her voice thick
with awe. "You've been dressing like a nun for the last three years--what a
shame!" "Scarlet Snake" had been Allison's codename during her missions, a
persona as bold as the red she used to wear. Back then, she took pride in her
appearance, dressing to match her fierce identity. But Colton... He'd dismissed
her, calling her style obnoxious and demanding she mimic Melany. Allison
complied, thinking she'd win him back if she blended into the background. Modest
whites, housewife duties, trying to be the perfect woman his family had
wanted--nothing worked. The Stevens family had written her off regardless. A
bitter smile tugged at the corner of Allison's mouth. "You're right, Rebecca,"
she replied. "It's about time I just be me again." As those words left her lips,
she remained unaware that Colton and Melany had just arrived at the harbor. They
were greeted by Kaelyn, whose loyalty to Colton knew no bounds. "Miss Johnson,
you're finally here! You wouldn't believe how much Mr. Stevens missed you. He's
planned a special surprise tonight on the cruise!" Kaelyn gushed, all too eager
to please. Melany shook her head, lips pursed. "Colton, you don't have to go
through all this trouble. People will have a negative impression of you." Colton
grasped her hand. "No need to care about their opinion. I'm divorced
now--nobody's going to say a word." As more guests filtered onto the ship,
Allison and Rebecca navigated through the crowd, making their way to the third
floor, where the banquet awaited them. The ship, lit up like a palace of
decadence, was steeped in vintage glamour. At the heart of it, the music was
loud and wild, and bodies swayed to the rhythm without a care. Rebecca handed
Allison a key card. "Enjoy yourself tonight! I booked you eight gigolos. They're
all clean and perfect," she teased. Allison raised an eyebrow, amused. "Weren't
we here to track down the perfumer, not to fool around?" "Don't worry. We've got
an hour before the event kicks off. I've got people watching the Charisma
Company guests for you. You might as well have some fun while you wait." She
pointed across the room at a striking man. "Speaking of fun, I think I'll go
dance with that fine piece over there." Allison watched as the man threw Rebecca
a knowing wink. She shook her head, chuckling softly, and slipped the key card
into her bag. "Go on, then. I'll be in the hall on the right." She wasn't in the
mood for any romantic distractions, so after ordering a tequila, she wandered to
the quieter side of the ship, where the breeze and the endless horizon offered a
reprieve from the noise. But peace didn't last long. "Hey there, gorgeous.
Drinking alone?" Allison glanced up to see a short, slimy-looking man leering at
her. "If you're feeling a bit lonely, me and the boys can fix that," he jeered,
motioning toward a small group of equally unsavory men standing a few steps
away. The short man strutted over, his gold chain swinging with each exaggerated
step, and his fingers glittering with gaudy rings like they were worth more than
his dignity. He leaned in, his breath heavy with arrogance. "I've got cash to
burn, babe. How about--Ah! My hand!" There was a sharp crack as Allison
effortlessly twisted his wrist, the movement so fluid that it looked rehearsed.
His bones snapped like dry twigs, and she didn't even dignify him with a glance.
"Walk away now while you're still able." The man stood frozen, not entirely
processing what had just happened. Then the pain hit, and he howled, yanking his
hand back in disbelief. A woman had just taken him down as easily as one could
swat a fly. Humiliation quickly morphed into fury. Danny Mason snatched up a
nearby bottle with his uninjured hand, face red with rage. "You think you can
get away with that, you--? You're dead!" With a swift, practiced motion, Allison
twisted Danny's other wrist, snapping it just as effortlessly as the first.
"Seems like you have a hard time grasping simple instructions," she remarked
coldly. Without a moment's hesitation, she slammed the glass in her hand
directly onto his head. Crash! Glass shards and tequila cascaded over him,
mingling with the blood that immediately dripped from his forehead. Allison's
expression remained stone-cold. "Sober up and get lost!" Danny screamed in agony
as he crumpled to the floor, drenched and utterly humiliated. His face was a
mess of blood, tears, and snot, his shattered wrists rendering him defenseless.
