Your son isnt mine, the husband blurted out during dinner, but the DNA test would prove otherwise.
I dont see the point in this, Emily, Margaret sighed, setting a vase of flowers in the middle of the table. You and Richard have been at each others throats for months. Are we really pretending everythings fine tonight?
Emily polished the crystal glasses in silence, running a soft cloth over their delicate rims. Theyd been a gift from her mother-in-law on their tenth anniversary. Back then, shed imagined decades more together. Now, five years later, even a shared meal felt like an ordeal.
Mum, Jamies fifteen. He knows things arent perfect. But I want him to see that Richard and I can still be civil. Family matters.
Margaret shook her head. At sixty-three, she was sharp as ever. After losing her husband, shed moved in with Emily and Jamie, becoming their rock.
Your fatherGod rest himused to say, A rotten bridge wont hold a heavy cart. Forgive my bluntness, but your marriage is that bridge right now.
Emily set the last glass down and turned to the window. The April sky was streaked with soft pink. Somewhere in the city, Richard was finishing work. Would he even come home? For months, hed been distant, staying late, barely speaking.
We need to sort this out. For Jamies sake.
A lanky teenager burst in, shoving notebooks into his backpack.
Mum, Im going to Bens. Weve got physics homework.
Not so fast, Emily caught his sleeve. Family dinner tonight, remember? Your dads coming.
Jamie rolled his eyes. Why bother? Hes barely home anyway. You think he cares?
Jamie! Margaret scolded. Dont speak about your father like that. He works hard for this family.
Sure, especially on weekends and evenings, Jamie muttered. Come on, Mum, please? Ill be back by seven.
Emily sighed. Hed been withdrawing more each day. Maybe letting him go would ease the tension.
Fine. But be back on time. Your dad has something important to say.
When he left, Margaret frowned. The boy knows somethings wrong, Emily. Dont lie to him. If its over, tell him.
Its not over, Emily turned away, blinking back tears. Just a rough patch. Every marriage has them.
The front door clicked open. Richard was home early. Emily wiped her eyes and forced a smile.
Hi, she greeted him in the hall.
He gave a curt nod, hanging his coat. Tall, broad-shouldered, with silver at his temples, hed always been her steady anchor. Twenty years together, fifteen married. Shed thought she knew him inside out. But lately, he felt like a stranger.
Jamie here? he asked, heading to the kitchen.
At a friends. Hell be back by seven. You wanted to talk to him?
Richard nodded, avoiding her gaze. He greeted Margaret and sat, scrolling through his phone.
Tea? Margaret offered. Dinners not ready yet.
No, thanks.
Emily exchanged a glance with her mother. The air was thick with tension.
Ill check the roast, Margaret said, tactfully slipping away.
Emily sat opposite Richard. Can we talk?
He looked up, and for the first time in months, she saw real pain in his eyes.
About what? His voice was flat.
Us. Whatevers happening. Youre never home, we dont speak
Whats left to say, Emily? He set his phone down. Fifteen years, and suddenly were strangers.
Fifteen years is exactly why we *should* talk! Does it all just end like this?
He studied her, conflict flashing across his face. Wait for Jamie. I need to speak to you both.
Her stomach dropped. Something irreversible was coming.
Jamie returned at seven, cheerful. Dad! Hows work? You promised updates on the new project!
Richard managed a weak smile. Later, son. Dinner first.
The meal passed in stiff silence. Margaret tried small talk, Jamie chattered about school, but the conversation faltered. Richard barely touched his food, staring blankly.
Dessert? Emily offered afterward. I made your favourite treacle tart.
No. Richards voice was steely. We need to talk. Properly.
Margaret stood. Ill give you privacy
Stay. His tone brooked no argument. This concerns all of us.
Emilys hands trembled. Hed never looked so resolved.
Ive thought about how to say this, Richard began, staring at the table. Best to be direct. He lifted his gaze to Jamie. I cant live a lie anymore. Your son isnt mine, Emily.
The room froze. Emily couldnt breathe. Jamie gaped. Margaret gasped, clutching her chest.
What? Emily choked out. Thats insane!
