At the family dinner, Hannah gets a strange feeling, especially when Eleanor, her mother-in-law, takes out an enigmatic letter. As Eleanor discloses Hannah’s daughter’s startling DNA test findings, the tension builds. If Eleanor’s activities threaten to destroy her family, how far will Hannah go to defend them?
I picked at my food uncomfortably as I sat at the table. Sitting across from me, Eleanor observed me with icy eyes. It felt like we were treading carefully every time we had a family meal.
My spouse Jonathan’s parents were staying with us while they were renovating their home.
The difficult portion? Eleanor was especially difficult to win over.
Throughout the meal, she poked fun at me in subtle ways, critiquing my housekeeping, cooking, and whatever else she could think of. My heart wasn’t in it, but I attempted to nod and grin. Jonathan tried to maintain composure despite appearing agitated and remaining silent.
Lily, our daughter, was sitting next to me and was blissfully oblivious to the tension. At four years old, she was less engaged in the adults’ talk and more focused on her mashed potatoes. Her innocence provided a tiny bit of solace in the awkward situation.
However, Eleanor got up from her seat.
Her motions caught everyone’s attention; they were precise and somewhat theatrical. She took out an envelope from her purse, her grin turning sly.
She said, “I have something to share with everyone,” and took a document out of the envelope.
With a malicious delight in her eyes, she gave me a quick glance. “I secretly did a DNA test to check Lily’s paternity with Robert,” she said.
The space became quiet. My breath caught in my throat as my heart hammered in my chest.
Eleanor has always thought that I am unfaithful. She’s constantly opposed to Jonathan and my marriage, and I’m not sure why she despises me so much.
I looked at Jonathan, and he seemed just as perplexed as I was.
Reading aloud from the envelope, Eleanor said, “The test results confirm that Lily is not Robert’s granddaughter.”
Sighs resounded throughout the table. It was as if the earth had parted beneath me. Jonathan’s expression became pale.
His voice trembling, he shouted, “What are you saying, Mother?”
It indicates that Hannah has been disloyal, Eleanor sneered. You are not the parent of Lily.”
I was hearing things that I couldn’t believe. Tears clouded my vision as I glanced around the table. Jonathan’s father, Robert, appeared horrified but remained silent.
“That’s not true,” I managed to add, stuttering a little. “I have never betrayed Jonathan.” We call Lily our daughter.”
Eleanor sneered. “Hannah, the test is honest. You’ve been discovered. It’s time to acknowledge reality.”
Jonathan’s eyes searched mine as he stared at me. “Hannah, is this… did you…?”
“No!” Tears were running down my face as I sobbed. “There is not a chance. Jonathan, you have my undying love and trust.”
Jonathan looked from his mother to me, seemingly conflicted. The space seemed oppressive.
Lily pulled at my sleeve, her naive eyes bulging with uncertainty. “Mommy, why is Grandma yelling?”
I tried to protect her from the chaos by giving her a tight hug. “It’s alright, my love. It’s all going to work out.
In my heart, though, I wasn’t sure how we were going to survive this. I felt as though someone had cut me with that charge, and I could see uncertainty in Jonathan’s eyes. I didn’t know how to pull out the distrust that Eleanor’s comments had sowed.
“Everyone, the proof is right here. Eleanor went on, “Hannah has betrayed my son and this family.
My eyes welled with tears. “Nah! Something has to be wrong!” Desperately, I said.
“How can I believe you, Hannah?” When Jonathan said that, my heart ached. “This test uses DNA. How could that be incorrect?”
I shook my head and said, “I don’t know, Jonathan, but there has to be an explanation.” “I would never betray you because I love you.” You must have faith in me.
Moving forward, Eleanor crossed her arms. She chuckled, “Trust?” “Following this? Hannah, the test findings are honest. Now that you’ve been discovered, all you’re doing is trying to hide it.”
Breathing deeply, I tried not to panic. Eleanor, I know you’re upset, but there must be more to the story. Perhaps someone tampered with the test, or something went wrong in the lab.”
Robert remarked, “She’s right.” “Eleanor, this is a serious accusation, and we need to be sure before we jump to conclusions.”
With an intense stare, Eleanor remained silent. Though Jonathan’s expression relaxed a little, the doubt persisted. Hannah, I wish I could trust you. However, it’s difficult to ignore this.
“Yes, Jonathan, I am aware. “I understand,” I said, tears pouring down my cheeks. But do give me an opportunity to demonstrate my faithfulness. I’ll exert all necessary effort.”
