Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine

Chapter 162: Allison hadnt anticipated Kellans sharp eye for detail.

The comics he identified were from years ago.

Even Garry had struggled to be certain, yet Kellan seemed unwavering in his confidence as he pinpointed them with ease.

Still, Allison saw no reason to conceal such a trivial matter.

Yes, those are mine, she replied casually.

Just sold sketches from my tin Leswington.

Kellan paused, momentarily stunned, before responding, So, Ms.

Clarke, youre actually Hedwig.

Allison raised an eyebrow.

Mr.

Lloyd, I didnt expect you to know about that, let alone have read my works.

It was a coincidence, Kellan said, his voice softening.

During the Perfumery Competition in Leswington, I cacross your comics.

They were... comforting, warm.

I even thought about tracking you down.

His expression remained unreadable, but the emotions in his words were unmistakable.

I searched for the artist for so long, never realizing it was you, right in front ofall this time.

His voice, deep and resonant like the low notes of a violin, lingered in the air.

As he spoke, he seemed lost in reflection, recalling the tangled history that had first brought them together by accident a one-night stand that had evolved into something far more complex.

The more he learned about Allison, the more he realized how many secrets she harbored.

What intrigued him most, though, was how similar their souls seemed to be.

Pottery.

Comics.

Everything about her drew him in.

Quite a coincidence, Allison mused with a small smile.

She hadnt expected to be connected to him before they even met.

Perhaps, years ago, on the streets of Velonia, the capital of Leswington, Kellan had stumbled across one of her comics without realizing it was hers.

Their paths had already crossed through her art.

There had been other near-misses, like the Perfumery Competition, where theyd passed by each other, masked and unaware.

All these small moments had led them here, like fate weaving their lives together.

But then Allison caught herself, mocking her own thoughts.

Fate? She had once believed in destiny when it cto Colton too.

Yet, after three years of being entangled with him, it had all ended in bitter disappointment.

Shaking off the thought, Allison stood.

Is Lorna around? I need to finish the pottery we started.

At the mention of his niece, Kellans expression darkened.

The rains been relentless, and thunderstorms hit a while back.

Since then, Lornas been having more episodes.

When you were here, she improved, but now... shes locked herself in the closet again, refusing to eat or let anyone near her.

Kellans fingers tightened around the newspaper in his lap.

Despite consulting countless specialists over the years, nothing had worked.

He felt helpless.

Shes on medication, Kellan continued, his voice low.

But the trauma from her past... it runs deep.

Recovery will take time.

Allisons heart tightened at the mention of Lorna.

Though she didnt fully understand the connection between the rain and Lornas trauma, she had grown fond of the talented girl.

After a moment, she suggested, Why not take her to the MDH Research Institute abroad? They have the best mental health specialists and state-of-the-art equipment.

Her suggestion wasnt just out of concern for Lorna; if she could earn Kellans trust by helping his niece, perhaps it would also pave the way to help his grandmother.

In doing so, she might uncover more clues about her mothers whereabouts.

Kellans fingers drummed absently on his knee.

Ive already contacted them.

Originally, it was for my migraines, but theyre fully booked for the year.

Theyre not accepting non-members.

He looked at her, his gaze serious.

If you have a way, Ms.

Clarke, Ill owe you.

Anything you need, nit.

Allison waved him off with a slight smile.

No need for that, Mr.

Lloyd.

Its just a small favor.

She paused.

We were just talking about the absurdity of fate.

As it happens, I have a membership with MDH.

Consider it a gift for Lorna.

Kellans eyes darkened with thought.

Whether or not Lorna recovers, the Lloyd family owes you.

If you ever need anything, dont hesitate to ask.

Kellan knew just how exclusive access to MDH was only the top elite in Vrining held memberships.

But he sensed that Allison wasnt ready to reveal more about herself.

He wouldnt push.

Trust, after all, took time.

The next day, after arranging Lornas trip to Vrining, Allison gathered her things and headed to the Lloyd residence. Lorna? she called softly toward the closet where the girl had hidden herself.

In her hand, Allison held a small ceramic doll, crafted in Lornas m Lin likeness delicate and beautifully made.

The closet door creaked open slowly, and Lornas eyes peeked out, o m cautious but focused on the doll. A hint of softness broke through her guarded expression.

Lorna, why dont we play with the ceramic dolls? Allison suggested gently.

I remember you wrote in your journal that you wanted to sculpt the person you miss the most.

Something flickered in Lornas eyes an old memory, perhaps.

She hesitated but then gave a small nod, mouthing words that didnt quite reach the air.

Though Lorna hadnt spoken, Allison understood immediately.

What she wanted to say was, Daddy! .