STREET KING: ASHLEY LOCKWOOD

Chapter 4

Archie stood rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed on the imposing figure before him. After everything he had endured in the recent days, nothing seemed to surprise him anymore. 

“Please, get in,” the man commanded, gesturing towards the black van parked nearby. Archie’s eyes flickered towards the vehicle, noting the three other men dressed in identical suits seated within its confines.

He broke into a maniac laugh then shook his head, “No way, man. I’m not getting in there.”

But the hefty man remained unfazed, his steely gaze boring into Archie’s with unwavering intensity. Goosebumps prickled along Archie’s skin, a sudden sense of unease settling over him so he did the first thing that came to mind. 

He turned to his heels but before Archie could escape, the man’s strong grip closed around his arm, dragging him towards the waiting van. With a swift motion, Archie found himself being bundled into the vehicle, the door slammed shut behind him before he could protest.

After many hours of bickering and wrestling with the men. The vehicle glided into the estate and Archie was allowed to step out willingly. He was furious, about to throw a fit when his eyes adjusted to the scenery before him. His eyes widening in disbelief at the sight before him.

A magnificent mansion loomed before him, its pristine white exterior adorned with gilded accents that caught the sunlight. At the center, A grand fountain bubbled with its crystalline water. 

Speechless, Archie followed the guard as he led him towards the ornate entrance. Every inch of the mansion exuded opulence and luxury, nothing like he had ever seen before.

“He would be with you in a minute” he said respectfully “Would you like anything while you wait?” 

“No!” Archie said at once, as if snapping out of a trance. “You better get your manager or whoever that is responsible for this, cause I’m pressing charges the moment I get out of here.”

For the first time, he saw the man’s lips curve into a smile. “Of course.” 

Archie felt insulted as he watched the man leave, without another word. His mind swirled with unanswered questions as he paced round the office.

His attention was suddenly drawn to a brown folder resting on the desk, his name was boldly written across the front. Unable to resist, Archie hesitantly opened the folder, his eyes widening in disbelief as he scanned through its contents.

His heart pounded in his chest, threatening to explode. He felt the walls spin around him.

Before he could process the information, the door swung open. A man stepped into the office, clad in a dark blue suit, his presence exuded an air of authority.

His silver eyes met with a replica of his and a smile found its way to his wrinkled face. “Archie” 

He breathed a sigh of relief, a tear threatening to break through his confident demeanor. He stepped forward.

“My son.”

Archie took a step back, he fumbled for words but it came in silence.

Marshall’s expression softened, his eyes filled with a profound sadness. “I understand that this is a lot to take in-” he began 

“What sort of sick joke is this?” 

“Archie,” the man picked the folder from the table and stretched it out to him. “These are the documents, the DNA tests are undeniable evidence. I am your father.”

Archie slapped the folder from his hand. The guard stationed by the entrance tensed. He edged forward with his hand inching towards his pocket. Marshall quickly raised a hand, motioning for him to stand down.

“Take your fabricated lies with you,” Archie lashed out. His mind spun with confusion, his voice trembling with sinking emotions. “I...I don’t even know how to process this.”

Yet, as he reflected on the documents he had glimpsed earlier, the weight of the evidence settled heavily upon him. Adoption papers, birth certificates, marriage certificates—all contained within a single folder, revealing so much truth.

So many truths that he felt like his life was a lie.

“If this is true, then where were you when I was born? Where was my mother? Why did both of you abandon me?” 

Marshall took a deep breath and sank into a cushioned seat. “It’s a long story” he gestured for Archie to take a seat before proceeding. “My parents were against me and Martha’s marriage. They threatened her and she ran away. I had no idea, that she was pregnant until-”

“Until now... Now, when I may be finally of use to you, isn’t it?”

“What!”

“That’s all it is for you rich folks.” Archie glared at his father with so much resentment. His heart sank as he recalled memories from his school. His voice went into a low whisper. “There’s no affection for you people. It’s only business and exploitation.”

“Archie” his father placed a comforting hand on his son. “I had only discovered the truth when my parents passed away. I would have never abandoned you, you’re all I have left of Martha”

Archie noticed the emotions flickering in his father’s eyes as he mentioned his wife. For a moment, he felt sympathy for the man until a surge of uncertainty washed over him. Quickly, he withdrew his hand from his father’s.

“I understand how you feel, I’ll give you time to process it” With that, Marshall retrieved a card from his drawer and slid it across the table. “There’s no limit, use this to settle your bills”

The express black card laid in front of him, but he glared at it with reluctance. “If this is your bribe, I’m not having it.”

“It’s compensation, this is only a tiny fraction of what I owe you.” He straightened his posture and locked eyes with his son. “Very soon, all that is mine will be yours....You’re the rightful heir to my assets.”