"You psycho! Do you even know who I am?" he spat out between ragged breaths, his
eyes burning with venom. "What are you all standing around for?" he yelled at
his crew. "Beat her to death already!" A group of muscular thugs closed in on
Allison, smirking like wolves circling prey. "You've really stepped in it now,"
one of them sneered. "You've pissed off the heir of the Mason family. They own
Cloudland Hotel over in Ontdale. Even if you drop dead right here, they've got
enough money to make it disappear like smoke!" Bottles were grabbed; the air
crackled with the threat of violence. Before anyone could blink, Allison
snatched a bottle from one of the men, smashed it against the table, and with a
fluid motion, pressed the jagged edge right against Danny's throat. "So, the
Mason family's got the cash to cover it up, huh? Tell me--how much is your life
worth?" Her tone was as calm as still water, but the smile that played on her
lips was pure ice. Danny, feeling the bottle's sharp edge bite into his skin,
stammered, "You--you think you can actually--oh God, no! Help me! Please, I'm
sorry!" A thin line of blood trickled down his neck, the bottle poised to end
him with the slightest pressure. Danny's face turned ghostly white. This woman
was out of her mind! Satisfied, Allison released the bottle and sent him
sprawling to the floor with a swift kick. Turning to the cruise manager, who had
rushed over in the chaos, she said with calm authority, "Handle this mess. And
make sure I never see anyone from the Mason family aboard this ship again."
Danny, spotting the manager, assumed his rescue had arrived. With newfound
arrogance, he staggered to his feet. "Who do you think you are, ordering them
around? My family has a stake in this cruise line!" he spat, pointing with rage.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Take her down!" By now, the spectacle had drawn
quite a crowd. At the railing, Colton frowned, while Melany leaned over to
whisper, "What if Ms. Clarke gets expelled from the cruise..." Before she could
finish, the situation took an unexpected turn. The cruise manager didn't
hesitate. He swiftly ordered the security team to tie up Danny and his goons.
Then, to everyone's shock, he turned and bowed toward Allison, his voice filled
with respect. "Yes, ma'am." Danny, now restrained and livid, screeched, "Are you
all blind?!" The manager's response was calm. "Ms. Clarke is the primary
shareholder of this cruise line. Anyone who disrespects her is no friend of
ours." The crowd gasped. Even Colton, who had been leaning against the railing,
stood there in a state of frozen disbelief. Isn't Allison an orphan? ...... ====
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton,
Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed
toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented
perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a
secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I
know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled
tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed
dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on." What happens next?
Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App
and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open
the app) Chapter 1 Divorce "I've filed for divorce. Four million should set you
up for life." Colton Stevens impatiently walked over, his frustration almost
palpable. "It's our third wedding anniversary today, can't we at least finish
this meal together?" Allison Clarke's face froze for a heartbeat. Her nails dug
painfully into her palm as she fought to keep her composure. Colton scoffed, his
eyes cold and distant. "Even if we finish this meal together, I'll never love
you. Besides, Melany's back. She's proud, and she won't stand for this whole
situation." A flicker of softness crossed his face at the mention of Melany
Johnson, a warmth that had never been reserved for Allison, no matter how hard
she'd tried. She had bent over backward for him, cared for his parents, and
sacrificed everything for years. But none of it had earned her more than a
passing glance. Melany was the one who held his heart--had always held it. She
had walked out on him three years ago, breaking off their engagement and leaving
for abroad. Yet now, with a mere word from her, Colton had easily embraced her
return and chosen to divorce Allison without a second thought. Allison gripped
the table's edge as if trying to steady herself against a sudden gust of wind.
"Does your grandpa know about this?" Colton let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
"Don't think you can hide behind Grandpa. He's in the hospital and can't handle
any stress. My parents are on board with the divorce. In fact, Melany met with
them just today." Allison's heart sank, an icy chill creeping through her veins.
