Chapter 1

At six in the evening, Allen Bennett prepared a perfect dinner, with each dish carefully chosen to match Sarah 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. Sarah 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. Turning to her with a gentle smile, he asked, "Would you prefer to have your bath first or would you like to eat?"

Chapter 1

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.

Chapter 2

"Who were you talking to?"

Serene stepped into the kitchen when Allen hadn't returned, finding him staring at his phone, lost in thought.

He snapped back to reality and replied calmly, "No one."

That night, as silence settled over the house, Allen lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Beside him, Serene's soft breathing barely stirred the air. Sleep eluded him completely.

---

The next morning, Serene frowned at the breakfast spread on the table.

"You know I don't like eggs benedict. Why did you make this today?"

Allen kept his eyes down, cutting into his food methodically.

"We're running low on groceries."

It wasn't true. The fridge was well-stocked with her usual breakfast items, but Allen was already preparing for his new life, one meal at a time.

Thankfully, Serene didn't question him further. She placed her phone on the table, checking it frequently, clearly anticipating a message.

He didn't need to ask who she was waiting to hear from.

Her phone buzzed, and she snatched it up immediately. Whatever Will had sent brought a rare smile to her usually composed face, her lips curving with genuine warmth.

Allen watched her for a moment before pulling out the divorce papers he'd prepared. Since signing that contract with her mother, he'd known this day would come. Finally, it would all be over.

"Serene, I want a divorce."

His voice was steady, as casual as discussing the weather.

Absorbed in her conversation with Will, Serene barely registered his words. "Okay," she mumbled absently.

Allen wasn't surprised. For five years, this detached indifference had been her default response to him. Now that Will was back, even her minimal attention had disappeared completely.

He turned to the final page and slid the document across the table with a pen. "Sign here," he said, indicating the line.

"Mm." She signed without looking, one hand still typing on her phone.

"There's a thirty-day waiting period," Allen said evenly. "After that, I'll be gone."

"Mm," she replied, standing to leave.

Watching her walk away, Allen called after her.

"Serene, did you hear what I just said?"

She turned back, looking confused.

"Wasn't it about the charity donation to the orphanage? The paperwork you mentioned last week?"

Allen laughed quietly to himself. The donation papers? She'd signed those a month ago. She hadn't heard a word he'd said.

But it didn't matter anymore.

Be happy with Will, Serene.

He managed a slight smile. "Never mind."

---

That afternoon, Allen drove behind the delivery truck to the orphanage, supervising the donation drop-off.

After everything was unloaded, he went to speak with the director in her office.

"I'm leaving for graduate school abroad," he told her.

The director, who had been like a mother to him, beamed. "Allen, that's wonderful! I remember how disappointed we all were when you turned down that opportunity years ago."

Her smile faded slightly. "But... what about Serene? Long-distance relationships are so difficult."

Allen gazed out the window at the children playing in the yard, his expression calm.

"It won't be long-distance. We're getting divorced."

The director froze before letting out a heavy sigh.

"I had my suspicions back then. A marriage can't last if only one person is invested. If she truly loved you, she would have visited the home with you at least once in all these years. This is probably for the best."

She reached out and squeezed his shoulder gently. "You deserve better, Allen."

Allen smiled as he returned her hug.

Yes, this was for the best.

Chapter 3

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.

Chapter 4

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.

Chapter 5

"Ah!"

The scalding sauce drenched Allen instantly, turning his skin an angry red. Blisters erupted across his arms as searing pain shot through his body, leaving him speechless with agony.

"Allen!"

Serene released Will and rushed to Allen, showing rare concern. "Are you okay? We need to get you to the hospital!"

Allen looked up at her, the pain overwhelming, unable to form words.

"Oh God! Will, you're hurt!"

At this, Serene's attention snapped to Will. She hurried to his side, even more distressed than before. Though only a few drops had hit his arm, she acted as if he'd suffered a critical injury.

Will pulled away, his eyes pained as he shook his head. "I'm fine. Mr. Bennett needs medical attention more urgently."

"Don't be ridiculous! You've always been sensitive to pain. Serene, what are you waiting for? Get Will to the emergency room!" Anne glared at the other table. "What is wrong with you people? Take your fight outside! You've hurt Will, and my sister would definitely sue all of you!”

