When the results finally came, his hands shook as he opened the file.
“Probability of paternity: 0.00%.”
Ethan sat frozen on the couch. From the bedroom, he could hear Rachel laughing softly while changing the baby. The sound, once comforting, now felt like betrayal.
Who had she been with? When? His thoughts spiraled, feeding anger and suspicion.
For three days, he said nothing. He moved through the house like a shadow, avoiding her gaze.
On Sunday, they went to her mother Karen’s house for lunch. Family gathered, celebrating the baby.
Karen held the child and smiled. “He’s so fair… and that little nose. Who does he take after? You and Ethan are both darker.”
A brief silence.
Then laughter.
