Three years ago, Allison's divorce would have shattered her. Now, it felt like discarding an old, worn coat. This wasn't to say there was no sadness; of course, there was. Three years of pretending, fueled by a youthful infatuation. She'd foolishly hoped Colton might remember their past, but even if he did, what difference would it make? He had his "true love," and had become someone she found repulsive.
Now, the divorce felt surprisingly trivial, as insignificant as choosing breakfast. Instead of anticipated anguish, she felt liberated, unshackled. Perhaps this was because those three years had been a cascade of disappointments. Learning the truth had hardened her heart, numbed her emotions. How had she not seen Colton's vileness sooner?
He threw his head back, muttering, "This is my new beginning."
That night, Allison slept deeply, the weight of her past receding. The next morning, she went to the former Stevens family estate, a hilltop property with breathtaking views. She expected to meet Keanu, but instead, she was greeted by Colton's mother, Lindy Stevens.
"Allison, you're here," Lindy said softly, taking a sip of coffee. Despite being over fifty, Lindy possessed an ageless grace. In a fitted brown cheongsam, adorned with pearl earrings, her every movement was poised and refined. Her gaze lingered on Allison, surprise flickering in her eyes. Gone were Allison's simple clothes and severe hairstyle; today, she wore a flowing light green dress, elegant and charming.
"Good morning, Mrs. Stevens," Allison greeted politely.
Maintaining her respectful tone, Allison replied, even though things with Colton had been messy, her upbringing demanded courtesy.
"There's no need for formality, my dear. Come and sit," Lindy said warmly, rising to take Allison's hand. Yet, Lindy noticed a change in Allison—a serene calmness, but also a cold detachment, a stark contrast to the docile girl she'd known.
"Don't call me Mrs. Stevens, just Lindy, like always," Lindy sighed, weariness in her voice. "Colton's loss I can only imagine how hard these past few years must have been for you."
Allison smiled politely, her posture firm. "I wouldn't think it appropriate. It's just a title," she replied calmly but firmly, "no need to overthink it, Mrs. Stevens." Her response was tactful but left no room for negotiation.
Lindy's eyebrow rose slightly, her frustration barely concealed behind a motherly smile.
"I've told Colton how angry I am," Lindy said. "Last night, I really let him have it. If his grandfather wasn't so ill, he would have involved the whole family." Lindy was accustomed to grace, but she hadn't anticipated this sharper Allison. By maintaining formality, Allison had subtly created distance. She wasn't cold, but the message was clear.
Lindy dramatically wiped her eyes. "You've had a hard life, darling. No family, and now this divorce. How will you cope?"
Lindy offered Allison an enameled gold bracelet. "My son made mistakes, but I've always considered you a daughter. Let me continue to treat you as I always have—as family."
Allison gently pushed the bracelet back. "Thank you, Mrs. Stevens, but I'm fine on my own."
Allison knew this house underestimated no woman. Lindy, a master of high society, used words carefully. The kind offer masked a warning: Keanu's health was failing, and as an orphan, Allison shouldn't make waves. Accepting the bracelet would maintain her ties to the Stevens family.
The warm comments were a deliberate strategy, a friendly warning. Lindy's subtlety far surpassed Melany's crude attempts.
"Don't be shy," Lindy said calmly, though her smile faltered as Allison rejected the bracelet, her gaze growing colder. "If I say you're still part of our family, Colton has nothing to say."