Lost in the Forest of Clouds

Allen returned home, sketchbook in hand, still puzzling over Serene's calls.

The moment he stepped out of his car, the household staff rushed to greet him. Relief flooded their faces; some looked on the verge of tears.

"Sir! Thank God you're back! Everything's been chaos here. Ms. Foster hasn't been satisfied with anything we've done. She's been in a terrible mood for days..."

Allen understood then.

It wasn't that they couldn't manage; they'd simply grown dependent on his oversight.

But they would have to adjust. He was leaving soon, and they'd need to learn to cope without him.

After a few reassuring words to the staff, Allen entered the darkened house. Not a single light was on.

Serene sat alone on the sofa, moonlight streaming through the windows casting sharp shadows across her features.

She looked up at his footsteps, studying him. "Where have you been?" Her voice held an edge.

Allen shrugged off his coat. "In the mountains, finding inspiration."

She frowned. "Since when are you interested in painting?"

He'd always been top of his class in fine arts. If not for his obligation to the Fosters, he would have studied abroad years ago and made a name for himself as an artist.

But he didn't bother explaining. He simply poured himself water and took a sip. "Just felt like it."

Serene massaged her temples. "About that night at the restaurant—I didn't mean to abandon you. It's just that Will's always been sensitive to pain. Even a small cut affects him for days. We grew up together, and I'm used to taking care of him. That's why I rushed him to the hospital first."

She glanced at him reproachfully. "You didn't object at the time. So why disappear like that? Will's place is ready now, and he's moved out. Don't make such a big deal over small things."

Her tone carried subtle blame—as if his supposed overreaction had forced Will to move out earlier than planned.

Allen didn't care anymore. He gave a noncommittal response, set down his glass, and headed for the stairs.

"Allen!"

He turned back to face her.

"I'm hungry. Make me some pasta?"

Allen held up his bandaged hand. "Did you forget? I'm injured."

Serene froze, caught off guard.

Without waiting for her response, he continued upstairs.

---

The next morning, as Allen left his room, Serene approached him holding an expensive jewelry box.

He looked at her questioningly.

She cleared her throat awkwardly. "About that night... I was preoccupied with Will and didn't check on you. This is to make up for it."

Inside the box was an emerald ring. Allen's expression flickered with complex emotions.

Five years. Five long years.

This was the first gift she'd ever given him.

But it wasn't a gesture of affection—it was compensation. Payment for neglecting him while tending to her "true love."

The ring reminded him of all the carefully chosen gifts for Will waiting in his study. Bitterness welled up inside him, but he pushed it down.

A gift he'd never expected was now something he no longer wanted.

When he didn't take the box, Serene assumed he disliked it.

"I've been busy with Will's situation lately, so I had my assistant bid on the most expensive piece at auction. If you don't like it—"

Anne's voice cut through from the doorway.

"Will! See how much my sister loves you? You shouldn't have moved out. At least visit her more often!"

Anne breezed in, pulling Will behind her. Spotting the ring in Serene's hand, her eyes lit up.

"Oh my God, Serene! Will just mentioned how much he loved this ring, and you bought it for him!"

Anne turned to Will admiringly.

Will blushed and looked away.

Serene hesitated, glancing between the ring and Will.

Before she could decide, Allen took the box and handed it to Will.

"If it's meant for him, he should have it."

With that simple statement, Allen made the choice for her, erasing her indecision.

For the first time, Serene didn't immediately focus on Will. Instead, her gaze lingered on Allen.

Something about his calm demeanor unsettled her.

He seemed different now, though she couldn't quite explain how.