My husband once held up a sheet of paper after fifteen years of marriage and declared, Your son isnt mine, as if the DNA results were the final word.
Youre defending him again! I snapped, my voice hard as steel. Arthur is only fifteen; hes still a child. They were all together, playing, and the window broke. Its not the end of the world.
A child? David sneered, slamming his cup onto the table so hard the tea splashed across the cloth. When I was fifteen I was already earning a bit of money each summer, helping my father. And this boy? Hes hanging about with his mates, smashing glass! And it isnt even the first time hes gotten into trouble.
Listen, I breathed, holding back irritation. Arthur does well at school, he swims. Yes, today they behaved foolishly, but
But again! You always have an excuse for his mischief. And you know whats astonishing? David leaned in, voice dropping. His behaviour is nothing like what we were taught in my family. We respected our elders, we never acted as he does.
What does your family have to do with it? I shook my head. Times have changed, David.
Its not about the times, he replied, turning toward the window. Its in the blood.
I stared at him, bewildered, when the front door slammed and Arthur burst intall, lanky, with dishevelled fair hair and grey eyes that mirrored my own.
Hey, he muttered, dropping his rucksack onto the floor.
Dont you ever toss anything like that again, David warned, his tone sharp.
Arthur rolled his eyes. Come on, Dad, its just a rucksack.
Dont call it just a rucksack, call it your attitude toward things, the house, the rules, David clenched his fists. We got a call from Charless parents about a broken window at school.
Arthur glanced at me. We were just playing ball in the yard and the ball hit the window by accident.
Accident? David scoffed. And it happened to be the headmasters office window?
How was I supposed to know it was the headmasters office? Arthur replied.
If I had known, would I have aimed elsewhere? Davids voice was tinged with bitterness.
David, enough, I interjected. Arthur, dinners on the stove. Eat and then settle down with your homework.
Arthur nodded gratefully, hefted his rucksack and slipped into the kitchen. David watched him go with a hard stare.
Dont you think youre being too harsh? I asked as he disappeared behind the door.
And dont you think youre spoiling him too much? he shot back. No surprise there.
What do you mean?
Nothing. Forget it. He waved his hand and left the room.
I stood in the sittingroom, a cold shiver running down my spine. Lately David had grown irritable, picking at Arthur over the smallest things. Our marriage had always been a delicate balance he thought I was too soft on Arthur, I thought he was too demanding. In recent months a new edge had appeared in his accusations, a hidden resentment or suspicion.
Evening stretched in tense silence. Arthur shut himself in his bedroom, David lingered in his study, and I tried to read, my thoughts tangled. The strange comment about blood lingered like a dark cloud.
That night, lying beside David in the dark, I whispered, Whats happening between you and Arthur? Why are you reacting so sharply to his actions?
He stayed silent long enough for me to think hed fallen asleep, then turned and said quietly, I just want him to grow into a real man responsible, not like someone else.
Like who?
It doesnt matter. Sleep. He turned his back to the wall.
Morning brought no relief. Breakfast was a quiet affair. Arthur ate quickly and left for school without the usual scolding from his father. David stared at his phone, never looking up.
Ill be late today, he said, finishing his coffee. Business meeting.
Alright, I replied. Ill sort dinner.
No need, he rose. I dont know when Ill be back.
The day dragged on. I worked from home translating articles for a scientific journal, but my mind kept returning to the blood comment, Davids odd behaviour, the widening gulf between him and our son.
Arthur returned from school in good spirits, saying hed made amends with the headmaster over the broken window.
Weve decided to do a bit of weekend work to pay for the glass, he told me while we chopped vegetables for a salad.
Thats a good idea, I smiled. Your father will be pleased.
He grimaced. I doubt it. Hes been discontent with me no matter what I do.
Dont say that, I soothed, patting his back. He just worries about you, wants you to become a decent young man.
A decent man like him? he snapped, hurt evident in his voice. Who comes home and immediately starts criticizing everyone?
Arthur, I said firmly, dont talk like that about your father.
Im sorry, he lowered his head. Sometimes it feels like he never loved me.
My heart clenched. I pulled him into an embrace. Thats not true. He loves you, he just isnt always good at showing it.