She had once been celebrated as a genius perfumer, renowned hacker. For three
years, she'd buried every trace of that brilliance, molding herself into the
perfect housewife. Just recently, she had secured a rare opportunity with
Cobweb--the most elusive intelligence network--hoping to help the Stevens family
clinch a crucial deal. A chance like that was nearly impossible to come by. Yet
now, it all seemed like a cruel farce. "So, Melany's at your parents' place?"
she asked, her voice brittle. "Naturally." Colton smiled, his features softening
as if the thought of Melany made everything brighter. "They just had dinner.
Melany's always gotten along with my parents. They've been singing her praises
all evening -- saying how thoughtful and understanding she is." "And you all
knew she was coming back," Allison murmured, her voice thick with disbelief,
"but left me in the dark." Her eyes glistened, the sting of betrayal cutting
deep. Thoughtful and understanding -- how ridiculous. His parents used to make
the same comments about her. Colton shot her an impatient glare. "It wasn't on
purpose. The butler just forgot to mention it. Don't start creating drama where
there isn't any." He looked at her then, truly looked at her, and for a moment,
his expression shifted to one of disdain. Allison had always been delicate, her
skin flawless, and her features striking, especially her bright, clear eyes. But
none of that mattered. She was boring, and that was all. The ideal housewife,
yes--everything he could have wanted in a caretaker for his parents--but living
with her was stifling. Allison ironed clothes and prepared meals with precision
every day. Her routine was so predictable that Colton never had to wonder what
she was doing. She was the picture-perfect housewife--dutiful and entirely
devoted to staying home. But he was beyond tired of it. "And whether you accept
the fact or not, you're leaving tonight." Colton hesitated, realizing how harsh
he sounded. "You can move to Starfish Villas. Take the villa, it's yours." He
had done his research on Allison. She came from a modest rural background,
dropped out of school early, and hadn't seen much of the world. If it weren't
for the fact that she had saved his grandfather's life, she would never have
married into the Stevens family. In his mind, offering her the villa seemed more
than generous for someone with her humble beginnings. But Allison's face didn't
show gratitude. Instead, she offered him a thin, cold smile. "So, she's moving
in now?" Allison didn't care about the villa or the four million he offered. She
could make far more as a top-tier hacker. What hurt was being discarded after
three years of loyalty. Colton sighed and said, "The room on the second floor
was always hers. Melany's back and has nowhere else to stay, so I told her she
could move in. If you're still here, she'll feel uncomfortable." Her silence was
enough to annoy him, assuming she was unhappy with the deal. His frustration
grew. "Don't push it. You need to know when enough is enough." He glanced at his
watch, clearly counting down the time. "Now that I've lodged my divorce
petition, we'll meet in the courthouse in a few days. You'd better make
preparations and hire a lawyer..." He did not get to finish. "I know what to
do," Allison cut him off, her voice laced with disgust. Her mind wandered back
to a childhood memory--when she was blinded and in grave danger. A boy carried
her on his back for three days and nights, saving her life. That boy had said
his name was Colton Stevens. Now, three years after their marriage, that same
boy was forcing her to leave. Time had an uncanny way of warping people into
strangers. "I'll go," Allison said, snapping back to the moment. She stood up
and looked at Colton firmly with detachment. "From now on, we owe each other
nothing." Colton let out a breath, relieved. "Good." As if on cue, the
housekeeper, Kaelyn Thorpe, appeared at the top of the stairs, struggling with a
suitcase. "Sir, your parents called and said Ms. Clarke needs to leave right
away, so I packed her things... Oh no!" Before she could finish, she
dramatically yelped and pretended to twist her ankle. Allison's suitcase tumbled
down the stairs, spilling her belongings everywhere. Chapter 2 Return "Ms.
Clarke, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to!" Kaelyn hurried down the stairs, her
face a picture of exaggerated concern. "Maybe you can just toss everything in a
bag for now?" she added, hiding her disdain behind a sweet smile. Kaelyn had
always looked down on Allison, seeing her as nothing more than a poor country
girl who'd shamelessly latched onto Colton for a better life. Colton frowned in
frustration. "You're so clumsy!" he snapped, glancing at the scattered clothes.
