LEWIS GORDON: RETURN OF THE FORGOTTEN HEIR

FROZEN ROAD, HOT SECRET

Lewis and his mom quickly turned, startled by how fast the SUV came tearing down the lonely road. The midnight was thick and unwelcoming, its darkness hugging the trees.

Maria froze, her hands trembling at her sides, while Lewis steadied his breath. He squared his shoulders, courage tightening his features, ready to confront whoever would be driving around at such an ungodly hour.

He also saw an opportunity; maybe the driver could help them. They were swallowed by night and vulnerable to every danger lurking behind the silence. As the SUV drew closer, headlights flaring like twin suns, Lewis raised both hands high, waving.

“Hello! Please, can you give us a ride?” He yelled over the engine’s hum.

Brakes squealed. The vehicle stopped sharply, tires skidding slightly across the snow-kissed asphalt. The driver lowered his tinted window, and a beam from a flashlight sliced across Lewis and Maria, forcing them to squint. There was a sudden intake of breath from the man inside.

“You look familiar… Please, come closer.”

Lewis approached cautiously, Maria shivering behind him. Her fingers clutched the back of his shirt like a lifeline. The driver’s eyes widened, stunned.

“Wait… are you Lewis? He’s my childhood friend from years ago. You look exactly like him, and those blue eyes… that’s what caught me.”

Lewis blinked, shock rattling his chest. He leaned forward.

“I… can’t see your face clearly. Who are you?”

The man’s voice softened.

“Hop in first.”

He directed Lewis to the front seat and politely told Maria to sit in the back, they opened the doors and climbed in. Warm light flickered on, washing the interior in a yellow glow.

Lewis turned, and recognition hit like a spark.

“Wow! Lancaster? Are you the one? Long time! You’re a whole boss now.”

They shook hands and patted each other’s shoulders in perfect rhythm, laughter bubbling out like old memories resurfacing. Maria watched the reunion in awe, her lips parted.

Lancaster glanced at them through the rearview mirror, concern threading his tone.

“Why are you trekking at such an hour? Hope everything is alright?”

Lewis hesitated briefly, then replied with a steady voice.

“Our house got burnt.”

Maria’s eyes fluttered, surprised but proud. She saw how carefully he chose his tone; tragedy didn’t deserve to be his introduction after meeting an old friend. Lancaster’s face darkened, empathy rising.

“Don’t worry, Lewis. I will shelter you both for the meantime.”

Emotion washed over Lewis. His mind dove through years of orphans sharing meals, broken toys, and laughter under creaking ceilings. He remembered the Christmas photo that used to sit inside his cabin. Now ashes.

He looked at Lancaster and forced a smile. “Thank you. I truly appreciate your help. My heartfelt regards.”

Lancaster smiled warmly, eyes soft with nostalgia.

“You don’t need to thank me. I have a one hundred percent right to offer this help because of how strong our friendship was at the orphanage. I remember how helpful you were. How you saved my life when I was deeply down, using the little money you had then. That kind of help sticks forever. You’ve always been a nice person.”

Maria swallowed hard. The word orphanage slapped her memory, twenty years ago, the impossible decision to leave her son because of the condition she found herself. She lowered her gaze, guilt simmering quietly.

Lewis chuckled and shook Lancaster’s hand again. “Friend… I remember. Our friendship was rock solid. We understood each other. My most memorable time was the Christmas photo we snapped then. It was an archive in my room, but my house was burnt.”

Lancaster’s face lit with excitement. “You know, as we grew, everyone separated to find livelihood. I still remembered you. Wondered where to see you again. And I’m glad it’s tonight.”

Lewis nodded. “Same here. I’ve been thinking about how to meet you again. Maybe this happened for a reason. Nature knows how to make things work.”

Maria remained speechless, heart twisting between regret and relief.

Lancaster cleared his throat. “By the way, what’s your source of income currently?”

Lewis smiled softly. “I’m a repair technician. I work at a modest electronics repair shop named Louis Techhub. I’m still average, as you can see.”

Lancaster glanced at him sideways, remembering childhood brilliance.

“I remember your genius in electronics. You repaired phones even then and twice repaired my Samsung. That’s impressive.”

Maria’s mouth fell slightly open. Her son… talented in electronics, just like her husband, Martin. Tears formed, but she blinked them back.

Lewis laughed. “Yeah, I remember that stubborn Samsung. I thought it who's the boss.”

He nudged Lancaster playfully. “What about you? Your attire and car say everything. Talk to me, big man.”

Lancaster laughed. “I work at Bloomberg branch in this county, a retailer indeed. And I’m also a crypto dealer, Bitcoin.”

Lewis whistled softly. “Wow! Two luxurious businesses at once? Bitcoin is high income. Kudos, dear friend!”

Lancaster chuckled. “Thanks, Lewis the Tech Genius.”

Snow fell harder, tapping the windshield like impatient fingernails. Lewis checked the time.

“Be like your destination is far. It’s almost reaching one hour.”

Without missing a beat, Lancaster responded, eyes locked on the road.

“We’re almost there. Just a few minutes. I was returning from a colleague’s birthday before meeting you.”

Maria’s heart thumped faster. "A few minutes later" echoed in her head.

Lewis rubbed his arms, shivering slightly. “This snow is becoming something else. The cold is too much. Our sweaters, our clothes, everything burnt. I’m still recovering from the trauma I passed through this midnight.”

Lancaster’s voice lowered. “Don’t think about it. Forget it and move on. Sometimes life is unfair. That’s what you should understand.”

Lewis was overwhelmed by his encouragement, and his mother felt the same. She was relieved and quietly excited that her son had found such a responsible and genuine friend.

Lantern lights washed over the driveway.

Minutes later, they stopped in front of a spacious duplex and climbed out of the SUV. Lewis paused, stunned that Lancaster owned such a luxurious mansion.

Lancaster turned toward them, and his eyes widened in surprise as he noticed the old woman. He had completely forgotten she was in the backseat during the drive. This couldn’t possibly be Lewis mother; both of them had grown up in the orphanage.

He leaned closer, his voice lowering.

“Lewis… Who’s this woman?”