Mark Sullivan confronted Elena at home after a routine blood test showed a suspicious blood type. His discovery shattered all he understood about their twelve-year relationship. Could he lose his family to the truth?
Mark smiled gently as his twin boys laughed. Despite being twins, Liam suffered severe anemia, which was discovered after weeks of unclear symptoms. Noah, his sibling, was fit.
Dr. Abrams, their pediatrician, ordered a complete panel of testing and advised Mark have a blood screening in case he required a transfusion. The three awaited the findings at the children’s hospital.
When the door opened, Dr. Abrams entered, gaze fixed on the papers. Mark stood anxiously.
“Mr. Sullivan,” he said quietly, shaking Mark’s hand.
Hello, Doc. Mark directed his boys to greet Liam, hoping for a clear strategy.
“Yes, Mr. Sullivan, I need to speak to you alone. Would the lads mind waiting outside?
Mark blinked, hiding his worry. “Sure. Boys, give us a moment?
Liam pushed Noah and they entered the hallway after a perplexed look from the twins.
“Doctor, hit me. I can handle anything. Mark leaned forward and stated, “Our family is strong.”
Dr. Abrams breathed. “I’m not worried about Liam right now. It seems he has iron deficient anemia. Start supplements. There’s more.”
Mark relaxed somewhat, but tension remained. “What is it?”
Doctor folded his hands. “Mr. Sullivan, are Liam and Noah adopted?”
“No,” Mark said. Elena and I married hastily while she was pregnant.”
Dr. Abrams nodded slowly, pouting. I don’t say this lightly, but your blood type is incompatible with boys.”
“Can happen, right? Mark reasoned that parents can’t always give blood to their kids.
“Yes, but your case goes beyond incompatibility. Not biologically possible. Your blood type is B. As is your wife. Both your boys are type A.”
Mark frowned. “That’s impossible.”
Mr. Sullivan, I apologize. Data was double-checked. To confirm, I performed a DNA test.”
A stack of papers crossed his desk. Shaking hands, Mark snatched them up and scanned the findings.
‘There’s more,’ Dr. Abrams remarked softly. “Your half-brothers are Liam and Noah. Genetically.”
Mark was dazed after leaving the hospital but focused on his boys. We went to their favorite cafe, where Liam ordered a double cheeseburger and Noah joked like nothing had happened.
The lads were his. They shared film and music tastes. Together, they quoted Godfather. They were his.
But the findings were unambiguous. Not his sons. His father owned them.
This implies…
Elena accompanied his dad.
Made no sense. Before meeting his parents, she was pregnant. Perhaps he should request another exam.
Mark still struggled to say anything to Elena as they turned into the driveway. Something broke as he heard the twins cheer, “Grandpa!” from inside.
He entered the kitchen to see his father Ronald smiling with Elena.
“Why are you here, Dad?” Mark inquired strainedly.
“You said the contractor would arrive today. Wanted to oversee, Ronald said.
Don’t you have Caleb’s game night, boys? Mark interrupted him.
“Right!” They ran out the door when Noah yelled.
Elena approached after they left. “Mark? What’s wrong? The doctor said what about Liam?
Mark glanced at her, furious. Elena, I know. Did you sleep with him?
Elena turned to Ronald, white-faced.
“It’s not what you think,” Ronald responded hastily.
Give me an explanation. Since the doctor says I’m not their father. You are.”
Neither spoke.
Las Vegas, 13 Years Ago
Elena crossed the club’s dance floor in heels to the bar. Their Vegas weekend fantasy was finally coming true with her closest buddy Jessie. Bright lights, loud music, and tequila.
A guy with stunning silver hair and designer perfume leaned toward her at the bar.
“Can I buy you a drink?”
“I’m already getting shots for my friends,” she grinned, flushed. He was dangerously gorgeous and older.
I’m Ron, he said. “You appear to be seeking adventure.”
“Maybe I am,” she flirted.
Drinks were forgotten soon. After one elevator trip, things went out of hand before they reached his hotel room.
Three Weeks Later
“I’m pregnant?” At her OB-GYN, Elena repeated incredulously.
“I fear so. The doctor kindly advised you to evaluate your alternatives.
Jessie advised her to “find someone else” over cocktails that night. Declare him father.”
Are you serious? Elena asks.
“Absolutely. Don’t raise a child alone. Meet someone. Before pregnancy, sleep with him. Start living.”
Horrible. Deceitful. But…
That night, Elena met Mark.
Months Later
Mark took Elena home to meet his folks. She showed then. He shone. “They’re twins,” he boasted.
Ron smiled as he opened the door, and Elena stared at the Vegas guy.
They both froze. Her hand automatically covered her belly.
“Fiancée?” Ron inquired, shocked.
“Yes,” Mark grinned.
Elena muttered, “They’re Mark’s,” to Ron that night after Mark departed. Story over.”
Ron nodded, shaking.
Present
Mark shook with anger, “You lied to me. Twelve years. You made me think they were mine.”
“I didn’t know what else to do,” Elena muttered.
“You captured me. With my brothers.”
“I’m sorry, Mark,” she cried.
He turned to Ronald, “And you!” “How the hell could you let me raise your sons?”
Ronald said, “I didn’t know for sure.” “She said they were yours.”
“Damn lie!” Elena yelled.
The yelling increased until a little voice broke through.
“Grandpa is our father?”
All three turned. With wide eyes, Liam, Noah, and Caleb waited at the doorway.
Mark attempted to calm down, but the lads saw through him.
“Dad?” Noah shakily inquired.
Mark couldn’t talk. The truth emerged.
He said, “I’m sorry,” his voice cracking.
Their neatly and meticulously created world started to crumble.
