Your husband just blurted out, Your son isnt mine, after fifteen years of marriage, waving a DNA report at you.
Youre still defending him! Every single time you act like he cant be held to account! you snapped, slamming the cup onto the table. Tea spilled over the tablecloth.
Dont shout, Emily said, her voice low but steelsharp. Arthurs only fifteen, hes still a kid. He and his mates were goofing about, broke a window. Its not the end of the world.
Kid? David scoffed. At fifteen I was already pulling a summer job, helping my dad. And hes what? Running round with his friends, smashing glass? This isnt the first time hes landed in trouble.
Listen, Emily took a deep breath, fighting irritation. Arthur does well at school, does swimming. Yes, they were foolish today, but
Another but! You always have an excuse for his antics. And you know whats weird? His behaviour isnt at all like how we were raised. In my family we respected elders, never acted like that.
What does your family have to do with it? Emily shook her head. Times have changed, David.
Its not about the times, David muttered, turning toward the window. Its in the blood.
Emily froze, not sure what he meant. Before she could ask, the front door banged shut and Arthur stormed in tall, lanky, shaggy brown hair and grey eyes that looked just like his mums.
Hey, he grunted, tossing his backpack onto the floor.
Dont you ever throw your stuff at me again, David warned.
Arthur rolled his eyes. Come on, Dad, its just a backpack.
Not just a backpack, but your attitude. To things, to the house, to the rules, David snapped, clenching his fists. We got a call from Mr. Collins parents about a broken window at school.
Arthur shot a quick glance at his mum. We were playing ball in the yard. It hit the window by accident.
Accidentally? Right into the headmasters office window?
How was I supposed to know it was the headmasters office?
If Id known, Id have aimed elsewhere, David said, bitterness seeping through his voice.
David, thats enough, Emily interjected. Arthur, dinners on the stove. Eat and then get on with your homework.
Arthur nodded gratefully, picked up his bag and headed to the kitchen. David watched him go with a heavy stare.
Dont you think youre a bit hard on him? Emily asked once he disappeared behind the door.
And dont you think youre spoiling him? David retorted. No wonder youre so soft.
What do you mean?
Never mind. Forget it, he waved a hand and left the room.
Emily stood in the middle of the living room, a chill crawling up her spine. Lately David had been more irritable than usual, picking apart Arthurs every little mistake. Their marriage had always been a tugofwar he thought she was too lenient, she thought he was too demanding but in the past few months a new edge had appeared, as if some hidden resentment had finally surfaced.
The evening stretched on in a tense silence. Arthur locked himself in his room, David lingered in his study, and Emily tried to read, but her thoughts kept circling back to Davids cryptic comment about blood.
Later, lying next to David in the dark, she whispered, Whats going on between you and Arthur? Why are you so quick to jump on his mistakes?
David stayed silent long enough for Emily to think hed fallen asleep. Then he turned, his voice barely a murmur, I just want him to grow into a proper man, responsible. Not like
Like who? she pressed.
Never mind. Sleep, he muttered, turning his face to the wall.
Morning brought no relief. Breakfast was a quiet affair. Arthur ate fast and bolted for school, bypassing his dads usual lecture. David stared at his phone, not looking up.
Ill be late today, he said, finishing his coffee. Meeting with clients.
Alright, Emily replied. Ill sort dinner later.
Dont bother, he got up. I dont know when Ill be back.
The day dragged. Emily worked from home, translating articles for a scientific journal. Normally she could lose herself in the work, but today her mind kept looping around the DNA comment, Davids strange behaviour, the growing gap between him and Arthur.
When Arthur returned from school in good spirits, he told them hed patched things up with the headmaster and apologized for the broken window.
Weve decided to do a bit of odd jobs this weekend to pay for the glass, he said while helping his mum chop veg for a salad.
Thats a great idea, Emily smiled. Dad will be pleased.
I doubt it, Arthur muttered. Hes been unhappy with me no matter what I do.
Dont say that, Emily patted his back. He just worries about you, wants you to grow up right.
A right kid? Like the one who comes home and immediately starts nitpicking everything? Arthurs voice held a sting.
Arthur, dont talk about your father like that, Emily warned.
Sorry, he lowered his head. Sometimes it just feels like he doesnt love me. He never did.
Emilys heart clenched. She wrapped her arms around him. Thats not true. He loves you, he just shows it in his own way.
Arthur shrugged. If you say so
David never made it to dinner. By ten he still wasnt home. Emily tried calling, but his phone was dead. That was odd he always let her know if hed be late.
