Cheryl stepped in and said, “I’ll handle the DNA test. I’ll choose the expedited option so we can have the results in 24 hours.”
Hayden nodded, trusting Cheryl completely. “All right, I’ll leave it to you.”
“Don’t worry, Grandpa. And Irene, you too. I’ll update you both as soon as I get the results,” Cheryl assured them. Irene gave a nod as Cheryl carefully collected hair samples from Jonathan and Michael, sealing them in a bag with precision.
While Irene felt certain the test would settle everything, Jonathan’s firm denial of being the child’s father planted a small seed of doubt in her mind.
Hayden shifted the topic, suggesting Michael stay the night. Michael, however, clung tightly to Jonathan’s neck, refusing to let go.
“Mike, why don’t you stay here? I can make you something really delicious,” Irene coaxed gently.
Michael’s eyes lit up momentarily at the mention of food but dimmed again as he shook his head. “I’m shy,” he mumbled. “I don’t like staying at other people’s houses.”
“I’m not a stranger,” Irene said with a light chuckle, but Michael stubbornly held on to Jonathan, shaking his head with the same firm resolve.
Jonathan frowned slightly. “Don’t push him. I’ll take him to my place for the night.” Michael’s face broke into a bright smile at Jonathan’s words.
Hayden stayed on the porch, watching Jonathan’s car drive away with Michael safely inside. Finally, he sighed and allowed Cheryl to guide him back into the house.
“The kid wasn’t this shy when we first met.” Hayden sighed.
“Maybe he’s just nervous around new faces,” Cheryl replied. “He hasn’t met Irene before.”
Irene stiffened at the comment, her sharp gaze landing on Cheryl. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you saying I look scary?”
Cheryl coughed awkwardly. “Not at all. Well, I’d better get going to handle the DNA test. Wish me luck!
*****
Jonathan didn’t take Michael back to his place after all. Instead, he dropped the boy off at Christian’s house and left without further ado. He never once encountered Michael’s supposed mother during the process.
Once Jonathan had gone, Christian brought Michael to Teresa.“How did it go today?” she asked eagerly.
Michael puffed out his chest with pride. “I was amazing! I think I deserve a perfect score of 200 for my behavior!”
1/3
98.Chapter 90
Teresa looked amused. “Really? You didn’t talk too much, did you?”
Michael held up three fingers. “I said less than three sentences! I’m shy, you know.”
Teresa suppressed a laugh. “Sounds like you did great! In that case, I’ll keep my promise. We’ll have Pizza Hut at home tomorrow.”
“Yay!” Michael cheered. “But can we get Domino’s Pizza instead? I’m kind of craving it.
Christian replied with a crying sticker. Teresa sent one final message: [I mean it. Please keep the money. I promise I’ll talk to Jonathan soon.]
The expedited DNA test Cheryl arranged for returned quickly, and the results were undeniable–Michael wasn’t Jonathan’s son. Hayden and Irene were deeply disheartened.
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