I stood frozen in the hospital corridor, Arthur's words echoing in my ears. The DNA test with Mrs. Dubois suddenly felt like a step too far. My entire world had already crumbled—learning that Alistair Dubois wasn't my father had shattered what little sense of identity I had left.
"Elara?" Arthur's voice was uncharacteristically gentle. "We don't have to do this now."
I pulled my hand from his grasp. "I can't."
"Can't what?"
"I can't drag Mrs. Dubois into this mess." I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the hospital's warmth. "She's dealing with enough right now."
Arthur stepped closer, his tall frame blocking out the harsh fluorescent lights. "You deserve answers."
"And what if those answers destroy what little peace she has?" I shook my head. "No. I won't do that to her."