Will winced but insisted, "It's nothing, really. Please, help Mr. Bennett—he's badly hurt."

But his words only heightened Serene's panic. Ignoring Allen's severely burned arms, she helped Will up and rushed toward the door.

At the threshold, she paused briefly, throwing Allen a guilty glance. "Will has sensitive skin. The hospital's just down the street—you can grab a taxi."

Allen watched them disappear, struggling to breathe through the pain but managing to stay standing.

A sympathetic server hurried over with a first aid kit and helped treat his burns. After taking some pain medication, Allen felt well enough to speak again.

The restaurant lent him clean clothes, and he carefully made his way outside to hail a cab.

---

At the hospital, the doctor pressed cotton swabs against his blisters, explaining the treatment. "Apply this antibiotic cream daily, and it shouldn't leave any scars."

Allen clenched his jaw against the pain, eyes squeezed shut.

Nearby, two nurses wheeled a cart past, chatting.

"Did you hear? Ms. Foster reserved the entire VIP wing for Mr. Anderson. Just a few drops of sauce, and she called in every specialist in the city."

"I know, right? His burn's so minor it would've healed on its own. Wish I had someone that devoted to me."

"Ha, keep dreaming. A woman like that is one in a million."

---

One in a million?

Allen laughed bitterly. A wife who abandons her severely injured husband to tend to someone else's minor burn was indeed unique.

After getting bandaged, he thanked the doctor and left. Just outside the hospital, his phone buzzed with an email.

It was from the art program he'd applied to abroad, confirming his acceptance and requesting a portfolio submission.

For the first time in five years, Allen picked up his paintbrushes again.

---

After buying art supplies, he avoided the Foster estate and headed to Lake Vista Mountain instead.

The view was breathtaking—a pristine lake nestled between rolling hills, its surface mirror-smooth, perfectly reflecting the surrounding peaks.

Taking a deep breath, Allen felt years of tension melt away. The weight of his confined life lifted, replaced by a surge of long-forgotten freedom.

Inspiration flowing, he began to paint. His brush moved across the canvas as the landscape took shape before him.

For three days, he lost himself in the solitude, accompanied only by birdsong and rustling leaves.

---

When he finally descended to ship his painting to the university, Allen turned his phone back on.

The screen lit up with dozens of missed calls and messages, all from Serene.

This was unprecedented.

Usually, Allen was the one calling and texting, only to be ignored. Serene had never actively reached out to him, let alone repeatedly.

While he stared at his phone in disbelief, Anne's number appeared. He answered, and her sharp voice cut through.

"Allen Bennett, where the hell have you been? Do you know my sister's been going crazy looking for you? Don't think you can use this disappearing act to make her care. Get real! The Foster family's future belongs with Will!"

She hung up before he could respond.

He frowned at his phone, confused.

Serene frantically searching for him?

What could she possibly want now?

Allen considered calling Anne back, but the 108 missed calls from Serene told their own story. Whatever it was, she was desperate.

Chapter 6

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.

Chapter 7

One week later, their divorce was finalized.

Allen was finally free to leave. As he packed his belongings, a delivery arrived—a tailored suit from Serene's assistant with instructions to attend a gala at the Foster estate.

Allen stared at the suit and laughed softly. Though they were legally divorced, Serene seemed oblivious, still treating him as her husband.

He considered declining but remembered Mrs. Foster's years of kindness—and the fact that he still needed her help with his travel documents. Reluctantly, he put on the suit and went.

---

The ballroom sparkled with life. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the crowd, while the gentle clink of champagne glasses mixed with the murmur of conversation.

At the center of attention, Will stood surrounded by admiring friends, all raising their glasses in celebration.

"Will, Ms. Foster is clearly still in love with you."

"That ring you're wearing? It's a one-of-a-kind piece from Sotheby's. They say it symbolizes eternal love. Some mystery buyer paid a fortune for it—now we know it was Ms. Foster!"

"She never got over you. Remember in college? She used to walk you to every class. All those little gifts that kept appearing in your locker? That was her. And that time you two fought and wouldn't speak to her? She was desperate to make things right. She came to me for help once—looked like she hadn't slept in days. You not talking to her was like her world had ended."

