“Allison, the truth is, the Stevens family doesn’t deserve someone like you.”
Rebecca’s voice softened, thick with the weight of emotion as she sensed Allison’s exhaustion.
“Divorce is a process, but until it’s settled, you’ll stay with me. You’re like a sister to me, anyway.”
Allison managed a small smile. “Okay.”
Growing up in an orphanage, Allison had never had any family.
But Rebecca had always treated her better than anyone ever had.
Their conversation trailed off as they arrived at an exclusive makeup studio. Rebecca rolled down the window and waved enthusiastically at Mary Brown, a famous makeup artist. “Hey, Mary! Got a little project for you!”
Allison rubbed her temples, groaning softly. “Honestly, I’m wiped. I don’t think I can handle makeup tonight.”
“Oh, come on! You’re not planning to keep that whole tired, ‘still-waiting-for-him’ look, are you?”
“Yeah… Definitely not.”
“Exactly!” Rebecca’s face lit up. “Relax and let the pros do their magic. These are top-tier, international artists. Tonight, they’re bringing out the version of you the world’s been missing!”
Thirty minutes later, the transformation was undeniable. Nearly everyone who saw her in the mirror was momentarily stunned.
Allison’s naturally striking features had always been overshadowed by exhaustion. But now, with just a touch of makeup, she was breathtaking.
Her long, feline eyes, accentuated by the perfect amount of shadow, were captivating without being overdone. A delicate beauty mark drawn near the corner of her eye added a hint of daring that felt almost rebellious.
Even Rebecca couldn’t contain her excitement. “This… this is the Allison I remember!”
She gestured to a rack of dresses being brought in.
“Sweetheart, pick any gown that calls to you. I pulled out all the stops for tonight. We’re celebrating your freedom on a luxury yacht, complete with eight gigolos with perfect figures. I swear, it’s going to be a night you won’t forget!”
Allison waved it off. “I’m not in the mood for men right now.”
Rebecca shot her a knowing look, a bit of frustration creeping in.
“Not in the mood? It’s been three years! Are you telling me you haven’t had any… needs in all that time?”
“Well…” She’d definitely had them.
In three years of marriage, Colton claimed he was “saving” himself for Melany, refusing to touch any other woman.
So here she was, still a virgin.
She wasn’t a saint. She had her desires.
But she wasn’t about to force anything.
Rebecca watched her closely, sensing she could still be holding onto the past. Time to pull out the big guns!
“You know there are going to be international perfumers at this party, right? Including the brains behind Charisma Company! Don’t tell me you’re not curious to finally meet him.”
Charisma was the country’s most prestigious perfume brand.
Allison had crossed paths with the CEO at an international perfumery competition. His creations had been nothing short of art. For the first time in forever, they evoked a feeling of deja vu, something about them reminding her of her mother’s style.
But like her, the CEO was an enigma. He’d never shown up in public, even as Charisma shot to global fame. No one knew what he looked like, not even now.
“Alright, let’s check it out,” Allison finally relented, her curiosity piqued.
After all, she had once hacked into Charisma’s database, but came up empty-handed. Yet something in her gut still whispered that this mysterious perfumer might be connected to her mother in some way.
The Royal Princess cruise ship.
As dusk blanketed the ocean, guests gathered along the railings of the Royal Princess cruise ship, their eyes drawn to the vast expanse of the sea. As the ship edged closer to Ontdale Harbor, a particular woman stole the show.
Clad in a gem-red silk gown that rippled like liquid fire under the soft lights, she radiated allure. The fabric clung to her curves, sculpting her waist, while her long, elegant legs seemed to stretch endlessly.
Her hair was swept into an intricate updo, and her bold red lips, paired with pearl earrings, whispered understated luxury.
The ensemble was simple, yet undeniably seductive.
“Wow, honey, look at yourself now! The legendary queen, the Scarlet Snake, is back!” Rebecca blurted, her voice thick with awe. “You’ve been dressing like a nun for the last three years-what a shame!”
“Scarlet Snake” had been Allison’s codename during her missions, a persona as bold as the red she used to wear. Back then, she took pride in her appearance, dressing to match her fierce identity. But Colton… He’d dismissed her, calling her style obnoxious and demanding she mimic Melany.
Allison complied, thinking she’d win him back if she blended into the background. Modest whites, housewife duties, trying to be the perfect woman his family had wanted-nothing worked.
The Stevens family had written her off regardless.
A bitter smile tugged at the corner of Allison’s mouth. “You’re right, Rebecca,” she replied. “It’s about time I just be me again.”
As those words left her lips, she remained unaware that Colton and Melany had just arrived at the harbor. They were greeted by Kaelyn, whose loyalty to Colton knew no bounds.
“Miss Johnson, you’re finally here! You wouldn’t believe how much Mr. Stevens missed you. He’s planned a special surprise tonight on the cruise!” Kaelyn gushed, all too eager to please.
Melany shook her head, lips pursed.
“Colton, you don’t have to go through all this trouble. People will have a negative impression of you.” Colton grasped her hand.
“No need to care about their opinions. I’m divorced now-nobody’s going to say a word.”
As more guests filtered onto the ship, Allison and Rebecca navigated through the crowd, making their way to the third floor, where the banquet awaited them.
The ship, lit up like a palace of decadence, exuded vintage glamour. At the heart of it, the music was loud and wild, and bodies swayed to the rhythm without a care.
Rebecca handed Allison a key card.
“Enjoy yourself tonight! I booked you eight gigolos. They’re all clean and perfect,” she teased.
Allison raised an eyebrow, amused. “Weren’t we here to track down the perfumer, not to fool around?”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.