Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine

Chapter 297: As Allison and Kellan approached the room on the third floor, a familiar voice floated through the door before they even entered.

Dont worry, Ms.

Clarke is just downstairs.

Youll get to see her soon, Ferdinand was saying.

When he glanced at the list of auction attendees in his hand, his smile seemed harmless enough.

Our recent meetings have all been set up by our families, so Miss Green, I hope you can forgive me.

Heh, as if Id want to see you, Rebecca shot back with a cold laugh.

Ferdinand tilted his head, as if amused by her attitude.

Miss Green, are you angry? Of course, Im angry.

After the banquet ends, Im planning to toss you into the high seas, so I dont have to see you fluttering around and annoyingevery single day.

Rebeccas irritation with Ferdinand was almost clear for all to see.

But the moment she spotted a familiar figure outside the window, her expression brightened.

Allison, finally, youre here! Rebecca swung the door open, waving enthusiastically.

Long tno see, Allison.

The two women embraced lightly, a rare reunion after being caught up in their own busy schedules.

Kellan, watching their exchange, gave Ferdinand a measured look.

III leave Ms.

Clarke here to catch up with her friend.

We have a few things to discuss.

Rebecca huffed, giving Ferdinand a tic eye-roll.

Lets get out of here.

Allison and I are going to enjoy the banquet first.

You two can do whatever you want.

Before Allison could react, Rebecca had already whisked her away from the room.

As they walked through the elegant corridors, Rebeccas annoyance bubbled to the surface.

You have no idea how infuriating Ferdinand is.

Why cant he just reject this whole arranged marriage thing? Instead, he insists on playing along, sending gifts, arranging dates Allison caught the slip immediately.

So, youve been going on dates with him lately? Rebecca halted mid-step, then tossed her hair defiantly. Not by choice! Allison couldnt help but chuckle.

For all her bravado, Rebecca wasnt the type to let anyone push her into something she truly didnt want.

Even with an arranged marriage hanging over her head, Rebecca had made it clear months ago that she wasnt interested.

Yet, now it seemed there was something more to this situation with Ferdinand.

What do you think of him? Allison pondered before asking.

Hes a fox in disguise, Rebecca grumbled, then continued in a rapid tirade.

The only redeeming thing about him is that hes handsand has a good body.

But other than that, hes insufferable.

You wouldnt believe it he doesnt even eat spicy food! Can you imagine? To Rebecca, not eating spicy food was almost a dealbreaker.

Allisons lips twitched in amusement.

You seem to know him quite well.

Realizing the implication, Rebecca narrowed her eyes and lunged playfully at Allison, fingers reaching to tickle her.

Are you teasing me? All right, all right, I take it back! Allison laughed, raising her hands in mock surrender.

Still, Rebeccas gaze turned sharp.

Enough aboutand Ferdinand.

What about you and Kellan? Getting closer, are we? Were just friends, Allison replied evenly, though the memory of their last encounter flickered in her mind.

Business partners.

That was what shed said when Kellan questioned their relationship.

And yet, a moment later, hed leaned in for a kiss.

It was intense and edged with danger, like he wanted to stake his claim.

It had all happened so fast, leaving her dazed.

In the aftermath, theyd made a bet.

Thinking about it now, Allison felt a headache coming on.

Rebeccas smile turned sly.

Friends, huh? Friends dont kiss each other like that.

I saw him earlier he had a bit of a chapped lip.

Surely the mark of someones... bite? With her years of dating experience, Rebecca could spot a telltale sign of a kiss from a mile away.

Allison, you cant fool me.

Kellans like a Keep Out sign for everyone else.

Youre the only one who can get close.

Rebecca had done her homework on Kellan long ago.

He was known for being selective and kept a pristine reputation.

Most importantly, he was wealthy and influential far superior to someone like Colton.

But Allison had been avoiding serious relationships since her divorce.

Rebecca gave her shoulder a reassuring pat.

Dont worry, I wont say a word.

Its okay to date around when youre young.

How else would you know who suits you best? Allison sighed softly.

Even so, its impossible between Kellan and me.

If it were just a fling, maybe it would be fine.

But marriage? Allison knew better than anyone that marriage wasnt something to be taken lightly. After her failed marriage with Colton, shed cto understand that marriage meant responsibility.

It was never as simple as just being in love.

And with Kellan... there were too many complications.

The Lloyd family was prestigious and demanding.

They would never accept someone without a strong family background.

Beyond that, she and Kellan were both people with secrets with secrets dangerous we opes that were better left buried. For people like them, getting involved meant more than just dating.

It meant laying bare their vulnerabilities and either either embracing each others pasts or being consumed by them. So that bet... it was also a way for her and Kellan to test each other.

Rebecca shrugged, unfazed by the complexity of it all.

Love doesnt always have to lead somewhere, you know? Sometimes the experience itself is enough.

Allison glanced up at the moon hanging in the night sky, its light cool and distant.

Maybe, she murmured.

But deep inside, after everything that had happened with Calton, she felt a e hollowness she couldnt quite shake. Perhaps one day, shed meet someone who could make her forget all her fears and open her heart fully.

But that day felt distant too distant to even dream about.