Chapter 7 Pretty Ancient

Archer swiftly calculated the timeline.

His face quickly grew somber.

Colton had another son, Breck, who was four months older than him and not his mother's child. What implications did this hold?

It indicated that Colton had had an affair during his marriage! Clearly, Colton had wronged Kiera!

Fire seemed to spark from Archer's striking almond-shaped eyes, his anger burning with intensity. It was as if he wished he could set Colton ablaze through the screen.

Reflecting on it, Archer realized the prank he had played on Colton at the airport now seemed too lenient.

Pulling a pinhole camera from his pocket, Archer connected it to the computer, swiftly altered the IP address, and uploaded the video of his airport prank online.

After it was done, a satisfied smile spread across Archer's face.

Colton had spread rumors about his mom dating a lover secretly? Well, it was time for Colton to experience the sting of public humiliation!

Once he wrapped up his digital mischief, Archer looked into Breck's background and discovered he was attending the kindergarten where Charlee taught.

It seemed returning to Freley for kindergarten wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Archer grinned mischievously, erased his tracks on the computer, and powered it down. He then stood up to unpack the suitcase.

He attempted to hang clothes in the wardrobe, his small stature making the task somewhat difficult.

Archer gazed at his short legs, making a silent promise to eat well and grow quickly so he could adequately protect his mother.

He maneuvered a stool in front of the wardrobe, climbed onto it, and neatly arranged both his and Kiera's clothing.

Charlee's voice echoed from outside as she returned home.

"Kiera, is that you? Have you gotten thinner over these last five years?"

Charlee embraced Kiera warmly, her eyes moist with tears.

"Why are you crying, silly? Look, I'm perfectly fine," Kiera said.

"Fine? You call this being fine? Well, now that you're home, promise me you won't leave again. I'll look after you."

"Okay, you can look after me. I'm here for the long haul this time. I've got a project that will keep me here for at least six months. Now, stop crying. I want to introduce you to my son."

Taking Charlee by the hand, Kiera led her towards the room where Archer waited.

"Archer, say hello to Charlee."

As Kiera swung open the door, Archer was on tiptoe, reaching to hang clothes. At the sound of his mother's voice, he whipped around too quickly, lost his footing, and tumbled from the stool.

"Be careful!"

Kiera lunged to catch him, but Charlee, reacting faster, scooped Archer into her arms, and both tumbled to the floor from the momentum.

Charlee's instincts as a teacher kicked in, protecting Archer with her body. His small, soft form endeared him to her, particularly when she glimpsed his cherubic face, eliciting an excited scream from her.

"Goodness, Kiera, your boy is absolutely adorable!"

She affectionately pecked Archer on the cheek.

Archer's annoyance was immediate.

"Why are you kissing me, old lady? Stand up!"

Charlee felt a sting from Archer's reference to her as an "old lady."

"Hey, I'm just twenty-eight. Am I really that old?"

"I'm only four. To me, that's pretty ancient. Old lady, get off! You're crushing me!"

Archer typically wasn't disrespectful and was usually not bothered by those who doted excessively on him, but Charlee had just kissed his cheek!

This was beyond bearable!

Provoked, Charlee became wildly animated.

"Kiera, is this really your child?"

Kiera, amused by their exchange, burst into laughter.

"Come on, Charlee, stand up. Archer isn't fond of kisses."

Kiera attempted to lift Charlee, but she playfully resisted Archer's preferences.

"Oh, not a fan of kisses? Guess I'll just have to give you more!"

Charlee gleefully grasped Archer's cheeks and kissed his face repeatedly.

Archer's complexion changed as he reached into Kiera's luggage and pulled out an object.

"Ouch!"

Charlee recoiled from an electric shock, suddenly realizing Archer was holding a stun baton.

"Are you trying to kill me, you little rascal?"

"This is for my mom's safety. I never thought I'd have to use it on you, you crafty old thing!"

Archer, clearly frustrated, marched off toward the bathroom.

He couldn't wait to cleanse himself of the kisses from the "old lady"!

Completely disgusting!

Kiera couldn't contain her laughter, nearly doubling over, while Charlee stood in stunned silence.

"How did you end up raising such a little devil? He's so adorable, yet there's such mischief in him!"

"Archer has a very strong sense of personal space. Just try not to touch him," Kiera explained, understanding her son's temperament well, and she quickly offered an apology to Charlee.

Charlee felt deeply hurt.

To be rebuffed by a child not even five years old!

How was she to handle this humiliation?

"We'll deal with this later," Charlee said, clutching her waist still tingling from the shock, and she followed Kiera out of the room.

Kiera went to turn off the stove in the kitchen, while Charlee, looking for a distraction, picked up her phone to scan the news. It wasn't long before she found something so amusing that she laughed out loud.