Arthur went to bed while Emily sat at the kitchen table sipping cold tea. Finally the lock clicked, and David stumbled in, clearly drunk.
Where have you been? Ive been worrying, she met him halfway.
Worried? Seriously? David shot back, eyes slurred.
Of course I was. You didnt answer, you didnt say where you were
Fifteen years, he interrupted, swaying a bit. Fifteen years Ive been the dutiful husband, the provider. And you?
What am I? Emily felt a cold knot tighten.
You know what, David trudged to the kitchen, dropped heavily into a chair. I always thought we had a good family. Not perfect, but real. I believed in you.
You can still believe me, Emily whispered. Ive never lied to you.
David smirked grimly, pulled a folded sheet of paper from his pocket.
Results? she asked.
DNA test, he spread the printout on the table. Your son isnt mine, Emily. Fifteen years of a lie.
Emilys world tilted. She grabbed the edge of the table to steady herself.
What? When did you?
A week ago, he said, a twisted grin on his face. I told Arthur we needed a health check. He went for it. I got the results today.
Her hands shook as she read the medical jargon. The conclusion was crystal clear: Paternity excluded.
This cant be right, she murmured. There must be a mistake.
A mistake? David laughed, but there was no humor. Who else could Arthurs father be?
Youre his father, Emily shot back. You are.
I thought I knew, he said, shaking his head. Fifteen years, half my life, and now I find out I raised someone elses child.
Emilys eyes filled with tears. David, maybe the lab mixed samples up, or
Or did you forget your past affairs before we married? Or was there something during? he pressed.
Never! she erupted, her voice cracking. I loved only you, from the start.
Then explain the test! David slammed his palm on the paper. Why does it say Im not his dad?
Just then the kitchen door opened and Arthur, still in his school uniform, stood there, blearyeyed.
Nothing, love, Emily hurried, just a grownup conversation. Go to bed.
Dad, Arthur repeated, whats
David, not now, Emily pleaded, shielding him.
Why not? David snapped, standing unsteady. He has a right to know. You have a right to know, Arthur. Ive always been strict because
Because you sensed I wasnt your blood, Arthur finished, his voice trembling.
Dad, youre drunk, he whispered, stepping back.
Im not your dad! David shouted, flinging the cup off the table. Look! He thrust the DNA sheet at Arthur. Proof. Fifteen years of a lie.
Arthur scanned the printout, his face paling.
Is this true? he asked his mother.
No, its a mistake, love, Emily rushed forward, hugging him. It cant be.
Did you work in a lab? David asked venomously. How can you be so sure its not an error?
Because I know, Emily said firmly. I never cheated. No other men. You know that.
Arthur broke free, eyes darting. Whos my real dad then?
Silence fell heavy. David sank back into his chair, the anger draining from his face. Emily pressed her hands to her mouth, trying not to sob.
I want the truth, Arthur said quietly. All of it.
Emily nodded slowly. You deserve that. Its just complicated.
Whats complicated? David sneered. Just name the real father.
It isnt about a name, Emily sighed. Do you remember me telling you about my sister, Nora?
The one who died before I was born? Arthur recalled. In that car crash?
Yes, she said, sitting down. Nora was my twin. We looked alike, but our personalities were worlds apart. She was bold, artistic, always getting into scrapes. I was the quieter, homebody type.
David frowned. What does that have to do with anything?
It does, Emily met his stare. Nora was seven months pregnant when the accident happened. The doctors saved the baby a little boy.
The baby?
Thats you, Arthur, she whispered. We were just starting to date when it happened. Noras boyfriend vanished after learning she was pregnant. Her parents were devastated, and I took the child in, thinking I could give him a proper life.
David muttered, So you rushed into marriage with me because you?
Because I was terrified, Emily admitted. I wanted someone stable to raise him, and I loved you. I didnt want to lose the boy Id already bonded with.
Davids fists tightened. You made me believe I was his father!
Tears streamed down Emilys cheeks. I wanted to tell you, a hundred times. I was scared youd walk away. Then you grew to love him as if he were yours, and I couldnt bring myself to ruin that.
Arthurs voice cracked. So youre not my mum?
No, technically Im your aunt, Emily said gently. But Ive raised you as my son all these years. Ive loved you every day.
What about my real mother? Arthur asked. What was she like?
She was beautiful, daring, a brilliant painter. She loved sunsets and hated early mornings. Shed have wanted you to know who you are.