"Will, no one loves you like Ms. Foster does. When you got married abroad, she was heartbroken. Then, hearing you were unhappy, she flew overseas every week just to check on you and leave those thoughtful gifts. Now that you're divorced, and let's be honest—she never seemed invested in her marriage anyway—why don't you two finally get together?"

"Yes! Get together! Get together!"

The chant grew louder as others joined in.

Allen stood in a quiet corner, listening to stories of how deeply his wife had loved another man.

---

"Allen."

A voice behind him broke through his thoughts.

He turned to see Mrs. Foster and started to say "Mom," but caught himself and switched to a formal, "Ma'am."

Mrs. Foster sighed but said nothing. She handed him a folder of travel documents.

"I've arranged everything for your trip abroad. Your program starts soon, so I've booked your flight—it leaves in three hours. Is there anything else you need?"

Allen looked at the papers in his hands, trembling slightly with relief. The prospect of freedom, of starting fresh, overwhelmed him.

Taking a steadying breath, he placed the documents in his bag and shook his head.

"Thank you, ma'am. You've done more than enough."

After a pause, he added quietly, "Just one small favor. If Serene ever learns the truth and asks about me, please tell her you don't know where I am."

He had no desire to see Serene ever again.

Mrs. Foster looked surprised. "You mean you haven't told her you're leaving?"

What was there to tell? That he'd approached her deliberately years ago? That his unwavering devotion for five years wasn't love but obligation, following Mrs. Foster's plan to help Serene move on from Will? That he was leaving forever?

Even if he explained, what difference would it make? Her "true love" was back—his absence would mean nothing.

Allen smiled faintly. "There's no need. I'd rather leave quietly and avoid any drama."

"What do you mean, leave?"

The familiar voice cut through their conversation.

Allen turned to find Serene standing behind them, her dark eyes fixed on his. His heart jumped as he tried to gauge how much she might have overheard.

Mrs. Foster quickly intervened. "It's nothing. What brings you over here?"

Serene didn't push the issue. Her eyes moved to the cake on the nearby table. "Mom, it's time to cut the cake."

Mrs. Foster rubbed her temples and waved dismissively. "I'm not feeling well. You and Allen can do it."

With that, she let the staff help her upstairs, leaving them alone.

Serene turned to Allen, extending her hand. "Come on. Let's cut the cake."

Allen shook his head, raising his bandaged hand.

"I can't. My hand hasn't healed. Ask Will to do it.”

Surprise flickered across her face, as if his suggestion made no sense. Something felt off-balance.

"Why would I ask him?"

Now Allen was confused.

Why? Hadn't she always chosen Will? She'd flown across the world countless times just to see him. Now, when Allen was stepping aside, why did she look so bewildered?

He managed a slight smile. "You two are close. It's just cutting a cake—no big deal."

Seeing his calm expression, devoid of any anger, she hesitated but didn't argue. She walked to Will, leaned close, and whispered something.

Will's face flushed, but he nodded and took her hand as they stepped onto the stage together.

Piano music filled the room as they stood side by side, hands joined on the knife. The intimate scene looked less like a birthday celebration and more like a wedding.

---

As the night progressed, the older guests departed, leaving the younger crowd—those who had grown up with Serene and Will and knew their history.

Seeing them together, the crowd erupted in applause and started chanting.

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

Will's face turned crimson, and Serene's cheeks flushed pink. Though she didn't kiss him, she made no move to stop the chanting.

Allen remained unmoved. He checked his phone, calculating his departure time.

With his flight in three hours, he needed to leave now.

But to everyone watching, his quiet demeanor looked like a broken heart.

Chapter 8

Soon, Anne sauntered over with her socialite friends, wearing mocking smiles.

They quickly surrounded Allen.

Anne smirked. "What does it matter that you've been married to my sister all these years? Here you are, watching her lovey dovey with Will."

She crossed her arms, voice dripping with contempt. "I've told you before—my sister loves Will. You were just a distraction to help her get over him. If you had any dignity, you'd have left by now. How can you keep clinging to her like this?"

Allen had no interest in their games. He needed to finish packing and leave quietly. Without a word, he turned away.

