Rise of the Lost, Slumdog Billionaire Heir

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

David slowly took a look—

Boom!

It was true.

Same two letters. Nothing changed.

The same way it was written on his hand, that was the same way it was on this man’s hand. Stylishly. No difference.

Others drew close to have a look too.

They staggered backward.

“It's the same. No difference.”

"That's his Dad.”

"Wow!”

Eyes flew wide open, hands flying to cover mouths.

“You…..you are my dad? H—how?

David's body weakened instantly. It was as if a bolt of lightning struck him.

He was utterly short of words.

“I know this may be difficult to believe but I'm your father. Walter Taylor,” Walter uttered, nodding his head. “These two letters (DT) drawn here represent your name, “David Taylor". My mother and I have it drawn there. Right on your left hand. But did mine in remembrance of you after I left your mother."

His voice broke as he started to explain, a trace of sorrow and deep regret in his expression. “Didn’t mean to leave my wife, your mother all alone with you. Things got so tough for us that I could no longer bear it as a man. I had to leave to look for a way. Promised her I was going to come looking for her. However, after I became extremely wealthy, came for her but got sad news that she was gone.”

“And me? You left me to suffer like this?”

Walter shook his head. “No, not like that. Been searching for you. Used all my connections, influence, everything I had, anything you can think of to make sure I found you, but all to no avail. Finally got to know you were at one of the orphanage homes. Got there but found out you were no longer there that you have grown to be on your own. That was…..”

He paused, squinting as if trying to remember the date. “Yes. That was five years ago on the 28th of February when you entered 18.”

David blinked instantly. That was exactly the day he left the orphanage home to face the cruel world that wasn't favorable to the poor and even the average person.

Walter was really telling the truth. He really searched for him just like he has claimed.

“You can call to confirm,” Walter went on. “Was actually there to take you.”

In a twinkle of an eye, Walter dropped down to his knees, tears streaming down his cheeks uncontrollably.

“I'm sorry, son. Please, forgive me. I failed as a father, I know. Wasn't there for your mother until she passed away. Left you to suffer all alone. It wasn't really my intention. Please, find a place in your heart to forgive.” he sobbed, face buried between his legs.

His six bodyguards thudded to their knees as well. “Young master, we ask for your forgiveness.” Their voices echoed.

The room was filled with shock.

What is really happening?

Nobody could really tell.

Everything just changed in no time.

Someone they have disregarded, called names like slumdog, pathetic, and disrespected is now, the son of the most wealthy, respected man in town.

Unbelievable.

“Please, just this once, David. Let me prove my love for you again. For the sake of the promise I made to your mother that I was going to give you both a better life although she's gone, please, forgive me. I want to set things right again.”

Silence followed.

David stood frozen not knowing what to say. He couldn't even wrap his head around the whole thing.

This man, his Dad?

He shook his head, trying hard not to believe, but did that change the fact?

No. It didn't.

He was indeed this man’s son.

There was a lot of evidence.

Fate has brought them back.

Even though it was delayed, one thing was pretty okay; it wasn't denied.

David was hesitant as if considering whether to forgive him or not.

After a long while, he reluctantly crunched down to Walter's level, gently held his hand, and pulled him. “I've forgiven you, D—dad. Please, get up.”

Walter didn't know when he burst into crying, tears flooding his cheeks.

David hugged tightly, wrapping himself around him as he stood up. “Please, don't cry.” He said, his voice laced with emotion. “Nothing was really your fault here. I understand you did all of this out of selflessness.”

Walter gently broke out of the hug. “Really? You believe that?”

David nodded without a word.

“Thank you, son.” Walter hugged him back briefly. Then pulled off his expensive suit and wiped off the strands of David’s tears.

Eyes swung open. Indeed, blood is thicker than water. They gasped.

Just then—

Walter then spoke after a short moment of silence “Why don’t we do something? Got this gift I have eagerly wanted to give you. I think I'll do that now.”

He turned around. “You all get up.” He then gestured to one of them. “You, go to the car, check on the dashboard, and bring the document inside the brown envelope.”

He bowed and hurried away. He returned in a short while.

“Here, you go sir.”

Walter took it then carefully pulled out the A4 papers. He placed them on a nearby table, a pen with it.

“This is the document for this multi-million dollar restaurant. I’m transferring the ownership to you as my heir.”

What!

Mouths opened instinctively.

This can't be!

David was frozen. A multi-million dollar restaurant, his?

Incredulous.

The statement echoed in his mind, each word hammering against the walls of his doubt.

“Are you for real?” he asked, heart racing with disbelief but excitement.