My mother-in-law discreetly conducted a DNA test on my son — the results left the entire family in s.h.0.c.k.
Linda never really embraced me, but when I brought Noah into the world, I hoped she would finally show some warmth. Instead, she deteriorated further—wondering if he was truly Eric’s child.
Her incessant sarcastic remarks and subtly hostile comments rendered family gatherings intolerable. I attempted to dismiss it, convincing myself that she was merely being overprotective of her only son. Yet, beneath the surface, I understood it was something greater. Linda lacked trust in me, and that would never change.
A week later, Linda organized a family gathering that just so happened to align with Eric’s return from his expedition in Antarctica. As soon as he entered, still feeling the effects of jetlag, Linda nearly leaped at him.
“Eric, my dear, I truly apologize; I never intended to cause you pain, but you have the right to know the truth.”
Eric scowled. With a flourish, she retrieved an envelope and presented it to him. “I utilized my sample along with Noah’s and conducted a DNA test while you were gone. Darling, Noah is not your son.
Gasping sounds echoed throughout the room. My heart plummeted. I sensed the walls closing in around me. How was she able to do this? How could she violate our privacy in such a manner? However, what Eric said next left me even more unsettled.
Eric let out a sigh, massaging his forehead. “I understand, Mom…” I understand that Noah is not your grandson.
Linda blinked, her mind swirling with confusion. “Certainly!” “He is not your son!”
Eric took a deep breath and met her gaze directly. “No, Mom.” He is my son. The test was not incorrect. Noah is certainly not connected to you. However, it is not due to my actions.
In that instant, Eric glanced at his father, who was seated in the corner, as pale as the wall. “Dad, is it okay if I…?”
That was the moment I understood what Eric was hinting at. But how is that possible? Thoughts surged through my mind. Eric’s father, Greg, was a reserved individual, the type who blended into the background during family conflicts. However, at this moment, he had become the center of attention.
Greg rose gradually, his hands shaking. “Linda, I believe it’s time we revealed the truth to Eric.”
Linda’s complexion became pale. “Greg, could you clarify what you mean?”
Greg inhaled deeply. “Eric is not my biological son.” I have been aware of this since he was an infant.
The room became quiet. It felt as though the clock on the wall had ceased to tick. Eric’s jaw fell open. “Pardon?” “Dad, what do you mean?”
Greg let out a sigh, his shoulders drooping. “Your mother and I faced challenges in our journey to have children. We made attempts for years, yet nothing seemed to succeed. One day, she returned home and shared the news that she was expecting a baby. I was absolutely thrilled. However, a few months after your arrival, I discovered the reality. Linda engaged in an extramarital relationship. You are not my biological son.
Linda’s hands darted to her mouth. “Greg, I—”
He raised a hand to halt her. “I kept silent because of my love for you, Linda.” And I cherished Eric. He was my son in every significant way. However, at this moment… it is time for the truth to be revealed.
Eric appeared utterly crushed. “All this time… you were aware?” “So you never mentioned it to me?”
Greg acknowledged with a nod. “I never intended to cause you pain.” However, when Linda began to question Noah’s paternity, I realized it was just a matter of time before the truth would be revealed.
Linda collapsed into a chair, tears flowing down her cheeks. “I sincerely apologize, Eric.” I never intended for any of this to occur.
Eric shook his head, his voice quivering. “All these years, you’ve been accusing my wife of infidelity, doubting Noah’s paternity, and it turns out it was YOU who had the affair?” The level of hypocrisy is astonishing.
I grasped Eric’s hand, holding it firmly. He gazed at me, his eyes brimming with anguish and uncertainty. “I truly regret that you had to experience this,” he murmured.
I nodded, tears beginning to gather in my eyes. “Together, we will overcome this.”
However, the drama was far from finished. As the room started to calm, the doorbell chimed. Mia, Eric’s younger sister, entered the room, clutching a manila envelope. She surveyed her surroundings, acutely aware of the palpable tension in the air. “What is happening?”
Linda dried her tears. “Mia, this isn’t the moment—”
Mia interrupted her. “In fact, this is the ideal moment.” I have been conducting some research on my own. She passed the envelope to Eric. “Please open it.”
Eric paused for a moment, then ripped it open. Within were additional DNA test results. His eyes moved over the page, and his complexion turned ashen. “Mia…” What is this?
Mia folded her arms across her chest. “I also took a DNA test.” And would you believe it? I’m not connected to Dad either.
Greg’s eyes grew wide. “What?!”
Mia gave a nod. “It appears that Mom was involved in yet another affair.” I am not your daughter, Dad. Eric and I are not full siblings.
The room burst into turmoil. Linda concealed her face in her hands, weeping softly. Greg appeared as though he had received a heavy blow to the stomach. Eric and Mia locked eyes, the gravity of the revelations settling around them.
I remained in that spot, sensing my status as an outsider within my own family. Then Eric turned to me, his eyes brimming with resolve. “This doesn’t alter my feelings for you or Noah.” You are my family. And that is what truly counts.
Greg advanced, his voice unwavering in the midst of chaos. “He is correct.” Family is not determined by blood. Love acts. “I cherish each and every one of you, regardless of anything.”
Linda gazed upward, her cheeks marked by tears. “I have made numerous errors.”