What if shes not my daughter? We need a DNA test
Ben stared pensively as his wife, Alice, gently fussed over their newborn daughter. He just couldnt shake a persistent, uncomfortable thought: Maybe the baby wasnt his.
The previous year, hed had to travel up to Manchester for work for an entire month. Just a couple of weeks after he came home, Alice had excitedly announced the wonderful news, or so she thought: they were expecting a child.
At first, Ben had been over the moon. But not long after, Alices sister Emma popped round for tea and started sharing an intriguing storyhow shed insisted on a DNA test for her own son, just so her partner would have no doubts about the boys parentage.
Alice, why dont we do a DNA test too? You knowjust for peace of mind, Ben suggested.
Alices reaction was immediate. She flew into a towering rage, shouting and tossing whatever she could lay her hands on. Even the neighbours started banging on the wall.
Whats so difficult about it? Ben pressed, his doubts growing ever stronger. Surely, this kind of wild hysteria meant shed been unfaithful. I just want to be sure, thats all.
How could you even come up with such a thing? Alice fumed, hurling a cushion in his direction. Have I even once given you any reason to believe Id wandered?
I was away for a whole month, Ben said with a crooked smirk, so how do I know what you were up to? Lets get the test done, Ill see the result, and Ill never bring it up again. When are we going? We could even get Emmas clinic details.
In your dreams, Alice spat, slamming the door as she stormed into the nursery.
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You know, Ben complained to his mum, Im not asking for anything outrageous. Why is she making such a scene?
Her conscience isnt clear, love. Ann poured him a cup of tea. Take my word for it, she went and got herself knocked up by someone else and now shes terrified the truth will come out. And, well… She hesitated as if debating whether to say more. When you were away, there was an incident.
What sort of incident? Bens interest was instantly piqued.
Dont think Im interfering, but I popped over to talk about your dads birthday. Anyway, Alice didnt answer the door at first even though she was clearly in. When she finally did, she looked a right mess and there was a mans pair of shoes in the hallway.
And what did she say? Bens voice was full of indignationhe was ready to rush home and accuse his wife there and then.
She told me shed had a burst pipe, Ann replied, rolling her eyes. She could have come up with something more original.
Why didnt you tell me?
Well, I never got into the flat, so there was no proof, Ann said, pursing her lips. I didnt want to cause trouble between you.
Mum, you should have! Honestly, you really should have! Ben nearly knocked over his mug in frustration. What do I do now?
Make her do the test, Ann replied calmly, stifling a smirk. Shed never really liked Alice, truth be told. Or just do it yourself. Youre her father, youve got every right.
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You can relax, Ben said, tossing aside the now-redundant official envelope the courier had dropped off. Amelias my daughter. Just as I promised, Ill never bring this up again.
I dont quite understand, Alice said, bristling as she eyed the open envelope suspiciously. Did you actually go and do that stupid test without telling me?
Thats right, Ben replied matter-of-factly. Popped in while I was out with Amelia in her pram. Didnt take long at all. Shes my little one, so theres no issue.
There is an issue, Alice said quietly. And its a shame you cant see it.
The next morning, Ben left for work as usual. But when he returned in the evening, the flat was empty. Alices and Amelias things were gone. Only a solitary note was left on the coffee table:
Your lack of trust has destroyed everything we had. I cant live with a traitor, so Im filing for divorce. I want nothing from younot this flat, not any money. I just want you out of our lives for good.
Ben was furious. How could Alice dare to leave himand take his daughter with her? Enraged, he grabbed his phone and rang her number again and again.
A man answered, listened to Bens stream of insults without saying a word, then quietly asked him not to ring again.
Knew itshe was cheating all along! Ben raged, shaking with anger. Barely left, and shes already shacked up with some bloke. Well, she can have him!
It never even crossed his mind that Alice might have moved in with her parents, and that it was her brother whod answered, preferring not to wake his sister whod just managed to get Amelia to sleep. Ben had already made up his mind about everything.
The divorce went through quicklymutual agreement and all that. Little Amelia stayed with her mother, and she never saw her biological father again.
