Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine
Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Meanwhile, in one of the cruise's private rooms, Melany basked in the glow of Colton's friends' admiration.

Let's drink to Miss Johnson, back from abroad! exclaimed one of them.

Mr.

Stevens, you're a lucky guy, having such a stunning woman on your arm! added another.

I heard that Miss Johnson won first place in the perfume contest five years ago.

Quite a rising star, said another voice.

Melany's expression did not change at the mention of the words first place.

With a modest air, he gave Colton a kind look and said, It was more of a coincidence.

I'm not a real perfume expert.

I only got into this for someone I cared about.

Kaelyn, always quick to flatter, immediately intervened, saying: Miss Johnson, you may not know this, but every night, Mr.

Stevens can't fall asleep without smelling your perfume.

he gave away then.

A collective aww went around the room as Melany's cheeks flushed the lightest shade of pink.

Everyone present knew that Colton's success was deeply linked to the perfume business, and the atmosphere was buzzing with the unspoken expectation of some great romantic gesture All eyes were on Colton, waiting.

But he remained unusually quiet.

Ever since he had decided to divorce Allison, he had always felt a strange knot of discomfort gripping him, although he didn't really know why.

Just then, Kaelyn, always quick to catch a moment, spotted a familiar figure some distance away.

“Wait… it's not that Allison,” she blurted out, her surprise rippling through the room.

The name hit Colton like a gust of wind.

He stood up immediately and walked out to the railing, looking down.

There, on the lower deck, was Allison, dressed in a tight red dress that hugged her figure.

In high heels, she was a vision: calm, serene and captivating, with a glass of wine in her hand.

He could only watch, his mind resonating with a single thought: captivating.

In front of her stood a group of men whose posture and expressions were anything but friendly.

The shortest of them, with a thick gold chain and a bottle in his hand, seemed to lead the charge.

He growled at him, "You think you can get away with this.

You're done, you hear me.

" Some of Colton's friends had followed him to the railing and were also watching the scene.

Man, you have to admit, she looks a lot like Colton's wife, but Her whole thing is different.

What are you talking about? It's her! Whoa, Colton, your wife is stunning! Who would have thought Wait, it's not Danny Mason down there That guy is a psychopath.

If you cross him, you're done for.

He's known for going after women like a predator.

Man, look at that.

Divorced, and she already dresses like this How the hell did she get on this cruise? I bet she spent a fortune to mingle with the big shots here.

I'm sure he's looking for a good match.

Melany sighed softly, barely above a whisper.

Come on guys, let's not be so harsh.

I know Ms.

Clarke may have no family ties or connections, but she's probably looking for anything she can grab.

.

.

So.

.

.

Kaelyn, quickly catching on to the subtext, continued where Melany had left off.

Exactly, Mr.

Stevens.

She left with nothing and now she appears here all dressed up.

She must be trying.

.

.

Enough! Colton cut her off sharply, his voice cold as ice.

You are not qualified to stay here.

Kaelyn froze, the color draining from her face as she immediately knelt.

I'm sorry, Mr.

Stevens.

I didn't mean to overdo it.

The room, which had been filled with laughter and light-hearted banter, now fell into an awkward silence.

Everyone exchanged puzzled glances, trying to figure out what had changed in Colton's mood.

What had happened to him? Even Melany, who normally kept her cool, sensed something was wrong.

Colton, don't be angry, she said quietly.

Kaelyn didn't want to hurt you.

She's been up all night, getting everything ready for me: the room, the gifts.

Let him stay, okay.

He lowered his head a little, with a guilty tone in his voice.

As for Miss Clarke, it's my fault.

If I hadn't come back, she probably wouldn't feel the need to act out just to get your attention.

.

.

Colton's heart twisted at the sight of Melany so worried.

"It's not your fault," he replied firmly.

Whatever game he's playing, I'm not going to fall for it.

Melany's explanation seemed to make a lot more sense to him than the idea that Allison was trying to seduce someone like that.

Her sudden appearance on the cruise ship, just divorced, and then him witnessing her being molested.

It all seemed like an elaborate move to get under her skin.

Colton's mind churned.

His expression hardened as his thoughts spiraled.

Let's see how he plans to wriggle out of this.

.

.