Chapter 6

The old couple standing before Hayden were his foster parents, James Caldwell and Serena Dawson. Although they were only in their 40s, years of hard work had turned their hair gray, and their faces were marked by the passage of time. Seeing their familiar faces brought a flood of memories back to Hayden. Every warm moment that was buried deep within his heart rushed forward. That was his real home and the true definition of family. There was no scheming, no betrayal, but only care and happiness. "Hayden, what happened to your head? Why are you back so late?" "Did something happen?" "Were you robbed? We'll call the police! What did they take from you?" Serena felt as if her heart had been torn apart when she saw Hayden's battered appearance. Her eyes were wet with tears as she looked at the wound on his head. She gripped him tightly as if wanting to protect him from the world. "No one robbed me. I'm fine." Hayden forced a bitter smile and shook his head. "Don't stand outside. Let's go inside and talk," James said, inhaling deeply. Then, he quickly pulled Hayden into the house. He was also worried that if someone had indeed robbed Hayden, that person might be following him, and that could lead to more danger. Once Hayden stepped into the living room, everything looked so familiar. It was exactly as it had been when he left. Even though he was reborn, nothing had changed despite the many years that had passed. It really felt like stepping back in time. "Hayden, wait here. I'll go grab the first-aid kit!" Serena hurried off. "Have a seat first," James said to Hayden. "Okay." Hayden dropped his suitcase and backpack before carefully sitting down on the couch. It was a strange feeling to him. He felt like he was home, but he also feared that it was all just an imagination. "Why did you come so late?" James glanced at Hayden's suitcase and backpack. Hayden showed up in the middle of the night with his belongings. It was clear something had happened. "I…" Hayden hesitated. He felt as though there was a lump in his throat and couldn't continue speaking. What could he say? That he had been mistreated at the Sterlings? That he was framed and tormented? That he left them because he couldn't take it anymore? And that his only option was to return to his foster home? He could only smile bitterly in response. "It's alright. I was just asking as your father—I mean, your uncle. I told you this before when you left. No matter what happens, this will always be your home. You're always welcome here," James said with a kind smile and patted Hayden on the shoulder. But there was a trace of sadness on his face when he referred to himself as "uncle" instead of "father". Hayden noticed it, but he didn't know what to say. Just then, Serena returned with the first-aid kit. She used antiseptic to clean his wound and wipe off the bloodstain. But when she saw the injury on his head, she couldn't hold back her tears. "What happened? How did this happen to you? Who did this? I'll go after them! What if it had damaged your brain?" Serana cried while wiping her tears with her sleeve. Her sobbing felt like a true family's care and concern, and it warmed Hayden's heart. But, it also made him feel guilty—because of how much grief his injury caused the people who cared about him. "It's just a scratch. Don't worry." Hayden smiled softly. His gaze was tender as he looked at Serena. She had endured so much. From then on, he vowed to protect the family right before him. James couldn't hold back any longer. "Was it the kid from the Sterlings?I heard he's still living there after you went back. Did you two have an argument? Tell me if he hurt you. I'll deal with him tomorrow!" He couldn't stay seated as he saw the injury on Hayden's head. It looked like a small wound, as if it had been hit by something sharp. Although it wasn't serious enough to need stitches, the fact that it was on Hayden's head made it much more worrying. Since Hayden had returned to the Sterlings, the Caldwells had been keeping tabs on him. They were worried that he wasn't being treated well. The Sterlings had three daughters, so they had hoped Hayden would live in a caring environment. But they hadn't expected the Sterlings' adoptive son to still be around. "I'm fine. I've cut ties with them. There's no need to talk about what happened in the past anymore," Hayden said calmly, ending the conversation. James and Serena exchanged a knowing glance, clearly sensing something was off. Something must have happened back at the Sterling residence. But since Hayden didn't want to discuss it, they didn't push further. A gloomy silence filled the room. "Where's Jenny?" Hayden asked, breaking the silence. Jenny Caldwell was James and Serena's daughter. She was born after they adopted Hayden. "She's in high school now. Tomorrow is a holiday, so you'll be able to see her. She has been missing you and always wanted to see you. She'll be very happy when she comes home tomorrow," Serena said with a bright smile. Hayden sighed. "Time flies. It's been three years since I left." He could hardly believe that the little girl who used to follow him everywhere was already in high school and wondered how she had turned out. "I have a favor to ask," Hayden said, looking at them earnestly. "My college entrance exams are coming up in a month, and I'm required to register under my original household. So, can I stay here for the time being?" He was gripping on the hem on his shirt subconsciously as he made his request. He felt nervous as he was worried that he would put them in a difficult position. At the same time, he was hoping that he could return to the family standing before him. James laughed and patted him on the shoulder. "You don't have to ask, Hayden. I've told you before—this is your home. You're welcome anytime. Of course you can stay here until your exams. You can even stay here until you get married!" Serena nodded happily in agreement. They had been hoping for Hayden to return. Hayden didn't know what else to say. In the end, he could only manage two words. "Thank you." "You don't need to thank us. We're family," Serena said with a smile. Suddenly, Hayden's stomach growled. He realized he hadn't eaten anything at the Sterling residence. His stomach had terrible timing. "You didn't even eat? What kind of care are they even giving you at the Sterlings?" Serena's face darkened, and she bit her lip. Her face was full of concern and frustration. She was silent for a while before getting up and said, "I'll make you some chicken wings. I just finished marinating them." "No, it's alright… Okay, then. Thanks!" Hayden wanted to refuse, but he couldn't resist it. After all, the chicken wings Serena made was his favorite food, and he had been craving them for years.