I know everything, Richard said quietly. About you and Daniel before our wedding. He told me last week. Said he couldnt keep it secret anymore.
*Daniel?* Emilys head spun. I havent seen him in years!
Stop lying. Richard slammed a fist on the table. He showed me your letters, photos. Said you met while I was away. A month before we married. The dates add up.
Jamie bolted up. What? Youreyoure not my dad?
Richard, *stop*, Emily stood. Youre wrong! Jamie *is* yours!
Why would he lie? Richard shook his head. Daniel said hes always regretted letting you go. Now hes divorced and wants you both back.
Jamie fled to his room. Something crashed. Emily moved to follow, but Margaret held her back.
Give him space, she murmured. Then, to Richard, Youd believe a snake over the woman youve loved for fifteen years?
He was my *friend*, Richard said bitterly. Till he stole my fiancée. Now hes finishing the job.
Emily sank into a chair. Pieces clicked. Daniel *had* begged her not to marry Richard. Theyd met once*once*in a café. Nothing more. This was revenge.
Richard, listen, she said evenly. I *did* see Daniel before the wedding. He asked me not to marry you. I refused. Thats *it*.
And these? He tossed crumpled letters. Ill never forget our night. Your handwriting, Emily.
She scanned them. The script *looked* like hers, but the words werent.
Theyre fakes. Daniel forged them.
Enough! Richard stood, face twisted. Fifteen years raising another mans child. Ive filed for divorce.
He grabbed his coat and left. The door slammed. Silence.
Emily sat stunned. How had Daniel faked her writing? Why?
What now? Margaret whispered. Jamies shattered. How do we prove its a lie?
A DNA test, Emily said firmly.
The next day, they went to a private clinic. Jamie was withdrawn.
Mum what if hes right? he whispered.
Hes not. She hugged him. Never doubt that.
But the letters
Fakes. Daniels always been manipulative. Hes punishing me for choosing your dad.
Jamie hesitated. If if he wasnt my dad would you love me less?
Emilys throat tightened. Never. Youre *my* son. No test changes that.
Results took three days. They needed Richards DNA.
How? Margaret fretted. He wont answer calls.
Ive got his razor, comb, Emily said. Thatll do.
The wait was agony. Jamie skipped school. Richard stayed gone.
On day four, the email came. Emilys hands shook as she read: *Probability of paternity: 99.9%*.
Mum! She ran to Margaret. Proof! Richard *is* Jamies father!
Margaret crossed herself. Thank God. Now show Richard.
But he ignored calls, texts. Emily went to his office.
The receptionist hesitated. Mr. Blackwells on leave
Tell him its about his *son*.
Five minutes later, a haggard Richard appeared.
Silently, Emily handed him the results. He read them. Disbelief. Shock.
This this is real?
DNA doesnt lie, she said. Daniel did.
Richard collapsed into a chair. God, what have I done? Jamie
You *crushed* him, Emily said coldly. How could you believe that?
He was so *convincing*, Richard rasped. The letters And weve been so distant
Because you *worked* nonstop! Not because I cheated!
They sat in silence. Finally, Richard whispered, Can you forgive me?
I dont know, she said honestly. But for Jamie, Ill try. He needs his father.
That evening, Richard returned with flowers for Emily and a new console for Jamie. Their talk was long, tearful. When they emerged, Jamie managed a smile.
Its okay, Mum. Weve talked.
Margaret wiped her eyes and busied herself with dinner. Richard approached Emily.
I was a fool, he said hoarsely. I dont deserve you. But I love you and Jamie more than life.
Emily studied himhis exhaustion, his remorse. Slowly, she nodded.
Rebuilding trust takes time.
I know. He took her hand. But well do it. Together.
A week later, Daniel showed up, trembling.
Emily, II never meant
Richard shut the door in his face. Turning to Emily and Jamie, he said, No one comes between us again.
Emily smiled. The storm was passing. Thered be work aheadtears, tough conversations. But theyd chosen each other.
I love you, she said, hugging them both. My boys.
Jamie groaned but hugged back. Richard kissed her head.
Forgive me. Ill never doubt you again.
Outside, a new day dawned. For the first time in months, they faced it togethera family tested, but unbroken.
