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 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.

"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.

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.