The DNA Test That Backfired Chapter 01
The day Zane’s first love came back, she saw my son’s face.
She took one look and decided I’d married into the Marino family with some other man’s kid, just to get my hands on their money.
She hung on my husband’s arm and gave him that hurt look.
“Is this your child?” she asked softly. “Why doesn’t he look like you at all?”
In front of the entire family, she demanded I take a DNA test.
“I’m only looking out for the Marinos,” she said, looking at me.
“Arlette, if the child really is Zane’s, I will sincerely apologize..”
I froze, then turned to look at my husband.
Three years ago, he lay in a hospital bed, holding my hand, crying, telling me he owed me everything.
Now, he just lowered his head. After a long silence, he said hoarsely, “Just do it.”
I looked at him, smiled, and slowly rose to my feet.
“Fine. We’ll do the test.”
After all, very soon, you won’t be this child’s father anymore, either.
……
Sunday family dinner had been peaceful, at first.
Teddy sat beside me in his high chair, poking at a caramel pudding with his little spoon.
In his soft little voice, he called to me, “Mom, look. It jiggles.”
Zane sat near the head of the table, pouring red wine for his father.
Zane’s mother placed a piece of roasted salmon on my plate with a smile.
Then that woman pushed the door open and walked in.
Camille.
I’d seen her picture before.
It was a graduation photo he’d never thrown away, tucked into the bottom drawer of his wardrobe.
She wore a cream-colored dress and a full face of makeup.
She entered and greeted Zane’s parents with a smile.
“Mr. Marino, Mrs. Marino. I’m back.”
Her tone made it sound as if she had never left.
My grip tightened on my fork.
Zane’s mother froze for a beat before her smile snapped back into place.
“Camille. When did you get back? Why didn’t you tell us ahead of time?”
“I wanted to surprise you.”
Camille smiled and walked over, then sat down across from Zane as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
I kept my head down, pretending not to notice, and focused on cutting Teddy’s chicken.
But I could feel Camille’s gaze land on Teddy’s face.
Her eyes lingered on him for a long moment before she let out a soft laugh.
“Teddy is adorable,” she said, tilting her head, her voice light.
“But why doesn’t he look like Zane at all?”
The chatter around the table died at once.
I knew instantly it wasn’t a casual question.
After a brief silence, Zane’s mother spoke first.
“Camille, you’ve never raised children. You wouldn’t understand.” She waved a dismissive hand.
“It’s very common for children to favor their mothers when they’re little. Their faces change as they grow.”
“Is that so?” Camille picked up her napkin and dabbed lightly at the corner of her mouth. “I’m not trying to cause trouble.”
“Please don’t misunderstand. I’m only thinking of the Marino family.”
She paused, as if giving the matter serious thought.
“The Marino family has a considerable fortune. It has to be inherited by someone eventually.”
“If there are questions about the boy’s parentage, what will people say?”
“They’ll say the Marino family handed everything over to someone outside the bloodline.”
When she finished, she lifted her eyes to me.
Her expression was one of carefully restrained concern.
“Arlette, I’m not targeting you,” she said, her voice dripping with false sincerity.
“This may be unpleasant, but a DNA test would be best for everyone.”
“Once we have a clear result, this will all be over. Don’t you think?”
I didn’t answer.
I kept my head lowered, gripping my silverware, waiting for my husband to speak.