Lily pulled at my sleeve once more, her naive eyes shining with uncertainty. “Mom, what’s going on? Why is everyone so irate?”
“It’s alright, my love. “Everything will be alright,” was all I could assure her.
But even as I held her, I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that our family was about to disintegrate.
It was imperative that I quickly ascertain the truth, lest Eleanor’s charges demolish all that Jonathan and I had accomplished together.
After the confrontation that evening, I sat in my study and went over the test reports. My head was full of uncertainties and questions. I had a persistent feeling that things wasn’t quite right. I glanced over the documentation and noticed the information about the blood group.
Lily’s blood type differed from Eleanor’s and Robert’s. Something made sense.
Not at all! My thoughts cried out. How could I have overlooked this? Given that Lily and Jonathan share the same blood type, this implies…
The next thought I had was absurd, but it was the only one that made sense.
I made the decision to steal DNA samples from Robert and Jonathan in order to discover the truth.
I swabbed Jonathan’s cheek gently in the late hours of the night, taking care not to wake him.
As I worked, my pulse raced, thinking that he would wake up and ask me things that I wasn’t prepared to handle.
I waited until everyone had left the house the following morning. Next, I entered the guest room occupied by Robert and Eleanor.
I located Robert’s comb and gingerly removed a hair. After concealing both samples within my bag, I made my way to a clinic.
After the samples were submitted, there was a torturous waiting time. I carried out my daily activities, tending to Lily and attempting to appear normal in the presence of Jonathan and his parents. But I was a ball of nerves on the inside. I was too anxious about the upcoming results to eat, sleep, or think about anything else.
At last, a week later, the phone call arrived.
When the clinic’s receptionist informed me that the results were ready, my heart skipped a beat. With my head spinning with possibilities, I headed to the clinic.
My hands shook as I picked up the envelope. I rushed home, clutching the letter like it was my lifeblood, and thanked the receptionist.
I immediately locked the door to my study after returning home. I inhaled deeply before opening the mail.
With every syllable as I read the results, my heart thumped harder. I needed to confirm it even though the truth was clearly in front of me. Tears filled my eyes as I read the document over and over again.
And how, Eleanor, could you? How were you able to?
Now that I got the test results, I knew I had to face the family. Not wanting Lily to see another horrible sight, I made arrangements for her to spend the afternoon at a friend’s house.
I gathered everyone in the living room, clutching the envelope.
Jonathan appeared anxious as he sat on the couch’s edge. Robert and Eleanor were also present.
Trying not to stutter, I said, “Eleanor, I did another DNA test.” Jonathan’s father is not Robert, as it turns out! which implies that you are the one who has cheated!”
Eleanor’s face went pale as the room became silent. “That’s just not possible,” she stumbled to herself.
Jonathan gave me a startled look as he gazed at me. “What are you saying, Hannah?”
I gave the updated test results to him. Jonathan, this is the evidence. Your mom told us all lies! “After dinner, Eleanor, you left the test results in the living room, and I just decided to go over it,” I said, turning to face her. That’s when I understood that neither Robert nor you have the same blood type as Jonathan.”
Robert appeared to be inconsolable. He questioned, “Eleanor, is this true?”
Eleanor avoided looking into his eyes. That was all she said. “I… I didn’t think it would come to this,”
Jonathan got up and shook his hands, clutching the test findings. “How could you, Mother? You said Hannah cheated, but you were the one doing it all along.”
Tears filled Eleanor’s eyes. “I apologize. I had no intention of any of this occurring.”
I inhaled deeply, a mixture of melancholy and rage. “The truth is out, despite your attempts to destroy my family. I’ve never been dishonest. You succeeded!”
The family members gave Eleanor a disbelieving glance. Jonathan turned to face me, regret shining in his eyes. I really apologize, Hannah. I ought to have trusted you.”
I felt a little relieved as I gave him a hug. “Now that’s over, Jonathan. At last, the truth is known.”
Ultimately, the experience brought Jonathan and I closer together. Although we were aware that restoring trust would need time, we remained committed to moving forward as a team. We had suffered because of the truth, but I was glad that it had also made us closer.
My mother-in-law, on the other hand, left our home that day and has never again ventured to meddle in Jonathan and my lives.
Do you believe what I did was appropriate?
Here’s another story to enjoy if you liked this one: Claire’s engagement night takes an unexpected turn when her fiancé’s ex-wife mysteriously issues a warning. She is filled with disturbing questions and a sense of imminent peril after receiving the surprise call. Is Claire’s life ever going to be the same?