Lost in the Forest of Clouds

After returning from the orphanage, Allen went straight upstairs to the walk-in closet and began packing his belongings. It wasn’t until he opened the drawers and closets that he realized how little he actually owned.

All he had were a few outfits gifted by Serene’s mother when they got married. In five years of marriage, his wife had never once thought to buy him a single piece of clothing.

Once his clothes were packed, Allen gathered all the gifts he had given Serene over the years and sold them to a recycling shop for scrap.

For every birthday, he had meticulously chosen gifts, hoping to make her happy, but she never spared them a glance. They had been tossed aside and left to gather dust.

As the truck carrying the discarded items drove away, Allen turned to head back to the villa when a car horn blared behind him.

He turned around and saw a sleek Maybach pull up in front of him. A woman in a red dress stepped out—it was Serene’s younger sister, Anne Foster.

Anne glanced at the departing truck and sneered. Then, turning her gaze to Allen, she looked him up and down with disdain.

“Typical of someone from a poor family—selling trash for cash.”

Allen didn’t even look at her. He turned and began walking away.

Anne’s smug expression vanished as her temper flared. She stormed after him and grabbed his arm.

“Allen!”

From the day Allen entered the Foster family, he had always been humble, trying to win their approval. Never once had he shown her such indifference.

Now, his cold attitude ignited a fury within her.

“Are you deaf? I’m talking to you!”

Allen calmly removed her hand, annoyance flickering in his eyes.

Anne had always despised him, believing someone of his status didn’t deserve to be part of her family. For the past five years, she had gone out of her way to make his life difficult—throwing out the breakfasts he made, stepping on the clothes he washed.

But with freedom in sight, he no longer felt the need to applease her.

Anne was about to snap at him again when a calculating smile spread across her face.

"Well, you might as well get used to selling things off. Haven't you heard? My sister's true love is back. Your little charade of playing husband is over."

As she spoke, another figure emerged from the car.

This was Allen's first glimpse of Will, the man who'd held Serene's heart all these years.

He had the kind of effortless grace that came from old money—golden hair, striking blue eyes, and an understated elegance that made his simple white button-down look like haute couture.

The years that had left Allen's marriage in shambles seemed to have only enhanced Will's charm. No wonder Serene had never let go.

Hearing Anne’s words, Will stepped forward and gently tugged her arm, his tone soft and warm. “Anne, don’t say that about Mr. Bennett. He’s still your brother-in-law.”

Anne rolled her eyes. “Brother-in-law? Will, I already told you—my sister has always loved you. For years, she couldn’t get over you. She flew abroad every week just to see you and bought all those gifts to make you happy. Don’t you see how much she cares for you?”

Anne turned to Allen, her tone sharp and commanding. “What are you standing there for? Get Will’s luggage and bring it inside! My sister already agreed—he’s staying here.”

Allen glanced briefly at the suitcases on the ground, then ignored her and walked back into the villa without a word.

Anne stomped her feet in frustration, glaring after him. In the end, the driver carried the luggage inside.

Just as Anne was about to cause more trouble, Serene entered the villa, her steps hurried. When her eyes landed on Will sitting comfortably on the sofa, she visibly relaxed.

She turned to Allen and spoke casually, “Will’s place hasn’t been lived in for years. It needs renovation, so he’ll stay with us for a few days.”

Allen didn’t respond.

In the awkward silence that followed, Will stood up, looking uneasy. His voice was gentle, almost timid. “Serene, maybe I should go. After all, this is your home with Mr. Bennett, and he doesn’t seem very happy about this.”

Serene immediately reached out to stop him, her tone firm. “There’s no need for that. Allen’s always been understanding—he won’t be upset over something so trivial.”

Watching the scene unfold, Allen finally spoke, his lips curling into a faint smile.

“I’m not upset at all. Mr. Anderson, please make yourself comfortable here.”

After all, this house was bound to belong to Will sooner or later.