Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine

Chapter 1 Divorce "I've filed for divorce." Colton Stevens impatiently walked over, his frustration almost palpable. "Four million should set you up for life." Allison Clarke's face froze for a heartbeat. Her nails dug painfully into her palm as she fought to keep her composure. "It's our third wedding anniversary today," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Can't we at least finish this meal together?" The scent of cooking oil and smoke clung to her, and her hair was pulled back with a simple black clip. A few loose strands framed her face, giving her a neat but plain appearance. Today was supposed to be different. She had spent hours preparing a full table of his favorite dishes to mark their anniversary. Instead of receiving his gratitude, she was told that they were going to divorce. 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, and designer of weapons so sophisticated that even world leaders sought her out. 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 idiot! 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 moron 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 virgin! 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 Stirring Up Trouble 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. He 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!" Chapter 5 An Encounter On The Cruise Meanwhile, in one of the cruise's private rooms, Melany basked in the glow of Colton's friends' admiration. "Let's raise a glass to Miss Johnson, back from overseas!" one of them exclaimed. "Mr. Stevens, you're a lucky guy, having such a dazzling woman on your arm!" another added. "I heard Miss Johnson took first place in the perfume competition five years ago. Quite the rising star!" said another voice. Melany's expression didn't change at the mention of the words "first place." With an air of modesty, she threw a gentle look in Colton's direction and said, "It was more of a fluke. I'm no real perfume expert. I only got into it because of someone I cared about." Kaelyn, ever quick to flatter, immediately jumped in, saying, "Miss Johnson, you might not know this, but every single night, Mr. Stevens can't fall asleep without smelling the perfume you gave him back then." A collective "aww" rippled through the room as Melany's cheeks flushed the lightest shade of pink. Everyone there knew Colton's success was deeply connected to the perfume business, and the atmosphere buzzed with the unspoken expectation of some grand, romantic gesture. All eyes were on Colton, waiting. But he stayed unusually silent. Since deciding to divorce Allison, he always felt that a strange knot of discomfort had been tugging at him, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why. Just then, Kaelyn, always keen to catch a moment, spotted a familiar figure at a distance. "Wait… isn't that Allison?" she blurted out, her surprise cutting through the room. The name hit Colton like a gust of wind. He stood up at once and moved outside to the railing, looking down. There, on the deck below, stood Allison, dressed in a fitted red dress that hugged her figure. Paired with high heels, she was a vision — calm, collected, and captivating, swirling a glass of wine in one hand. He could only stare, his mind echoing a single thought: captivating. Opposite her, a group of men loomed, their posture and expressions anything but friendly. The shortest of them, sporting a thick gold chain and clutching a bottle, seemed to be leading the charge. He snarled at her, "You think you can just walk away from this? You're finished, you hear me?" A few of Colton's friends had followed him to the railing, and they too watched the scene unfold below. "Man, you gotta admit, she does look a lot like Colton's wife, but her whole vibe is different." "What are you talking about? That is her!" "Whoa, Colton, your wife is looking stunning! Who would've guessed?" "Hold on, isn't that Danny Mason down there? That guy's a straight-up psycho. Cross him, and you're done for. He's known for going after women like a predator." "Man, look at that. Divorced, and she's already dressing like that? How the hell did she even get on this cruise? Bet she spent a fortune to mingle with the big shots here. She's probably fishing for a rich catch." Melany sighed quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Come on, guys, let's not be too harsh. I know Ms. Clarke may not have family ties or connections, but she's probably reaching for anything she can grab... That's why..." Kaelyn, quick to understand the subtext, picked up where Melany trailed off. "Exactly, Mr. Stevens. She left with nothing and now shows up all dolled up here? She must be trying to—" "Enough!" Colton cut her off sharply, his voice as cold as ice. "This isn't where you're qualified to stay." Kaelyn froze, her face draining of color as she immediately dropped to her knees. "I'm sorry, Mr. Stevens. I didn't mean to overstep." The room that had been filled with laughter and light-hearted banter now fell into an uneasy silence. Everyone exchanged puzzled glances, trying to figure out what had just shifted in Colton's mood. What had gotten into him? Even Melany, who usually kept her cool, sensed something was off. "Colton, don't be angry," she said softly. "Kaelyn didn't mean any harm. She's been up all night, getting everything ready for me — the room, the gifts. Let her stay, okay?" She lowered her head slightly, her voice tinged with a hint of guilt. "As for Ms. Clarke, it's really on me. If I hadn't come back, she probably wouldn't feel the need to act out just to grab your attention..." Colton's heart twisted at the sight of Melany looking so troubled. "It's not your fault," he replied firmly. "Whatever game she's playing, I'm not falling for it." Melany's explanation seemed to make sense to him — far more than the idea that Allison was trying to seduce someone in this way. Her sudden appearance on the cruise, fresh off their divorce, and then him witnessing her being hassled? It all felt like some elaborate move to get under his skin. Colton's expression hardened as his thoughts spiraled. "Let's see how she plans to worm her way out of this mess!'" &10&