But the group persisted.

"What, trying to be Cinderfella? Keep dreaming!"

"If Will hadn't gone abroad, do you think someone like you would ever have married into the Foster family?"

"Know your place!"

"Do yourself a favor and leave with some dignity."

Their taunts grew crueler as they started shoving him.

"Nothing to say?"

"Don't you dare ignore us!"

One of them, drunk and angry, pushed him hard.

CRASH!

Allen stumbled backward into a champagne tower. Glass shattered everywhere. Champagne mixed with blood from his cuts, creating a shocking scene that stopped everyone in their tracks.

The ballroom fell silent.

On stage, Serene's eyes widened in horror. She immediately dropped Will's hand and rushed to Allen's side.

She knelt beside him, face tight with anger as she called for their private doctor. Her sharp gaze swept the crowd.

"Who did this?!"

No one spoke.

Before she could press further, a security guard hurried over. "Ms. Foster, Mr. Anderson is in severe pain. You need to come quickly!"

Serene frowned, torn. "Is it serious?"

"He's doubled over in pain."

For the first time, Serene hesitated. She glanced at Allen, uncertainty clouding her face.

"Allen, I..."

Allen knew what was coming. He struggled to sit up, his expression distant.

"I understand. He's sensitive to pain, and you're used to taking care of him."

His calm words left her speechless.

Allen pulled himself up, swaying slightly. "Go to him. Have the doctor see him first. I'll manage."

Something about his response unsettled Serene.

He'd always been accommodating, but this calm felt different—too detached, as if he'd already left her world entirely.

It wasn't like him. He used to look at her like she was his everything. When had that changed?

Will's pained cry echoed from across the room.

The conflict vanished from Serene's face. With a quick glance at Allen, she said, "I'll check on you later. I'll make it up to you."

Without waiting for his response, she hurried to Will, murmuring comforting words.

Allen watched her go, a bitter smile touching his lips.

Anne and her friends mistook his expression for heartbreak.

"See?" Anne sneered. "Thought playing victim would win her sympathy? She still chose Will."

"If you have any self-respect, you'll leave the Foster family voluntarily."

Ignoring them, Allen asked a staff member for an empty room to clean and bandage his wounds. After changing into fresh clothes, he limped away from the gala.

---

Back home, Allen finished packing and left the signed divorce papers on the table.

Just as he opened the door to leave, he found Anne standing there with medicine in hand.

She scowled. "Where are you going? My sister sent these for you. I don't know why she's wasting time on you when she should be with Will. She's been so worried, she made me track you down!"

"Give them to Will," Allen said quietly, moving past her.

Only when she noticed his suitcase did Anne's expression change. She grabbed his arm. "What are you doing?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Allen's voice was steady, his eyes empty. "I'm leaving. Your sister loves Will, and you've always wanted him as your brother-in-law. I'm giving you what you want."

Anne stared at him, shocked. Everyone knew how devoted Allen was to Serene. How could he just walk away?

Her voice shook. "You're bluffing. You love my sister too much to leave. You're just trying to make her feel guilty. Well, it won't work."

Allen met her gaze calmly. "The divorce papers are on the table if you don't believe me. Unless... you've changed your mind about wanting me gone?"

Anne dropped his arm, face flushing. "As if! I can't wait for you to leave. When you're gone, I'll throw a party! My sister will be so much happier."

Her words rang hollow, but Allen didn't linger. "Congratulations, then," he said softly, walking out.

Anne watched him go, an unfamiliar anxiety growing in her chest. For the first time, she felt like she was losing control.

"Allen!" she called after him. "Where are you going? Aren't you going to tell my sister?"

Allen paused, glancing back at her and the house behind her.

For five years, he'd played the perfect husband, sacrificing his dreams and identity for Serene. He'd endured humiliation and neglect, all to repay a debt.

Now that chapter was over. Freedom beckoned.

For the first time in years, Allen smiled—genuinely, freely.

"I'm going to live a life that's truly mine," he said.

With a wave, he walked into the night, moonlight illuminating his path.

The Fosters and Serene were now just memories in a closed book.

Goodbye, Foster family.

Goodbye, Serene.

Carrying his suitcase, Allen disappeared into the night, finally free.