Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine

Chapter 16: Going through a divorce was something that might have devastated Allison three years ago, but

now, it felt like little more than brushing an old coat she should have thrown away centuries ago.

Not that there wasn't sadness.

Of course there was.

Three years pretending to be someone he wasn't because of a fleeting love from his youth.

She had foolishly believed that Colton could remember their shared past, but even if he did, what difference

would it make now? Colton already had his true love and, in the process, had transformed into someone she

found completely disgusting.

Now that it was all behind her, Allison found divorce surprisingly trivial, as if it had no more weight than

choosing what to have for breakfast.

Instead of the anguish she once feared, she felt liberated, as if her shackles had been removed.

Maybe it was because those three years had been nothing more than a cascade of disappointments.

When he finally learned the truth, his heart had hardened, gone numb.

How had he not realized before? How had he not realized how vile Colton was? He threw his head back and

muttered under his breath: This is my new one.

beginning.

That night, Allison fell into a deep, dreamless sleep in bed, the weight of her past growing farther and farther

away.

The next morning, he headed to the old Stevens family estate, situated in the middle of a hill with stunning

views that would make any visitor pause.

Allison was hoping to meet Keanu directly.

But to her surprise, it was Colton's mother, Lindy Stevens, who greeted her.

Allison, you're here, Lindy said quietly, taking a delicate sip of her coffee.

Despite being over fifty, Lindy carried herself with the grace of someone whom thas not touched.

She wore a fitted brown cheongsam, adorned with pearl earrings, and all her movements were poised and

refined.

When she looked up, her gaze lingered briefly on Allison.

Surprise flashed in Lindy's eyes.

Gone were the simple, baggy clothes that Allison had been wearing before and the stiff clip that held her hair

back.

Today she was wearing a light green dress, which flowed gently, like a willow swayed by a gentle breeze.

There was a newfound elegance, a quiet charm that didn't exist before.

Good morning, Mrs.

Stevens, Allison greeted politely.

Maintaining her respectful tone, Allison responded.

No matter how messy things had becwith Colton, she maintained the courtesy ingrained in her upbringing.

There's no need for such formality, dear.

"Csit with me," Lindy said warmly, standing up to take Allison's hand.

Yet despite the warmth, he couldn't help but notice a change in Allison's demeanor.

Allison's expression was still serene, her manner calm.

But now there was something else: a cold distance, a stark contrast to the meek girl Lindy had known before.

Don't callMrs.

Stevens, just Lindy, as always, sighed, a trace of weariness in her voice.

Colton misses it.

| can imagine how hard these years must have been for you.

Allison responded to Lindy's words with a polite smile.

She allowed herself to be guided to the couch, but her posture remained firm.

In a calm but unwavering tone, Allison replied: It wouldn't seem appropriate.

It's just a title, after all, so there's no need to think too hard about it, Mrs.

Stevens.

His response was tactful, but it left no room for negotiation.

It was impossible to find fault with his words.

Lindy raised an eyebrow slightly, her frustration barely noticeable.

But she quickly covered it up with a soft, motherly smile.

I've told Colton how furious | am with him.

Believe me, | told him off last night.

If his grandfather wasn't so sick, he would have insisted on getting the whole family involved.

Lindy was used to controlling situations with charm and grace, but she hadn't anticipated this sharper side of

Allison.

By simply sticking to a formal title, Allison had created a distance between them, subtle but unmistakable.

It wasn't cold, exactly, but the message was clear.

Lindy sighed tically and wiped her eyes with a finger, as if she were wiping away invisible tears.

You've had a very hard life, dear.

No family to support you and now this divorce.

How do you plan to manage on your own.

Lindy removed an enameled gold bracelet from her wrist.

My son may have made a mistake, and | can't control it, but I've always thought of you as a daughter.

If you don't mind, | will continue treating you as always.

That way, we can preserve the bond we have built.

You've always been like family to me.

She tried to press the bracelet into Allison's hand, but Allison didn't budge, gently pushing back.

Thank you for the kind offer, Mrs.

Stevens, Allison said quietly, "but I'm fine on my own.

" Allison knew full well that no woman was underestimated in this house.

And Lindy, with her decades navigating the intricate webs of high society, was a master at saying one thing and

meaning another.

Her words, as sweet as they sounded, were carefully constructed, and each syllable exuded an unspoken

intention.

Behind the kind offer was a clear message: Keanu's health was failing, and as an orphan without strong support,

Allison would be wise not to do so.

surf.

It would be best for him to accept the bracelet, maintain his ties with the Stevens family, and avoid causing

trouble.

Beneath the warm comments was a premeditated approach.

He seemed kind on the surface, but it was a warning.

Lindy's methods were leagues ahead of Melany's crude attempts.

Lindy's voice remained calm as she said, Don't be shy.

If I say you're still part of our family, Colton has nothing to say.

Although Lindy was still smiling, the rejection of the bracelet made her look colder.