Lost in the Forest of Clouds

Worried that Will might really leave, Serene quickly directed the housekeeper to prepare the largest guest suite.

Anne couldn't resist shooting Allen a smug look. "Well? Why are you just standing there? Go make dinner. And remember—Will doesn't like spicy food, so keep it mild."

Despite having a full household staff, Allen had always been the one to cook. Serene was incredibly particular about her food; even meals from Michelin-starred restaurants didn't meet her standards. Only Allen's cooking was deemed acceptable—barely.

No matter how much effort he put into the meals, Serene would only pick at her food. When Anne joined them, she'd criticize every dish between bites.

But this time, Allen said something that left everyone stunned.

"I can't."

Serene turned to look at him, startled. In all their years together, he had never refused a request from her family. This was a first.

She was about to speak when Will's expressive eyes filled with guilt.

"This is my fault," he said softly. "I shouldn't have imposed. I'm just a guest—I can't expect Mr. Bennett to cook for me."

Will moved to leave, but Serene caught his arm.

"This isn't about you," she said firmly before turning back to Allen, her voice sharp. "Didn't you say you were fine with this? What's the problem?"

Allen calmly held up his hand, showing two bandaged fingers.

"I'm injured. I can't get them wet right now."

It was a lie. The contract with Mrs. Foster had ended, and he no longer felt obligated to play the dutiful husband. The bandages were just an excuse.

The room fell silent.

Allen had always handled the cooking, and the staff had already left for the day. Even if they called someone back, it was too late.

Anne's face twisted with annoyance. "If you're hurt, why didn't you mention it earlier? Are you trying to make us go hungry?"

She stepped forward, ready to berate him further, but Will intervened.

"Anne, please." He turned to Serene, his voice gentle. "Remember that Italian place near our old school? The one we used to go to after evening classes? Why don't we have dinner there?"

Serene's expression softened immediately. "Perfect. I'll drive us."

During the drive, Serene chatted with Will and Anne in the back seat, reminiscing about their school days. Will grew more animated with each memory, and even Anne joined in occasionally.

As their laughter filled the car, Will suddenly turned to Allen in the passenger seat, his tone apologetic. "I'm sorry, Mr. Bennett. We didn't mean to exclude you—it's just that you weren't there for any of those memories."

Not just those memories, Allen thought. He wouldn't be part of their future either.

"It's fine," he murmured, closing his eyes.

Serene glanced at him briefly. Something about him seemed... different.

---

At the restaurant, Allen excused himself to the restroom.

Standing at the sink, he splashed cold water on his face and studied his reflection.

His features were refined, his complexion clear, but exhaustion haunted his eyes.

Five years of marriage. Will looked vibrant, full of life, while Allen carried nothing but weariness.

Just a little longer, he told himself.

Soon, he would be free.

---

When Allen returned to their private dining room, the others had already ordered.

"Make sure it's the light tomato sauce," Serene was telling the waiter. "Will's vegetarian, so we'll need extra sides. And no garlic."

Even after all these years, she remembered William's preferences perfectly.

Then, for the first time in five years, she turned to Allen. "What about you? Any allergies?"

Allen methodically unfolded his napkin. "Anything's fine. Just no shellfish."

As they ate, Serene barely touched her food. She was too busy ensuring William's plate stayed full.

Halfway through the meal, a heated argument erupted at the next table. The voices grew louder until someone suddenly stood up, their chair scraping across the floor.

The situation escalated when one of them, blind with rage, grabbed a pot of scalding sauce and hurled it at their companion.

The target ducked, but the steaming liquid flew straight toward their table.

In the chaos of screams and shouts, Serene instinctively threw herself in front of Will.

Allen, sitting across from them, had no time to move. He could only watch as the boiling sauce came straight at him.