Allison understood Melany's perspective, even if it was born of anger. "It's okay if you're not ready for a divorce," she said.

Melany bit her lip. "I truly care about Colton. Even without a marriage license, I'll stand by him. My reappearance might seem like a slap in the face, but love has its own rules, and I met him first."

Melany wore a flowing red dress, a stark contrast to her fragile demeanor. To Allison, she seemed like a tragic heroine, her efforts only highlighting her desperation.

"If you'll let him go, I'll do anything for you," Melany offered. "There's no love lost between you two. You can have the title; I want Colton's heart." She watched for Allison's anger, but Allison remained calm and composed. Raising her hand, Allison stopped Melany.

"Wait. I haven't had breakfast, and I don't want to waste it. But since you're so eager to get rid of me, you must know you're wrong, right?" Allison's voice was as cold as winter frost. "How will you make amends if I give him to you?"

Melany froze.

Allison smiled wryly. "Show me gratitude now. Start with my blessing—a fresh slate." Her laugh was sharp. "Remember wanting me at your wedding? If you're so committed to Colton, this shouldn't be a problem."

Melany's face paled.

"You're overreacting," Colton growled, pulling Melany close. "Do you think this will win me back?"

Before he finished, Allison turned and walked to the service counter.

"Just a joke," he said distantly. Allison, her heart hardened by experience, was unmoved by his anger. "Aren't you rushing into a divorce, Colton? Or are you even thinking about it?"

Colton was speechless. He wanted to explode, but Allison was gone, leaving him with his turmoil. That morning, he'd worried about Allison regretting the divorce, but her decisive departure stirred something far uglier.

Inside the courthouse, a staff member asked Allison, "Where's your husband? Has he arrived?"

Allison's eyes met Colton and Melany, practically clinging to each other. The staff, seeing this, were surprised. It wasn't every day they saw someone flaunting a new romance before a divorce was finalized. Sympathy showed on the employee's face.

Finally, the divorce was finalized. As they left, the staff said quietly, "I hope you find happiness."

Melany froze, acutely aware of the judging eyes. She forced a smile, biting her nails, resentment simmering beneath the surface. If Allison hadn't interfered, she'd be Mrs. Stevens.

"Colton…" Melany's voice turned sweet. Outside, she clung to his arm. "We were supposed to be together, but I was sent overseas. These past three years… it's all because of me. Now that you're divorced, maybe you can still be friends? Comfort her. I'm sure she's devastated."

Allison barely heard.

"Her?" Colton scoffed, irritated. Allison remained unmoved.

"Isn't it always the same?" Melany's honeyed voice held thorns. "No matter how tough a woman seems, nothing matters more than her husband. Even the strongest woman falls apart after a divorce."

His eyes twinkled as he added, "Poor thing must be heartbroken. Look at those dark circles…and the mosquito bites! Colton, you should comfort her, she's my…"

"Your fault, after all," Melany finished.

Colton stopped. He noticed faint marks below Allison's neck—not mosquito bites, but love bites.

"Last night," Melany continued, "she was a mess on the yacht. She didn't leave her room. I'm sure she just wanted to be alone." Her words were laced with malice.

Colton's face hardened. He approached Allison. "Why are there marks on your collarbone? Who were you with last night?"