Chapter 131

Cynthia didn't go to Greenfield Villa; instead, she returned to Splendid Garden. Even though she knew Rachel wasn't her biological mother, Cynthia loved being there. At least in that modest room, on that small bed, she could sleep.

By then, it was quite late. Rachel had already gone to bed, but she heard the door open. She was pleasantly surprised to see Cynthia.

"I'm sorry for waking you," Cynthia said.

Rachel replied jokingly, "Oh, no, no, I wasn't asleep yet. Are you hungry? I have some food here, perfect for a midnight snack."

Cynthia noticed many dishes left untouched on the table—all dishes she had previously praised after tasting Rachel's cooking. A mix of emotions flooded her. "Did you leave these just for me? How did you know I was coming today?"

Rachel quickly masked her feelings with a smile. "It was just a coincidence. There were big discounts at the market today, so I bought and cooked a lot. Here, try these steaks…"

However, it was clear none of the dishes had been touched. Cynthia wondered if Rachel cooked every day, hoping to see her. Cynthia had originally planned to tell Rachel about the DNA test, but she found herself unable to do so. She took a bite of the steak and decided not to mention the paternity test.

After dinner, Cynthia returned to her room to sleep. She stayed at Splendid Garden for several days. Then, on Saturday evening, she received a phone call.

"Cynthia, I'm coming to visit you. Can you pick me up at the airport?" a voice said.

Cynthia was taken aback. "Preston?" She quickly drove to the airport. She saw him coming out, wearing a white tracksuit, carrying a backpack, and with blond hair. After leaving the airport, he looked around curiously. When he saw Cynthia, he smiled brightly, a cute dimple appearing on his left cheek. He jogged over.

"Cynthia…" His voice was sweet but natural, warming Cynthia's heart.

"Get in the car first," Cynthia said.

Preston got in, and they quickly reached the highway. Preston, curious about everything, stuck his head out the window.

"Things have changed so much back home. I just wanted to buy noodles at the airport convenience store, and they wouldn't even accept cash!"

Cynthia laughed at his serious expression. "How long has it been since you last came back?"

"I grew up abroad and have lived in many countries, never really settling down. I drift from place to place, and when it's a holiday, I come back to visit my grandparents, but I can't stay for more than a few days," Preston said.

Cynthia looked at him with sympathy. "It's not easy dealing with all that at such a young age."

"So, did you come back just to see me?" she asked.

Preston chuckled openly. "Actually, I'm running away from home."

"What do you mean?" Cynthia asked.

"My grandpa won't let me stay in Friyx to study anymore. He's transferred me back here, and they're pressuring me to go home. But I didn't want them to control my life, so I ran away. Cynthia, I don't have many friends back home. You're the first person I thought of. Can I stay at your place for a few days?"

Cynthia looked at Preston's sincere, somewhat pitiful expression. "Of course, you can stay, but you need to sort things out with your family. Running away isn't the best idea."

"Don't worry about that. I'm planning to stay just a month before heading back. By the way, Cynthia, do you know of any cheap places to rent that are close to downtown? I want to get a part-time job at a bar tomorrow."

Preston scratched his head. "I don't have much money, so I can only afford a cheap place."

Cynthia said calmly, "Don't worry, I can arrange a hotel for you."

Preston vigorously refused. "No way, Cynthia. I can't use your money. Even though I know you're generous, I can't take advantage of it."

Seeing his stubbornness, Cynthia was troubled. Finding a cheap rental near the city center for just a month was almost impossible. In the end, she brought him back to Splendid Garden. Splendid Garden was an old neighborhood; maybe they could ask around about vacant apartments.

Rachel was surprised to see Cynthia bring a young man home. Preston was enthusiastic and introduced himself. Rachel, knowing Preston was a friend Cynthia had met abroad, welcomed him warmly.

Preston tasted Rachel's homemade dishes and almost cried. "In Friyx, I ate only dry baguettes with avocado every day. I've almost forgotten such deliciousness exists." He devoured five large plates of pasta.

Rachel felt sympathy. "You're not studying abroad; it's like you're in exile!"

By the time they finished dinner, it was late.

Cynthia said, "I'll take you to a nearby hotel. You can stay the night there, and tomorrow I'll help you find a place to rent."

Preston hesitated. After a long pause, he said, "Cynthia, I don't have a passport. My family held back my passport, so I had to come back with a fake one from the black market. It was so expensive that I've used up all my money." He looked pitifully at Cynthia. "Honestly, I don't have any money right now."

Rachel overheard him while washing dishes. She felt a surge of sympathy.

"Why don't you stay here for now? I'll tidy up the room on the east side, and you can stay there," Rachel suggested. There were three rooms: Rachel's, Cynthia's, and Shirley's.

Cynthia was surprised. "But that's Shirley's room."

A hint of sadness crossed Rachel's eyes. "She doesn't acknowledge me and won't be coming back."

She went to clean the room. Seeing their complicated expressions, Preston asked awkwardly, "Cynthia, who is Shirley? Am I causing trouble? Maybe I should just sleep in the living room."

Cynthia reassured him, "It's no trouble. You can stay here for now." It was good to have Rachel tidy up Shirley's room; it would help Rachel let go of unrealistic hopes. Shirley wanted to completely cut ties with her past; she would never return to that room.

The room was quickly tidied. Preston settled into Splendid Garden and stayed for seven days. During that time, he found a part-time singing job at a local bar, even got an advance on his salary, and paid Rachel a month's rent at the market rate, despite her reluctance.

That evening, Cynthia returned from the TV station. Rachel was busy in the kitchen, and Preston was showering. His phone, left on the couch in the living room, was buzzing nonstop.