Allison's suitcase contained so little--a few clothes and hardly any jewelry.
She hadn't even spent much of the money he had given her over the years. She
lived simply, frugally, and it was a reflection of how she had never tried to
take advantage of her status. But love couldn't be forced or faked. "Melany's
luggage takes priority. Just toss Allison's things in a storage bag," Colton
added dismissively, eyeing the broken suitcase. "I'll have the housekeeper buy
you a new one tomorrow." Allison gave a faint, bitter smile. "That suitcase was
the one I stole from the kidnappers when we were running for our lives. If it
hadn't been for it, we would've drowned back then." For years, she had taken
care of that suitcase--just as she had taken care of their marriage. And now,
like their relationship, it lay shattered. Colton let out a cold laugh. "That
story might fool my grandfather, but it doesn't work on me." The memory of being
kidnapped as a child was too vague, and he always doubted that Allison had been
with him during that time. Turning to Kaelyn, Colton raised his voice. "Hurry up
and pack her things!" "Yes, sir," Kaelyn eagerly began to gather Allison's
clothes, but she deliberately stepped on them, dirtying them in the process.
With a sickly sweet tone, she mocked, "Ms. Clarke, Mr. Stevens' grandmother
always says that people are like clothes. Once a person's clothes are stained,
it doesn't matter how much you wash; the marks never truly fade." Allison had
always been kind to Kaelyn, even when she didn't have to be. After all, Kaelyn
was a distant relative of Colton's grandmother. Years ago, when Kaelyn had made
a blunder that nearly put the Stevens family at odds with Kellan Lloyd, the
eldest son of the Lloyd family, it was Allison who had smoothed the waters. She
had negotiated a deal with Kellan, who was paralyzed, securing the critical land
for the Stevens' commercial project. Back then, Kaelyn had been grateful, almost
humbled. But now, emboldened by the winds of change within the Stevens family,
Kaelyn acted as if she had never bent the knee. It all boiled down to one
thing--Colton's grandmother's favor had drifted, and with it, so had the
family's attitude. "If clothes get dirty, you're right," Allison said, her eyes
flicking to Colton, "they're impossible to clean completely." She shrugged, a
casual finality in her voice. "So, I won't be needing them anymore." She had
never liked those bland, shapeless things anyway. They had never quite suited
her. For the first time, Colton looked at Allison as if seeing her through a new
lens--her usual softness was now replaced with a sharp edge. After saying that,
Alison turned and walked away. Stepping out of the villa, Allison dialed a
familiar number. When the call connected, her voice was calm, almost light.
"Rebecca, I'm divorced, and I've moved out of his villa. My house and car are
still in Vrining. Mind if I crash at your place for the night?" On the other end
of the line, Rebecca Green went from silence to squealing joy within seconds.
"Holy crap! You finally divorced that i**ot! Forget crashing--you're staying
over for a party! A single's party!" Even from a distance, Allison could hear
Rebecca's exaggerated laughter bubbling through the phone. "If the folks at
Cobweb find out the founder is back, the servers will explode!" Chapter 3 Cruise
Party Inside the villa, Colton's gaze falling on the dining table loaded with
food. Frustration flared inside him, especially as his mind flashed back to the
memory of Allison just left earlier. Allison had stayed composed, but something
about her felt colder, harsher than before--far from the docile, compliant woman
he once knew. But the thought slipped away quickly. To him, Allison would always
be that dull, submissive housewife. Without him, she'd be nothing. Outside the
villa, a sleek Lamborghini pulled up, and a woman stepped out. "Allison,
darling!" Rebecca rushed over and wrapped Allison in a warm embrace. "You know,
you could live at my place forever if you wanted to!" Rebecca, the only daughter
of the Eternity Group's owners, practically owned half the city's skyline. A
roof over Allison's head was hardly an issue. "So, what on earth happened
tonight?" Rebecca asked, pressing close, her cheek resting against Allison's
neck. "You still smell like cooking oil. Don't tell me you were cooking for that
m**on again?" Allison felt the familiar tightness in her throat, emotions rising
as Rebecca's hug warmed her. "Let's talk in the car," she said. Once inside the
Lamborghini, Allison began to recount what had happened this whole day. Her
voice remained steady, but Rebecca's temper flared like a spark igniting dry
wood. "Can you believe this? Colton got dumped by Melany on their wedding day,
and now he's trying to crawl back to her by divorcing you? They're made for each
other--two peas in a rotten pod!" Rebecca raged. "And his parents!" Rebecca
added, her anger rising like a storm. "You've been looking after them for three
years, bending over backward for that family, and this is the thanks you get?"
