Lost in the Forest of Clouds

At six in the evening, Allen Bennett prepared a perfect dinner—roasted chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, fresh garden salad, homemade rolls, apple pie, and a creamy mushroom soup—all carefully chosen to match Serene Foster's preferences.

By seven, he had run her bath, adding lavender essential oils and rose petals to the warm water, filling the bathroom with a calming fragrance.

By eight, he placed her comfortable slippers by the entrance, awaiting her return.

At nine, the front door finally opened. Serene walked in, and Allen immediately went to greet her. With practiced grace, he helped her out of her coat and placed her slippers before her feet, then hung the coat in the entryway closet. After hanging the coat in the nearby closet, he asked if she'd prefer to bathe or eat first.

Absorbed in her phone, she replied casually, "I'll take a bath."

As the clock moved forward, Serene emerged from the bathroom in a bathrobe, drying her hair with a towel. Allen rushed to hand her fresh clothes, and while she changed, he went back to the kitchen to reheat dinner.

Serene barely noticed his attentiveness—she was used to it by now. She seemed especially cheerful that evening, constantly checking her phone and smiling at messages from someone.

While setting the table, Allen caught a glimpse of her screen as he passed by. The name "Will Anderson" at the top of her chat made his heart sink. He turned away quietly and headed to the kitchen just as his phone vibrated.

The caller ID read: Mrs. Foster.

“Allen, are you really going through with the divorce?" her voice came through, filled with concern.

Allen looked out the window where a moonflower was blooming under the porch light. After a long pause, he replied softly, "You know why I married her, Mrs. Foster. It was all because of our agreement. Now that it's over, and Will's back from Europe, she's happy—she doesn't need me anymore."

Mrs. Foster let out a heavy sigh. "You've been through so much these past years. I hoped your dedication would win her heart, but... Well, with Will back, I'm less worried about her now. You gave up your scholarship for her. If you still want to go, I can help arrange it."

Allen watched the fully bloomed moonflower, his mind distant. Five years of his life had been on pause for Serene. It was time to move forward.

He nodded quietly. "Thank you. Please make the arrangements. I want to leave as soon as possible."

When he hung up, the moonflower outside began to wilt, much like his marriage was about to end.

Allen came from a struggling family. The Foster Foundation's scholarship had been his only chance at finishing college, where he'd earned the prestigious overseas university exchange spot. Before leaving, he'd visited the Fosters to thank them personally.

Though many students received their support, Allen was the first to show such gratitude. Mrs. Foster, who'd planned to keep the meeting brief, found herself intrigued. After a thoughtful pause, she said, "If you truly want to show your appreciation, there's something you could help me with."

That's when Allen learned about Serene and Will.

Serene Foster had grown up in luxury alongside Will Anderson. Their families had been close for generations, and everyone could see Serene was in love with him. Will always said he wanted their relationship to develop naturally, so she waited patiently.

After graduation, when Serene finally decided to confess her feelings, Will announced he was dating someone else—and moving to Europe with her. Devastated, Serene rushed to the airport that night but crashed her car on the way.

By the time she woke up after surgery, Will had already married the woman in Paris.

Serene fell apart, hiding away in her family's estate, turning to alcohol. The once-brilliant socialite became unrecognizable. That's when Mrs. Foster approached Allen with her proposal.

To repay their kindness, Allen declined Royal College of Art and signed a five-year contract with Mrs. Foster.

He orchestrated a "chance" meeting with Serene at a charity gala and began pursuing her devotedly. Soon, their social circle buzzed about the man hopelessly in love with Serene Foster.

Serene grew used to his constant attention but never fully opened her heart.

One summer night on the family yacht, Serene made a bet with her friends: whichever partner retrieved a ring from the ocean would win the coveted riverside property in the city's north end.

Allen knew she desperately wanted that land—she hadn't slept for days trying to acquire it. While others hesitated at the rough waves, he dove in without hesitation.

For the first time, Serene showed real emotion for him. As they pulled him from the water, she held him tightly, trembling. "Allen, let’s get married. I'll learn to love you."

Later, he discovered she'd proposed only because Will had posted a photo that night—kissing his wife under the Northern Lights in Iceland.

Still, determined to fulfill his promise, Allen devoted himself to her completely. He cooked gourmet meals, maintained their home, and spent six months finding the perfect hilltop for stargazing after learning it was her childhood dream. But the night he waited there, she never came.

She'd gone to see Will instead.

Will's marriage had started falling apart, and Serene began flying to Europe weekly, leaving thoughtful gifts at his door—always anonymously.

When Will finally returned back to the country after his divorce, Serene raced to see him and had another accident.

Allen stayed by her hospital bed for three days straight, only to hear her whisper Will's name countless times in her sleep.

That's when he knew Mrs. Foster's plan had failed.

Now the contract was ending, Will was divorced and back home, and Serene had finally gotten her chance with the man she'd always loved.

It was time for him to start his own life. They could both finally move forward on their own paths.