PART 2: Weeks passed, and the guilt became unbearable. One morning, in a moment of panic, Ethan did something he would later regret deeply. He took the baby’s pacifier, sealed it in a bag, and sent it to a private DNA lab in Dallas.
Ten days, they said.
Ten days of mental torture.
When the results finally came, his hands shook as he opened the file.
“Probability of paternity: 0.00%.”
Ethan sat frozen on the couch. From the bedroom, he could hear Rachel laughing softly while changing the baby. The sound, once comforting, now felt like betrayal.
Who had she been with? When? His thoughts spiraled, feeding anger and suspicion.
For three days, he said nothing. He moved through the house like a shadow, avoiding her gaze.
On Sunday, they went to her mother Karen’s house for lunch. Family gathered, celebrating the baby.
Karen held the child and smiled. “He’s so fair… and that little nose. Who does he take after? You and Ethan are both darker.”
A brief silence.
Then laughter.
Rachel smiled awkwardly. “Probably from the grandparents.”
But for Ethan, something snapped. He swallowed his anger, forcing it down with a sip of beer.
He couldn’t pretend anymore.
On Tuesday night, Rachel sat folding baby clothes on the couch.
“Rachel,” he said from the doorway, his voice heavy. “We need to talk. I can’t keep this inside.”
She froze, immediately sensing something was wrong. “What is it? You’re scaring me.”
He stepped forward, fists clenched. “I had a vasectomy three years ago.”
The tiny outfit slipped from her hands.
“What…?” she whispered.
“I couldn’t watch you suffer anymore,” he said, his voice breaking. “I did it without telling you. But that means this baby… can’t be mine.”
Rachel stood, shaking. “Ethan… no—”
“I did a DNA test!” he interrupted, raising his voice. “I sent in his pacifier. Zero percent. Zero! Tell me the truth!”
Tears streamed down her face—not guilt, but devastation.
“I never cheated on you!” she cried. “I swear—on our son, on everything! You have to believe me!”
“Then explain this!” he shouted, collapsing to his knees.
