Lost in the Forest of Clouds

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?"

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