He shrugged. If you say so
David never came to dinner, nor did he return by ten. I called his mobile repeatedly, but the line was dead unusual, as he always warned me if hed be late.
Arthur went to bed while I sat at the kitchen table with a cold cup of tea, waiting for the lock to turn. When the front door finally opened, David staggered in, the smell of drink on his breath.
Where have you been? I was worried, I stood to meet him.
He looked at me with a curious, assessing gaze. Worried? Seriously?
Yes, I was. You didnt answer my calls, you didnt say where you were
For fifteen years Ive been a proper family man. Worked, provided, never asked questions. And you
What? I felt a chill.
You know, he said, moving to the kitchen chair and sinking heavily into it, I always thought we had a good family. Not perfect, but real. I believed in you.
You still can believe me, I whispered. Ive never lied to you.
He pulled a folded sheet of paper from his pocket, a bitter smile curving his lips.
Results? I asked.
DNA test, he announced, spreading the paper on the table. Your son isnt mine, Olivia. Fifteen years youve been leading me on.
The world seemed to tilt. I clutched the edge of the table, trying not to fall.
What? A test? When did you
A week ago, he said, his eyes glinting. I told Arthur we needed some checks. He believed me. Today the results came.
My hands trembled as I took the paper. The medical jargon blurred, but the conclusion was stark: Paternity excluded.
This cant be, I breathed. There must be a mistake.
A mistake? he laughed, though there was no joy in it. Who else could the father be, Olivia?
You, I said firmly. Youre the father, David. I never you know me!
I thought I knew, he shook his head. Fifteen years, a whole life. And now I discover Ive raised someone elses child.
I stared at him, horror flooding my veins.
David, this has to be an error. Maybe the lab mixed samples, or
Or what? he pressed. Or did you forget about your affairs before we married? Or during? When you cheated on me, Olivia?
Never! I shouted, tears welling. I loved only you, from the start.
Then explain this result! he slammed his hand on the paper. Explain why the DNA says Im not Arthurs father!
At that moment Arthur appeared in the doorway, hair a mess from sleep, wearing a tee and shorts, his face full of confusion.
Nothing, love, I said quickly. Just a grownup talk. Go to bed.
Dad, David echoed, whos the father?
Arthur blinked, looking from one parent to the other.
David, dont, I pleaded. Not in front of him.
Why not? David rose, swaying. He has a right to know. You have a right to know, Arthur. Do you want to know why Ive always been strict?
Dad, youre drunk, Arthur whispered, stepping back toward the hall.
Im not your father! David shouted, sweeping a cup off the table. Look! He thrust the sheet at Arthur. DNA test. Proof that Ive lived a lie for fifteen years.
Arthurs eyes widened as he scanned the lines. His face went pale.
Is this true? he asked his mother. Im not?
No! I rushed to him, hugging him tightly. Its a mistake, Arthur. Some horrible mistake.
You work in a lab? David asked bitterly. Wheres your confidence that its an error?
Because I know, I replied, I never cheated. I never had any other man.
Arthur broke free, looking around. Who then is my real father?
Silence fell heavy. David slumped back in his chair, his anger suddenly drained. I pressed my hands to my mouth, trying to hold back sobs.
I want the whole truth, Arthur said quietly. All of it.
I nodded slowly.
You remember I ever told you about my sister Nora? I asked.
The one who died before I was born? he said, nodding. In that car crash?
Yes. I sank onto a chair. Nora was my twin. We looked alike, but we were very different in character. She was bright, daring, always getting into scrapes. I was quiet, homebound.
David frowned. What does that have to do with anything?
It matters because, I met his gaze, Nora was pregnant when the accident happened. She was seven months along. The doctors saved the baby a little boy.
The kitchen seemed to hold its breath.
What? David whispered. Youre saying
Arthur is Noras son, I said softly. We were just beginning to see each other when it happened. Noras father disappeared once he learned of the pregnancy. The crash took her, but the child survived. I took him in, raised him as my own.
So you rushed into marriage because of that, David murmured. I thought you were just head over heels for me.
I was head over heels for you, I replied, pleading. I loved you, knew you were a good man, and I hoped youd accept the child.
You never told me he wasnt mine! David exploded, punching the table. You made me believe I was his father!