Rebecca continued her tirade, her words like b*llets. "Listen, he's lost his
memory of that incident in his childhood, sure, but that doesn't excuse what
he's done. You've more than paid your dues over the last three years. There's no
point pretending to be the woman he wants anymore. You've wiped that slate
clean." Allison slouched in the passenger seat, her gaze distant as the world
blurred past her window. "It's done. We're even now." For three years, she'd
molded herself into Colton's image of the perfect woman. She'd ditched her
heels, pulled her hair back, and settled for modest, boring outfits--ones she
didn't even like--all to mirror Melany. But no matter how hard she tried, she
couldn't compete with the woman he truly loved. "Allison, the truth is, the
Stevens family doesn't deserve someone like you." Rebecca's voice softened,
thick with the weight of emotions as she sensed Allison's exhaustion. "Divorce
is a process, but until it's settled, you'll stay with me. You're like a sister
to me, anyway." Allison managed a small smile. "Okay." Growing up in an
orphanage, Allison had never had any family members. But Rebecca had always
treated her better than anyone ever had. Their conversation trailed off as they
arrived at an exclusive makeup studio. Rebecca rolled down the window and waved
enthusiastically at Mary Brown, a famous makeup artist. "Hey, Mary! Got a little
project for you!" Allison rubbed her temples, g**aning softly, "Honestly, I'm
wiped. I don't think I can handle makeup tonight." "Oh, come on! You're not
planning to keep that whole tired, 'still-waiting-for-him' look, are you?"
"Yeah... Definitely not." "Exactly!" Rebecca's face lit up. "Relax and let the
pros do their magic. These are top-tier, international artists. Tonight, they're
bringing out the version of you the world's been missing!" Thirty minutes later,
the transformation was undeniable. Nearly everyone who saw her in the mirror was
momentarily stunned. Allison's naturally striking features had always been
overshadowed by exhaustion. But now, with just a touch of makeup, she was
breathtaking. Her long, feline eyes, accentuated by just the right amount of
shadow, were captivating without going overboard. A delicate beauty mark drawn
near the corner of her eye added a hint of daring that felt almost rebellious.
Even Rebecca couldn't contain her excitement. "This... this is the Allison I
remember!" She gestured to a rack of dresses being brought in. "Sweetheart, pick
any gown that calls to you. I pulled out all the stops for tonight. We're
celebrating your freedom on a luxury yacht. I swear, it's going to be a night
you won't forget!" Allison waved it off. "I'm not in the mood." Rebecca watched
her closely, sensing she could still be holding onto the past. Time to pull out
the big guns! "You know there are going to be international perfumers at this
party, right? Including the brains behind Charisma Company! Don't tell me you're
not curious to finally meet him." Charisma was the country's most prestigious
perfume brand. Allison had crossed paths with the CEO at an international
perfumery competition. His creations had been nothing short of art. For the
first time in forever, they evoked a feeling of déjà vu, something about them
reminding her of her mother's style. But like her, the CEO was an enigma. He'd
never showed up in public, even as Charisma shot to global fame. No one knew
what he looked like, not even now. "Alright, let's check it out." Allison
finally relented, her curiosity piqued. After all, she'd once hacked into
Charisma's database, coming up empty-handed. And something in her gut still
whispered that this mysterious perfumer could be linked to her mother,
somehow... ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click
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