Inside the villa, Kaelyn, practically on her last legs, knelt before Colton, desperately pleading, “Mr. Stevens, weren’t you planning to surprise Miss Johnson on the cruise tonight? Please allow me to make amends for my mistake.”
He had served Melany for years and knew her tastes intimately. Colton frowned. Melany had arrived unannounced, and the party venue wasn't ready.
“I’m giving you one last chance,” he muttered, glancing at his watch. Only three hours remained until the cruise party. “If you screw this up, you’re finished. You’ll not only be out of the Stevens family, but you’ll also face a court summons.”
It was a double-edged sword: a lifeline and a threat. Kaelyn swore she wouldn't fail and hurried away.
Colton turned, his gaze falling on the laden dining room table. Frustration flared, especially as he recalled Allison slapping Kaelyn. Allison had remained composed, but something about her felt colder, harder than before—a far cry from the docile woman he knew. The thought quickly passed. To him, Allison would always be a boring, submissive housewife; without him, she was nothing.
Outside, a sleek Lamborghini pulled up, and a woman emerged.
“Allison, honey!” Rebecca rushed over, enveloping Allison in a hug. “You could live in my house forever, if you wanted.” Rebecca, the only daughter of the Eternity Group owners, practically owned half the city's skyline. Housing Allison was no problem.
“So what the hell happened tonight?” Rebecca asked, pressing close, her cheek against Allison’s neck. “You still smell like cooking oil. Don’t tell me you were cooking for that jerk again.”
Allison felt the familiar tightness in her throat, emotions rising as Rebecca’s embrace warmed her.
“Let’s talk in the car,” she said.
Once inside the Lamborghini, Allison recounted the day's events. Her voice remained steady, but Rebecca’s temper flared.
“Can you believe this? Colton was dumped by Melany on their wedding day, and now he’s trying to get back at her by divorcing you? They’re made for each other!” Rebecca fumed. “And their parents! You’ve been taking care of them for three years, doing everything for that family, and this is how they thank you?”
Rebecca’s tirade continued, sharp and biting. “He’s lost his memory of that childhood incident, sure, but that doesn’t excuse his actions. You’ve more than paid your dues. There’s no point pretending to be the woman he wants anymore. You’ve wiped the slate clean.”
Allison slouched, her gaze distant as the city blurred past. “It’s done. We’re at peace now.”
For three years, she had conformed to Colton’s image of the perfect woman. She’d ditched her heels, put her hair up, and settled for modest, boring clothes—ones she didn’t even like—all to emulate Melany. But she couldn’t compete with the woman Colton truly loved.
“Allison, the Stevens family doesn’t deserve someone like you,” Rebecca said softly, sensing Allison’s exhaustion. “Divorce is a process, but until it’s resolved, you’ll stay with me. You’re like a sister to me.”
Allison smiled faintly. “Okay.”
Growing up in an orphanage, Allison had never had a family. But Rebecca had always treated her exceptionally well.
Their conversation was interrupted upon arriving at an exclusive makeup studio. Rebecca greeted Mary Brown, a famous makeup artist, enthusiastically. “Hello, Mary. I have a little project for you.”
Allison rubbed her temples, moaning softly. “Honestly, I’m exhausted. I don’t think I can handle makeup tonight.”
“Oh, come on! You’re not thinking about keeping up that tired, ‘still waiting for him’ look, are you?”
“Yes… Definitely not.”
“Exactly!” Rebecca’s face lit up. “Just relax and let the professionals work their magic. These are top-notch international artists. Tonight, they’ll reveal the version of you the world has been missing.”
Thirty minutes later, the transformation was undeniable. Almost everyone who saw her in the mirror was momentarily stunned. Allison’s naturally striking features had been overshadowed by exhaustion. But now, with makeup, she looked stunning. Her long, feline eyes, accented perfectly, were captivating. A delicate beauty mark near her eye added a touch of rebellious daring. Even Rebecca was excited.
“This… this is the Allison I remember!” She pointed to a rack of dresses. “Honey, pick any dress that speaks to you. I’ve done everything I can for tonight. We’re going to celebrate your freedom on a luxury yacht, with eight perfectly figured gigolos. I swear it’s going to be a night you won’t forget.”
Allison waved her hand. “I’m not in the mood for men right now.”
Rebecca gave her a knowing, slightly frustrated look. “You’re not in the mood? It’s been three years. Are you telling me you haven’t had any… needs in all that time?”
“Well…” Allison hesitated. In three years of marriage, Colton had claimed he was “saving himself” for Melany, refusing to touch another woman. She was still a virgin. She wasn't a saint; she had desires, but she wasn't going to force anything.
Rebecca watched her closely, sensing lingering attachment to the past. It was time for a stronger tactic. “You know there will be international perfumers at this party, right? Including the mastermind behind Charisma Company. Don’t tell me you’re not curious to finally meet him.”
Charisma was the most prestigious perfume brand in the country. Allison had encountered the CEO at an international competition. His creations were art. For the first time, she experienced a sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of her mother’s style. But, like her mother, the CEO was an enigma, never appearing in public, despite Charisma’s worldwide fame. No one knew what he looked like.
“Okay, let’s take a look,” Allison finally relented, her curiosity piqued. She had once tried to hack into Charisma's database but failed. Yet, something deep inside whispered that this perfumer might be connected to her mother.