And my real dad? he pressed.
I dont know, Emily admitted. Nora never told me. He disappeared when the pregnancy was announced.
David buried his face in his hands. Fifteen years why didnt you tell me sooner?
I was scared, Emily whispered. Scared of losing you, scared the truth would shatter everything. I thought the love we built was enough, no matter the blood.
David lifted his head, eyes raw. Trust is built on truth, Emily. You stole my choice.
Im sorry, she sobbed. I love you still. I love Arthur more than anything.
David stared at Arthur, his expression softening. What do you feel now?
Arthur shrugged. Its all a blur. I feel different, like Im suddenly someone else.
Youre still you, Emily said firmly. Just a bit more of your story is out there now.
Do you have photos of Nora? Arthur asked.
Yes, an album. Ill show you everything I remember.
David stood, voice steady. I need a moment alone.
Emily rose, wiping her face. David, I get why youre angry. Please dont make any rash decisions. Were a family. Fifteen years of us together means something.
Family isnt built on lies, David said, shaking his head. You deceived me all this time.
Yeah, I deceived you, Emily agreed. But I never deceived Arthur. I loved him as my own. Isnt that something? Isnt love more important than genetics?
David looked at Arthur, then at the DNA sheet, then back at Emily. You know whats funny? I ordered that test because I kept noticing Arthur doesnt look or act like me. I was angry at him for not being my son. Turns out
…I was never your son, Arthur finished, a faint smile forming. Genetics.
Its not about genetics, David said suddenly, softer. I was wrong, too. Ive spent fifteen years teaching you to ride a bike, helping with homework, taking you to swimming. I loved you. My anger lately was really at myself for keeping a secret.
What now? Arthur asked.
I dont know, David admitted. I need time to think.
Emily, she pleaded, dont walk away. Lets talk when the storm calms. Weve built something real, even if it started wrong.
David nodded. Well talk. Not now.
He paused at the door, turned back. Arthur, whatever happens, those fifteen years were real. I was your dad then, and in a way I still am.
The door shut. Emily and Arthur stayed in the kitchen, the silence heavy.
Do you hate me? Emily asked quietly.
Arthur met her gaze, his grey eyes like hers. I dont know. Its all tangled.
No, Im sure of one thing, she said, voice shaking. I love you. From the moment I saw you in the hospital, tiny and helpless. Youre my brothers son, but youve always been my son. That will never change.
Will Dad come back? Arthur asked.
I dont know. Hes a good man, Arthur. Hes just hurting now.
Im hurting too, Arthur admitted. It feels like Ive become someone else.
Youre still you, Emily soothed, placing a hand on his shoulder. Just with a little more of your story now.
Arthur gathered her in a sudden hug. Thanks for not giving me away. For raising me as yours.
She held him close, tears spilling over. Youre mine, always.
That night none of them slept. They sat at the kitchen table, flipping through old photo albums. Emily showed Arthur two pictures of two identical girls herself and Nora both smiling at a summer fair.
She was an amazing artist, Emily whispered, running her fingers over the faded images. She wanted to move to the big city, become famous. I was the homebody, dreaming of a family.
And you got both, Arthur said softly. A family and a piece of her.
Yes, she smiled through her tears. The most precious thing I have is you.
Morning came, and the doorbell rang. David stood there, unshaven, eyes pink but sober.
May I come in? he asked.
Emily stepped aside. David entered, finding Arthur still thumbing through the photographs.
Ive been walking the streets till dawn, angry, trying to make sense of it all, he began. I realized nothing changed. You were my son for fifteen years. And Ill stay his dad, regardless of any DNA report.
Arthur looked at him, wary. Really?
Really, David said, a faint smile breaking. I was angry at the lie, not at you. I chose to love you fifteen years ago, and that choice still matters. Im still hurt, and I dont know if I can ever fully forgive you, Emily, but Im willing to try for Arthurs sake.
Emily covered her face with her hands, muffling a sob. Thank you. I dont deserve this.
David shook his head. Its not about deserving. Its about what we built together.
Arthur spoke quietly, Im glad youre my dad, even if youre not my blood.
David laughed, the first genuine laugh in weeks. Then lets forget the genetics. Family is what we do for each other.
Emily lifted the photo album, Tell us more about Nora, she urged.
And so they spent the day swapping stories about the sister who died too soon, aboutAnd as the sun set over the garden, they all realized that love, forged through years of shared moments, was the true inheritance that bound them forever.
