Chapter 4

On the way to the Quinton mansion, Owen noticed that Derek was just staring out of the window of the Rolls Royce. He was curious about what Derek was thinking.

"What's on your mind Derek?"

"I have a lot of questions and thoughts running through my mind. I don't even know where to start." replied Derek.

Owen understood his words and decided it was best to leave him be...until they reach the Quinton Mansion.

After an hour's drive, they finally reached the Quinton Mansion, located at the western outskirts of Townsville.

The Quinton Mansion itself is a marvel. Imagine a three-storey castle with rooms the size of a small apartment, complete with it's own en-suites, a kitchen with state-of-the-art equipment that Michelin-star chefs can only dream of, along with facilities like a swimming pool, a football field, a basketball court, a pool room, an in-built mini cinema and a garage the size of a duplex house filled with cars that only the 1% of the world's population can afford.

"Master and Madam Quinton will see you in their room..."

Owen guided Derek to the third floor, to the end of the east wing, where Peter Quinton's room was located.

"I'm sure Master and Madam Quinton will be overjoyed to see their long lost son." Owen said with a hint of joy.

Derek replied,"Hold on Owen, nothing is set in stone yet; but I guess we'll find out."

Finally, after taking two huge breaths, Derek opened the door and proceeded to enter Peter and Lea Quinton's room.

Once Derek entered the room, he could see a middle-aged man seated behind a study table, with a longing expression on his face. One look and Derek recognized him.....Peter Quinton.

Seated on the edge of the bed was his wife, Lea, supposedly Derek's mother.

Both Peter and Lea Quinton could not hold back their tears anymore. They rose from their positions and rushed over to embrace their long lost son.

"My son! We finally have you back in our arms!" exclaimed Peter.

"After all these years, you are finally back home! I've missed you so much!" cried Lea.

Initially, Derek wanted to back away from the quick embrace from the Quintons; but out of respect he decided to let them have this moment. 

After a minute, Derek collected his thoughts.

"Mr and Mrs Quinton. I must ask you both. Do you have any proof that I am your biological son? I know this question may come as a shock to you but I don't remember seeing your faces in my life."

Both Peter and Lead understood Derek's queries. They were not offended by his question. Peter diverted Derek's attention to a document placed on the center of the study table.

"This is your birth certificate Derek. There's one piece of detail written there that can answer your question. You were born with a unique birthmark on your right forearm. It's star-shaped, like the one on your arm now."

Lea continued, "If that is not enough to convince you, we have a doctor on standby to do a DNA test for you."

"Yes. I think that will be the right thing to do." Derek agreed.

It took two hours after the Quinton's family doctor did the necessary testing; but Dr Andrews returned to confirm the results....Derek was truly the heir of Peter and Lea Quinton.

Naturally, Peter and Lea were overjoyed. Their smiles were wide and tears of joy formed up; but Derek somehow was not as overjoyed as his new found parents. There were still some connections needed to be made in his mind.

"Mr and Mrs Quin....I mean....Mum and Dad, I'm confused. If I am truly your biological son, how did I end up spending all my life in the Smith household?"

Lea replied, "It's a long story. We'll try summarize it for you. Please have a seat."

After Derek took his seat on the spare chair on the other side of the study table, Peter Quinton began to explain to Derek what happened.