I wanted to tell you, tears streamed down my cheeks. Many times I feared youd leave. Then I feared youd hate me. And then it was too late. Youd already loved Arthur.
Then youre not my mother? Arthur asked, voice trembling.
No, technically Im your aunt, I said, hugging him. But I raised you, loved you every day of your life. To me youve always been my son.
What about my real mother? Nora what was she like?
She was beautiful, daring, talented. You look like her the same eyes, the same laugh. When you giggle I hear her.
And my real father?
I dont know, I admitted. Nora never spoke of him. All she said was that he ran away when he learned about the baby.
David buried his face in his hands. Fifteen years why didnt you tell me?
I was scared, I whispered. Scared to lose you. Then I thought the truth would only destroy everything. You loved Arthur, you were his father in every way that mattered. What does blood matter?
The difference is trust, Olivia, David said hoarsely. You decided for me. You didnt give me a choice.
I know, I fell to my knees. Im guilty. I still love you. I still love Arthur more than anything.
David stared at me, then at Arthur, his eyes softening.
What do you feel? he asked Arthur.
Honestly, I dont know, Arthur shrugged. Its all strange. Its as if Ive become someone else.
Youre not someone else, I said firmly. Youre the same Arthur, just with a little more of your story.
Do you have photos of my real mother? Arthur asked suddenly.
Yes. A whole album. Ill show you everything I remember.
David stood. I need some time alone to think.
David, I said, rising, I understand how you feel. Please dont make any rash decisions. Weve been a family for fifteen years.
A family built on a lie, he said, shaking his head. You deceived me all this time.
Yes, I deceived you, I agreed. But I never deceived Arthur. I loved him and raised him as my own. Does that not count for something? Isnt love more important than biology?
David stared at us both, then at Arthur.
The irony is, he began, I ordered that test because I kept noticing Arthur didnt look or act like me. I was angry at him, but the anger was really at myself for feeling something was off.
And now I see, Arthur whispered, that it was never about genetics.
Davids voice softened. Ive spent fifteen years teaching you to ride a bike, helping with homework, driving you to swim training. I love you, Arthur. My anger lately wasnt at you it was at myself for feeling cheated.
What now? Arthur asked. What will happen?
I dont know, David admitted. I need time to sort this out.
Olivia, I stepped forward. Im responsible for this pain. Please, dont walk away. Lets talk when the storm has passed. Were still a family.
He nodded slowly. Well talk. Not now.
He turned to leave, then paused. Arthur, whatever has happened, these fifteen years were real. I was your father, and in some sense I always will be.
When the door closed, Oliver and Arthur remained in the kitchen, unsure where to look.
Do you hate me? I asked quietly.
Arthurs grey eyes met mine, reflecting both Nora and me. No. I dont know. Everything is tangled.
Yes, tangled, I agreed, but added, One thing Im certain of: I love you, Arthur. From the first moment I saw you in the hospital, a tiny, helpless infant. You were my sisters son, but to me you were simply my son. That will never change.
Will Dad come back? Arthur whispered.
I dont know. I hope he does. Hes a good man, Arthur. Hes hurting now.
Im hurting too, he admitted. It feels as if Im suddenly someone else.
Youre still you, I said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. You just know a bit more about your past. That doesnt change who you are.
He surprised me with a hug. Thank you for not sending me to an orphanage. For raising me as yours.
I held him close, tears welling again. You are mine. Always have been.
That night none of us slept. We sat at the kitchen table, leafing through old photo albums. I showed Arthur pictures of two girls who looked like twins me and my sister Nora.
She was a talented artist, I said, tracing the faded images. She wanted to move to the big city, become famous. I was the homebody, dreaming of a family.
He whispered, And you got both.
Yes, I smiled through tears. I got the most precious thing you.
The next morning, exhausted from a sleepless night, a knock sounded at the door. David stood there, unshaven, eyes red but sober.
May I come in? he asked.
I stepped aside, letting him enter the kitchen where Arthur was still examining the photographs.
I see youve had a long night, he said, sitting opposite us.
It does look that way, I replied.
He nodded. Ive thought a lot, walked the streets until dawn. I was angry at the fact that you werent my biological son, angry at the deception, but then I realized I choseIn the end, we all agreed that family is forged by love, not by blood, and we embraced the future together.
