What if shes not really my daughter? Maybe I should do a DNA test.
James found himself watching his wife, Emily, coo lovingly over their newborn girl, yet he just couldnt shake this persistent nagging thought. He genuinely believed that little baby might not be his.
Last year, James had been sent away on a month-long business trip. Just a couple of weeks after his return, Emily shared what she felt was fantastic newsthey were going to have a baby.
At first, James had been thrilled. But then, during a family gathering, Emilys sister, Charlotte, told a rather intriguing tale about how she had done a DNA test for her own son, just so her partner would have no doubts about paternity.
Em, why dont we do a DNA test as well? Just for peace of mind, James suggested one evening.
Emilys reaction was immediateand volcanic. A full-blown row broke out, complete with thrown cushions and slammed doors. Even the neighbours ended up banging on the wall.
Whats so wrong with it? James pressed, his suspicions now swirling. Emily must have cheated, he reasoned. Why else would she blow up over something so innocent? I just want to be sure, thats all.
How could you even think that? Emily was practically seething, hurling another pillow at him. Have I ever given you any reason to doubt me?
I was away for a whole month, James replied with a forced smirk. Who knows what you got up to while I was gone? If we do the test, Ill know the truth and Ill never mention it again. When shall we go? We can ask your sister for the clinics address.
In your dreams, Emily spat, retreating to the nursery and slamming the door behind her.
***************************************************
You know, Mum, James later confided to his mother, Helen, over a cup of tea, Im not asking for the moon. Why does she have to get so worked up?
His mum gave him a level look as she poured his tea. Emilys conscience isnt clean, love. Id bet she had the child with another man, and now shes afraid the truth will come out. And there was something else Helen hesitated, as though unsure whether to continue. When you were away, something odd happened.
What was it? James was instantly hooked.
Look, I dont want to meddle in your marriage, Helen said with a sigh, staring into her mug. I dropped by to discuss the plans for your fathers sixtieth. Emily didnt open the door for ages, though I knew she was in. When she finally did, she looked completely flustered…and there were mens shoes in the hall.
And what did she tell you? James demanded, his anger bubbling.
She said thered been a burst pipe, Helen rolled her eyes. I mean honestly, she could have thought of a better excuse.
Why didnt you tell me this sooner?
I never got into the flat, so I had no proof, she replied, pursing her lips. I didnt want to rock the boat unnecessarily.
You should have told me! James nearly knocked his tea over in agitation. Now what am I supposed to do?
Insist on that DNA test, Helen said calmly, barely hiding a smirk. She never had liked her daughter-in-law. Or do it yourself. Youre the father; its your right.
************************************************
Nothing to worry about, James declared, discarding a now-redundant envelope the courier had just delivered. Sophie is my daughter, after all. As promised, Ill never mention it again.
I dont quite understand, Emily said in a sharp tone, eyeing the open letter with suspicion. You did that damn test behind my back?
I did, yes, James replied matter-of-factly. Popped in for a quick swab while I was out with Sophieit didnt take long. Shes mine, so theres no issue.
There is an issue, Emily whispered. And its a shame you cant see it.
The next morning, James left for work as if nothing had happened. But that evening, he came home to an empty flat. Emily and the baby were gone. All that remained was a lonely slip of paper on the coffee table.
Your mistrust destroyed everything we had. I refuse to live with a traitor. Im filing for divorce. I dont want your flat, your money, or anything elseI just want you out of our lives.
James was furious. How dare Emily walk out on himand take Sophie too! He snatched up his phone and started calling her frantically.
A man answered. He listened in silence to a tirade of curses before calmly saying, Dont call again.
I knew itshes already moved in with another bloke! James raged, trembling with anger. Didnt even wait to leave before finding someone else!
It never even crossed his mind that Emily might have gone to her parents house, and that it could have been her brother answering because she was putting Sophie to bed. James had made up his mind.
Their divorce went through quickly, both agreeing without argument. Little Sophie stayed with her mother and never saw her biological father again.












