What if shes not my daughter? I need to get a DNA test
Jonathan sat silently, watching his wife, Emily, coo affectionately at their newborn daughter, but he couldnt shake a nagging thought. He truly believed the baby might not be his.
Last year, Jonathan had to go on a work trip, away from London for a month. Just two weeks after hed returned, Emily announcedbrimming with excitement, in her mind at leastthat they were going to have a baby.
At first, Jonathan had been delighted. But then, Emilys sister, Grace, had visited and shared an intriguing story: shed done a DNA test for her son, just to put her partners mind at ease about paternity.
Emily, why dont we do a DNA test as well? Just for peace of mind, he suggested.
His wifes reaction was immediate. A huge row erupted, items went flying, and even the neighbours started banging on the walls in protest.
Whats so awful about it? Jonathan pressed, his suspicions growing. If Emily hadnt cheated, why such a dramatic reaction to a simple request? I just want to be sure, thats all.
How could you even think of something like that? she fumed, flinging another cushion his way. Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?
I was gone for a month, Jonathan said with a bitter smirk. How on earth am I supposed to know what you got up to here? We do the test, I get my answer, and Ill drop it for good. So, when are we going? We can get the clinics address from your sister.
In your dreams, Emily spat before storming into the nursery, slamming the door behind her.
***************************************************
You know, Jonathan complained to his mum, Im not asking for anything ridiculous. Why is she so furious?
Your wifes conscience isnt clear. Anna, his mother, said matter-of-factly, pouring him a cup of tea. Mark my words, she got herself pregnant with another man’s child and now she’s terrified the truth will come out. And also, Anna hesitated, weighing up whether to say more, when you were away, something odd happened
What exactly? Jonathan immediately asked, curiosity piqued.
Im not one to interfere, honestly. She stared down at her cup. I only popped round to talk about your fathers big birthday. Emily took forever to answer the door, even though she was clearly home. When she did open up, she was all flustered. There was a pair of mens shoes in the hallway, too.
What did she say about that? Jonathan asked, indignantly. He could barely restrain himself from rushing home to confront his wife.
She said shed had a burst pipe, Anna replied with a theatrical roll of her eyes. She could’ve made up a better excuse.
Why didnt you tell me this sooner?
Well, I didnt go inside, so I had no proof, Anna pursed her lips. Didnt want to ruin your marriage without good reason.
That was a mistake! Jonathan snapped, almost knocking over his mug. A big mistake! So now what do I do?
Make her do the test, Anna suggested calmly, hiding a smirk; shed never liked Emily. Or do it yourself. You have every right as the father.
************************************************
You can relax now, Jonathan said, tossing aside the now-pointless envelope delivered by a courier. Maisies my daughter. Like I promised, I won’t bring it up ever again.
I dont get it, Emily muttered, glaring suspiciously at the open envelope. Did you go and do that blasted test without telling me?
Of course, Jonathan replied casually. Nipped in while I was out walking the baby. Didnt take long. Shes my girl, no harm done.
There is harm, Emily whispered, sadness darkening her face. And its a shame you cant see it.
The next morning, Jonathan left for work as usual. But that evening, he came home to find the flat empty. Emilys and the babys things were gone. Only a note remained, sitting alone on the coffee table.
Your distrust destroyed everything between us. I cant live with a traitor, so Im filing for divorce. I dont want anything from youno flat, no child support. I just want you to disappear from our lives.
Jonathan was livid. How dare Emily walk out on him! And take their daughter as well! He grabbed his phone and rang her in a rage.
A man answered. He listened silently to Jonathans torrent of anger, then told him not to call again.
I knew it! She was cheating on me all along! Jonathan was shaking with fury. She didnt even waste time before shacking up with someone else! Let her go off, then!
It never occurred to him that Emily might have gone home to her parents, and the man who answered was only her brother, protecting his exhausted sister. Jonathan had already made up his mind.
Their divorce went through quickly, both sides agreeing to the terms. Little Maisie stayed with her mother, and she never saw her biological father again.
