Chapter 12: Chapter 12

“Allison, I understand where you’re coming from.

Even if you’re just lashing out, it’s okay if you’re not ready to get divorced.

” Melany bit her lip and continued, “I truly care about Colton.

Even without a marriage license, I’m willing to stand by him.

I realize that my sudden reappearance may feel like a slap in the face, but love, after all, follows its own rules, and I crossed paths with him first.

”

Today, Melany wore a flowing red dress, in stark contrast to her fragile and innocent demeanor.

For Allison, the sight seemed like something out of a tragic play, where the heroine's efforts only served to highlight her desperation.

“If you’re willing to let him go, I’ll do everything I can for you.

After all, there’s no love lost between you two.

You can have the title, but what I want is Colton’s heart.

” Melany was looking for a reaction, waiting to see Allison lose her cool.

But Allison kept her composure, her face a mask of calm resolve.

She raised her hand, cutting off Melany's performance with a gesture that spoke louder than words.

“Wait a minute.

I haven’t had breakfast, and it wouldn’t be right if I ended up throwing my breakfast away.

But since you’re so keen on getting me out of the way, I guess you know you’re on the wrong side of this, right?”

Allison's voice was as indifferent as winter frost.

"How do you plan to make amends if I hand him over to you?"

Melany froze, her tongue tied.

Allison continued, a wry smile at the corner of her lips.

“How about you show me gratitude right now? That way, you can start with my blessing, like a fresh slate.

”

Her laugh was filled with sharp sarcasm.

“Remember when you wanted me to be at your wedding? If you’re so committed to Colton, this little gesture shouldn’t be too much to ask for, right?”

Melany's face became colorless, clearly lost.

“You’re overreacting,” Colton growled, pulling Melany to him protectively.

“Do you think making these comments will get me back?”

Before he could finish, Allison had already turned on her heel and headed to the service counter.

“Just a little joke,” he said with a detachment that spoke volumes.

Allison’s heart had been weathered and scarred, leaving her indifferent to his anger.

“Aren’t you rushing into a divorce, Colton? Or are you thinking about it?”

Colton was speechless.

He wanted to explode, but before he could gather his thoughts, Allison was already gone, as if she couldn't be bothered with the mess that was left.

Oddly enough, just this morning, he'd been mired in frustration, wondering how to handle things if Allison suddenly regretted the divorce and started clinging to him.

But seeing her now, walking away with such finality, only stirred something uglier inside him.

Inside the courthouse, the staff ushered Allison in.

As they walked, one of the employees asked, “Where is your husband? Has he arrived?”

Allison's eyes drifted across the room to where Colton and Melany stood, practically joined at the hip.

The staff, following her line of sight, blinked in surprise.

It wasn't every day you saw someone bragging about their new love when they hadn't even officially divorced yet.

Sympathy was reflected on the employee's face.

Finally, after going through all the divorce proceedings, their marriage was officially over.

As they turned to leave, the staff hesitated for a moment, then looked at Allison and said quietly, “I hope you find happiness.

” Melany, who was just a few steps away, froze.

She could feel the heat of the critical gazes around her.

But she managed to muster a smile, even as she bit her palms with her nails, a deep resentment simmering beneath her calm facade.

If Allison hadn't gotten in the way, she'd be Mrs.

Stevens by now.

“Colton…” Melany’s voice turned sweet, and as soon as they were outside, she clung to his arm like ivy to a tree.

Lowering her gaze demurely, she said, “We were supposed to be together from the start, but I was sent overseas.

And these past three years with you and Allison barely hanging on… all because of me.

But now that you’re divorced, maybe you can still be friends? You should comfort her.

I’m sure she’s devastated.

” Allison barely registered the words.

“Her?” Colton scoffed, irritation rising in him for reasons he couldn’t place.

Allison didn’t seem remotely moved.

“Isn’t it always the same?” Melany’s voice was honeyed, but her words carried thorns.

“No matter how tough a woman may seem, nothing means more to her than her husband.

Even the strongest woman falls apart after a divorce.

”

His eyes flicked to Allison with a twinkle in their eyes, and he added, “Poor thing must have been so heartbroken she couldn’t sleep last night.

Look at those dark circles under her eyes… and oh, she even has a few mosquito bites! Colton, you should comfort her, she’s my…”

“Your fault, after all.

” Colton stopped mid-step.

His brow furrowed as his gaze shifted to Allison, taking in the faint marks visible just below her neck.

There, on her collarbone, were unmistakable red marks.

But they weren’t mosquito bites.

All those present were adults, and there was no doubt what those marks meant.

“Last night,” Melany continued, her voice syrupy.

“She was a mess on the yacht.

She didn’t even come out of her room.

I’m sure she just wanted to be left alone.

” Her words dripped with malice now, a thinly veiled attempt to sever any remaining ties between Allison and Colton.

Colton’s face hardened as he walked over to Allison.

“Why do you have marks on your collarbone? Who were you fooling around with last night?”