Chapter 131
Cynthia didn’t go to Greenfield Villa. Instead, she went back to Splendid Garden.
Even though Cynthia knew Rachel wasn’t her biological mother she really loved being there for no reason.
At least in that modest room, on that small bed, she could fall asleep.
By then, it was quite late. Rachel had already gone to bed but she still heard the sound of the door opening. She was pleasantly surprised when she saw Cynthia,
Tm sorry for waking you up,” said Cynthia.
Rachel jokingly replied. “Oh no, no, I wasn’t asleep yet. Are you hungry? I’ve got some food here, perfect for a midnight
snack.”
Cynthia suddenly noticed that there were a lot of dishes left on the restaurant table, almost untouched.
And they were all dishes Cynthia had previously praised after tasting Rachel’s cooking.
Cynthia felt a mix of emotions. “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 that none of the dishes had been touched.
Cynthia wondered if Rachel cooked every day, hoping to see her.
Cynthia had originally planned to find a chance to tell Rachel about the DNA test
All of a sudden, she found herself unable to say it
Cynthia took a bite of the steak and suddenly decided not to mention the paternity test.
After dinner, Cynthia went back to her room to sleep.
She stayed at Splendid Garden for several days in a row. Until that Saturday evening, Cynthia received a phone call
“Cynthia, I’m coming to visit you. Can you pick me up at the airport? A voice came from the other end of the phone.
Cynthia was taken aback. “Preston?” She quickly drove to the airport.
She saw Preston coming out of the airport wearing a white tracksuit, carrying a backpack, and with blonde hair.
After leaving the airport, he was looking around curiously.
When he saw Cynthia, he immediately gave a bright smile, acute dimple showing on his left check.
He jogged over to Cynthia.
“Cynthia… His voice was sweet, but not overly sugary. It felt so natural, warming Cynthia’s heart.
“Get in the car first,” said Cynthia.
Preston got in Cynthia’s car. The car quickly got onto the highway.
Preston was curious about everything and stuck his head out the window.
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Chapter 131
Things have changed so much back home. I just wanted to buy up noodles at the airport convenience store, and they wouldn’t even accept cash.
Cynthia laughed at how serious he looked. “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,” said Preston.
Cynthia looked at Preston with a touch of sympathy. “It’s not easy dealing with all that at such a young age.
Cynthia asked, “So, did you come back just to see me?”
Preston chuckled naturally and openly. “Actually, I’m running away from home right now,”
“What do you mean?” Cynthia asked.
Preston said, “My grandpa won’t let me stay in Friyx to study any more. 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 decided to run 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 turned to look at Preston, who had a sincere and somewhat pitiful look. “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 and said, “I don’t have much money, so I can only afford a place that’s cheap.
Cynthia said calmly, “Don’t worry, I can arrange a hotel for you
Preston shook his head vigorously and firmly refused, “No way, Cynthia. I can’t use your money. Even though I know you’re generous, I can’t just take advantage of it.”
Seeing Preston’s stubbornness, Cynthia was a bit troubled.
He wasn’t planning to stay at a hotel. But finding a cheap rental for just a month, and near the city center, was going to be tough. It was almost impossible to find any apartment as he requested.
In the end, Cynthia brought him back to Splendid Garden.
Splendid Garden was an old neighborhood, so maybe tomorrow they could ask around about any vacant apartments.
Rachel was surprised to see Cynthia bring a young man home.
n was enthusiastic and introduced himself to Rachel.
Preston
that Preston was a friend Cynthia had met abroad, so she welcomed him warmly.
Rachel knew th
Preston tasted the homemade dishes prepared by Rachel and almost cried. “In Friyx, Late just dry baguettes with avocado every day. I’ve almost forgotten such deliciousness exists.”
Preston devoured five large plates of pasta.
Rachel felt a pang of sympathy. “You’re not studying abroad. It’s like you’re in exile!”
By the time they finished dinner, it was already late.
Cynthia said. Til take you to a nearby hotel. You can stay
the night there and tomorrow I’ll help you
find a place to rent.”
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Chapter 131
Preston appeared hesitant,
After a long pause, he finally said, “Cynthia, I don’t have a passport.
“My family held back my passport, so I had to come back this time with a fake one from the black market. It was so expensive that I’ve used up all my money.”
Preston looked pitifully at Cynthia. “Honestly, I don’t have any money right now”
Rachel happened to overhear Preston’s words as she finished walking the dishes. She immediately felt a surge of sympathy.
“Why don’t you stay here for now? I’ll tidy up the room on the cast side, and you can stay there,” suggested Rachel There were only three rooms here. One was occupied by Rachel Another was Cynthia’s. The last one was Shirley’s.
Cynthia was a bit 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.”
With that, she went into the room to clean it up.
Seeing their complicated expressions, Preston asked awkwardly Cynthia, who is Shirley? Am I causing trouble for you guys? Maybe I should just crash in the living room.”
Cynthia reassured, “It’s no trouble. You can stay here for now.”
It was good to have Rachel tidy up Shirley’s room, so Rachel wouldn’t keep unrealistic hopes.
Shirley just wanted to completely cut ties with her old self. She would never set foot in that room again.
The room was quickly tidied up.
Preston settled into Splendid Garden just like that. And he stayed for seven days.
During this time, Preston found a part–time job. He was singing at a local bar.
ven got an advance on his salary and paid Rachel a month’s rent at the market rate.
He even
Even though Rachel didn’t want to take it, she accepted under Preston’s insistence.
That evening, Cynthia came back from the TV station.
Rachel was busy in the kitchen. Preston was in the bathroom taking a shower.
uch in the living room. It was buzzing nonstop.
His phone was left on the couch
