I leaned back in my chair, keeping my eyes fixed on Lenora as the judge asked why I had requested the DNA tests. My answer was calm and simple. “Something I should have done a long time ago.”

The courtroom grew quiet as the judge opened the envelope and reviewed the documents inside. Every person in the room seemed to be holding their breath.

After a few moments, he began reading the results aloud. The tests confirmed that I was the biological father of Marcus.

He continued reading and confirmed that Jolene was also my child. For a moment, everything seemed exactly as expected-