Michael sat with his eyes fixed on the screen in the corner of his office. The DNA report was available, and the following words were now ingrained in his mind:
"Paternity probability: 99.98%."
He wasn't shocked. Simply hollowed out. It was as if the last thing binding him to reason had broken, leaving only the truth.
He had a son named Jason.
Additionally, he had lost almost five years of his life.
His emotions surged like an uncontrollable tide as he reclined in the leather chair. He didn't cry, though. Not just yet.
He sent the email instead.
As the email appeared on her phone, Lorna gazed at it. When she saw Michael's name, her blood froze.
Subject: Meeting Request – Concerning Jason
She had barely finished reading when Lucas came in.
Her voice was brittle as she whispered, "He knows."
Over her shoulder, Lucas read. He clenched his jaw.
He said calmly, "I told you this day would come."
With her heart racing, Lorna said, "He wants to meet." "To converse. regarding a romantic relationship with Jason.
Lucas, clearly trying to maintain his composure, rubbed a hand down his face. "When we decided to keep this a secret, we were aware of the risks."
Lorna looked up at him. "What are we going to do?"
Lucas's gaze grew stern. "We defend our son. This is the life we created for him—for us. That won't change even if Michael returns.
Neutral territory was the café. Quiet and serene with privacy
Michael sat at a table by the window, tapping his coffee cup restlessly.
Lorna was the first to arrive, wearing a soft gray coat, her eyes tired, her face guarded. Shortly after, Lucas entered with a rigid stance and one hand on Lorna's lower back.
Michael got up. "I appreciate you coming."
Lucas didn't feel the same way. As they sat, Lorna nodded courteously.
Michael got right to the point.
"I conducted the test. I own Jason.
Lorna winced. Lucas didn't change his expression.
Michael went on, "I want to be a part of his life." Not to remove him. Simply to get to know him. Spend time with him. Be present.
Lucas bent over. "Jason's father exists. Me. Confusion is not what he needs in his life."
Lorna spoke in a firm yet gentle tone. "Michael, you decided to leave. At that moment I had to shield him from further heartache when I discovered that I was pregnant."
Michael's expression grew gloomy. "You denied me access to my son. You didn't have to make that decision."
Lucas folded his arms. "Are you ready to act like a father? Five years later? after you abandoned her, broken?
"I had no idea," Michael retorted. However, I do now. And just because you two decided I was disposable doesn't mean I'm going to disappear.
Lorna's hands were shaking. "He refers to Lucas as "dad." You are unknown to him. Everything would be uprooted by this".
Michael shook his head and said, "I'm not asking for everything." "Just a little something. I am entitled to certain rights.".
Lucas got up. "You had an opportunity. You gave it up."
Michael got up as well. "I'll then proceed through the legal system. If you won't voluntarily allow me to be in his life... I will fight for it.
Lorna's gaze expanded. "Don't, Michael."
However, he had already started to leave.
Later that night, Lorna watched Jason sleep while sitting by his bed. Her chest hurt from fear and guilt. and another thing.
The past was never really buried.
Everything she had created was now in jeopardy.